First Steps for Dealing with Whiplash After An Accident

One of the most common injuries caused by car accidents is whiplash. This happens when the neck undergoes hyperextension, resulting in extreme neck pain. Most whiplash victims were either drivers or passengers who were driven into from behind. Neck pain is usually ignored as most individuals do not fully understand the severity of the injury. If you or your loved one is experiencing neck pain after a car accident, you must seek medical help immediately. 

James H. Brown and Associates have dedicated a Whiplash Hotline to all whiplash victims to help you get legal advice before it’s too late. Read on to understand the symptoms of whiplash better and the steps you should follow.

What Is Whiplash?

The overextension of the muscles in the neck is called whiplash. After a sudden impact that causes the head to move rapidly, the neck undergoes extreme extension that causes strain in the neck muscles. Whiplash is usually caused by rear-end car accidents; however, you can also get whiplash from sports accidents, falls and other types of sudden impact. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Whiplash?

The effects of whiplash can take up to 12 hours to appear – some suffer from whiplash for a few days while most recover within three months. However, whiplash can cause long-term suffering. The symptoms of whiplash can include:

• Shoulder, upper back, or arm pain
• Tiredness
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Dizziness
• Headaches starting at the bottom of the skull

Other symptoms are not necessarily physical, which can include:

• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Memory problems
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Difficulty focusing

If you or your loved one has been injured in a car accident and is experiencing any of the symptoms above, you need to get medical assistance right away. 

What To Do If I Have Whiplash?

1. Visit a Medical Professional

Any symptoms that occur from car accidents, including whiplash, should be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, not all car injuries are obvious – it’s important to see a doctor whenever you’ve been a car accident victim. 

2. Document The Damages

If you are the driver or the passenger in a car accident and you’re not at fault, you must document all the damages done. Not only should you document the damages done to the car, but you should also track the days of work you lost, medical expenses, or any other damages resulting from the motor vehicle accident.

3. Speak With an Injury Lawyer

Car victims in Edmonton have often found Alberta accident law quite complicated; getting legal help from an experienced legal firm makes the settlement process easier and quicker. 

If you’re unsure whether you need an injury lawyer or not, take our short quiz to find out.

James H. Brown and Associates have put together an experienced team of accident injury lawyers that have represented several whiplash victims in Edmonton. Over the last thirty years, we have helped our clients secure complete and fair compensation for their injuries. 

Contact us today to speak with a lawyer and book a no-obligation injury claim evaluation.