How Do I Know If I Have Whiplash?
If you have recently been involved in a road traffic accident and are now experiencing a stiff and sore neck, it is very possible you have sustained a whiplash injury. In this article we explain how to tell whether you do indeed have whiplash, and what you need to do if you suffered this injury because of another driver’s negligence.
Diagnosing whiplash
When diagnosing whiplash, you need to consider the following:-
1. Have you had a recent history of trauma?
Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury that occurs when a forceful impact causes the head to whip back and forth in a violent, rapid motion. This will stretch the neck beyond its normal range of movement, damaging the muscles, ligaments and tendons. If you have been subject to such trauma – for example, another vehicle drove into the back of your care – it is likely you have sustained whiplash.
2. Are you got the characteristic symptoms?
If you have suffered a recent history of trauma, you must establish whether the symptoms you are now experiencing are indicative of whiplash. Typically, this will involve pain in the neck and shoulders, reduced neck movement, headaches and fatigue. In more severe cases it may also include pins and needles in the hands, difficulty swallowing and blurred vision.
3. Have you asked a doctor?
If you have been involved in a traumatic accident and are now complaining of the symptoms described above, it is very possible you have sustained a whiplash injury. However, you must ensure this diagnosis is correct by seeking urgent medical attention. A doctor will be able to confirm whether or not you have whiplash, and will also ensure that you are not suffering a more serious condition because of your accident – for example, a slipped or fractured disc.
Do you have a whiplash claim?
Should a medical professional does diagnose you with whiplash, the next thing you must consider is: who was responsible for my injury. This is important, as the majority of whiplash injuries arise because of a road traffic accident. If this has happened to you, and the accident was somebody else’s fault, you will be the innocent victim of personal injury. This means you will be legally entitled to claim compensation for the pain and suffering you have wrongfully endured.
If the accident you have been involved in was not your fault, contact a specialist whiplash claims solicitor today to discuss your options.