How Serious is Whiplash After a Rear-End Accident? South Carolina Attorneys Explain
Rear-end accidents are very common in South Carolina. They can happen at intersections or on in major traffic jams, such as the multi-vehicle crash that occurred on US 278 in November that involved an SUV and two sedans.
Many drivers feel perfectly fine after being struck in a rear-end collision. Some may even feel some discomfort that seems minor enough to walk off. Days later, neck pain and discomfort set in and they realize they sustained a serious injury. They realize they have sustained whiplash, a condition that affects the neck and spine. Failing to seek immediate medical attention for this condition is a monumental mistake many drivers make.
Whiplash explained
Whiplash occurs when a crash victim’s head quickly jerks back and forth. Even at low impact, it can damage the connective tissue in the neck and upper spine. In many cases, the initial symptoms are so subtle that crash victims don’t feel anything at all.
Symptoms of whiplash can either be immediate or take days to appear. Those who sustain this condition may experience:
- Tension in the neck, back, and shoulders
- Pain when moving the neck or head
- Tingling and burning sensation that extends to the limbs
- Back pain
- Symptoms similar to a concussion: confusion, dizziness, irritability, and disorientation
- In severe cases, difficulty chewing and swallowing
Why treatment is necessary
Luckily, if you have whiplash, you can likely make a full recovery. However, the longer you wait to get treated, the worse your condition can get. Before treatment begins, your doctor may use X-rays, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging to pinpoint the source of your pain. Treatment for whiplash may include:
- Pain management: Includes rest, applying heat or cooling, pain medications or injections, and muscle relaxants.
- Exercise: Involves a series of stretching and rotating movements to increase range of motion.
- Physical therapy: Involves exercises to strengthen the affected muscles and improve posture.
- Nontraditional therapy: Can include acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, and massage therapy.
It is also important to note that a medical evaluation could unveil other underlying injuries you may not be aware of. Additionally, through a medical evaluation, your injuries can be documented. Without it, pursuing a personal injury claim can be difficult. Insurance companies will likely downplay your injuries, or even claim that they’re not legitimate.
That’s why you need an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney fighting on your behalf. The attorneys at Twenge + Twombley Law Firm are dedicated to helping injured motorists like yourself obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. We put your needs first. Contact us today to schedule your free, no obligation case evaluation.