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How Is Whiplash Detected After A Car Accident?

On Behalf of | Feb 18, 2022 | Car Accidents

We all dread auto accidents. Personal injuries, damaged cars, lost time at work and even loss of life can lead to huge disruptions, costs and emotional turmoil. Still, people often seem to walk away with minimal damage to themselves and their vehicles. 

Even if you have been in a minor crash, you may have gotten whiplash. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries to occur when someone is in an accident, particularly rear-end car accidents. It is a neck injury that occurs due to a swift, forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck. The hallmarks of whiplash include reduced range of motion and tenderness or pain in the neck and shoulders. If you suspect that you have experienced a whiplash injury due to a car crash, you might need to visit your doctor or an urgent care center for confirmation.

How is whiplash diagnosed?

Your doctor will use various means to determine whether or not you have suffered whiplash as a result of the accident. Some examples include:

  • Asking what happened and how your movement capacity has been impacted due to the accident
  • Visual examination and palpation of your neck structure, reflexes and range of motion
  • X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out other possible injuries

If you receive a whiplash diagnosis, you may need additional treatments to support your healing. Your treatment plan may involve prescription medication for pain management, physical therapy and time off of work to rest and recover. 

These costs can add up, so it is important to understand your right to pursue recovery of expenses. Your auto insurance or the insurance of the responsible party may cover some or all of your medical treatment. Never ignore even minor discomfort resulting from a car accident. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible so you can return to your normal daily activities and capacities. Make sure you get some experienced legal guidance as your pursue your claim for compensation.