Why Are Whiplash Symptoms Often Delayed After a Car Accident?
Whiplash, one of the most common injuries in car accidents, occurs when the neck experiences a sudden, forceful, fast back-and-forth movement. This injury is common in rear-end accidents but can occur in any car accident. Most often, the symptoms of whiplash are not immediately apparent after a car accident. Many times, symptoms appear hours or days after the accident. This delay can be confusing and potentially harmful if a person fails to seek prompt medical attention. Understanding why the symptoms of whiplash are often delayed can help accident victims understand the importance of seeking prompt medical attention after a car accident, even if they feel fine. So why does it take time for whiplash symptoms to appear? Read on to find out.
How Does Whiplash Occur in a Car Accident?
A whiplash injury occurs when the neck experiences a sudden, forceful, quick back-and-forth movement. During a car collision, the impact force propels the body forward, leaving the head lagging behind. The head then snaps forward and backward. This sudden, rapid movement can stretch and strain the muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues in the neck. While commonly associated with rear-end collisions, which occur when the front of a vehicle hits the back of another car, whiplash injuries can occur in any type of accident.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash
The following are some of the most common symptoms of whiplash;
- Stiffness or pain in the neck
- Headache
- Shoulder pain
- Pain that intensifies when you move your neck
- Tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Pain or tenderness in the arms, back, or shoulders
- Memory problems
- Ringing in the ears
Why Are Whiplash Symptoms Often Delayed?
Often, whiplash symptoms don’t appear immediately after a car accident. Some people begin experiencing symptoms hours after the accident, while others don’t experience any symptoms until days later. Why is this? Immediately after a car accident, your body enters a fight-or-flight state, releasing adrenaline and endorphins. These hormones help cope with the shock and stress of the situation. Adrenaline and endorphins suppress the sensation of pain. These hormones allow you to remain functional and alert and create a temporary feeling of well-being. Adrenaline and endorphins can mask a whiplash injury, making you feel fine immediately after a car accident, even when, in reality, you are not okay. As these hormones subside, pain and other symptoms of whiplash start becoming apparent.
The Importance of Seeking Immediate Attention
After a car accident, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention even if you think you are fine. Delaying to seek medical attention can allow a whiplash injury to worsen, increasing the risk of chronic pain or lasting complications.
On the legal side, prompt medical attention can help prevent doubts about what caused your injury or the severity of your injury. If you wait to seek medical attention and then file a compensation claim against a negligent party, the at-fault party’s insurer might claim that your injury is unrelated to the accident or not as severe as you claim. Such doubts can hurt your compensation claim. So even if you feel “fine,” seek medical attention.
Contact Us for Legal Help
After seeking medical attention, it’s vital to consult an attorney who can help you understand your rights and legal options. Our Tampa personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can be your advocate, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
