The Effects of Whiplash Following a Truck Accident

Whiplash is a very serious condition that can occur during a truck accident, but it can be difficult to detect right away. It's been found that around 45 percent of people who suffer from whiplash after an accident still experience symptoms after three months, which is why it's essential that you're able to identify when you've been affected by this condition so that you can obtain treatment immediately. If you determine that you've developed whiplash as a result of an accident, an Allentown truck accident lawyer can help you determine your rights.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a type of neck injury that's brought about in severe accidents when your neck moves backward and forward rapidly and in a forceful manner. Whiplash is exceedingly common in both minor and serious accidents, which is why it's important that you look for any of the main symptoms of this condition. If your vehicle was hit from behind by a truck, this is the primary direction of impact that commonly causes whiplash. Whiplash is unique in that the symptoms of the condition will usually start out as minor ones that don't cause much pain before continuing to worsen in severity. The best way to avoid further complications from whiplash is to seek treatment the moment you notice any of the symptoms.

Primary Symptoms Caused by Whiplash

The symptoms from this condition will typically start to develop within the first 24 hours following the truck accident. However, it's possible for you to experience delayed effects of the condition wherein the symptoms don't occur for days or even weeks. This can be especially problematic if you're looking to file an insurance claim without any other form of injury. By filing a claim before the injury has fully taken effect, you may miss out on compensation that you deserve from the insurance company in question. The main symptom associated with whiplash involves stiffness and pain within the neck area. This pain will usually worsen whenever you attempt to move or reposition your neck. Because of this, you'll likely experience a reduction in your overall range of motion. Any headaches that you experience as a result of whiplash will primarily start around the base area of your skull. It's common for people who are suffering from whiplash to suffer from tingling, tenderness, and numbness in the shoulder, arms, and upper portion of the back. A general fatigue is also possible. There's also a range of mental and psychological symptoms that you may want to look out for; these include difficulties with concentrating and having memory problems. Changes in your mood that cause you to be irritable and agitated are possible as well. Many individuals who have been involved in a truck accident and are going through whiplash will also have trouble sleeping and may experience the onset of depression. The development of any of these symptoms means that you should see a doctor, which is especially important when you're making a claim with your insurance company or the insurance company of the other driver.

Complications Brought About by Untreated Whiplash

Along with the numerous symptoms that will help you ascertain whether or not you're suffering from whiplash, there's also a range of prolonged complications that can occur when you have been suffering from whiplash but have yet to get it treated. Most people who suffer from whiplash will notice that the symptoms dissipate after a period of a few weeks at most. However, there are cases where the symptoms and complications of whiplash could subsist for months or even years to come.

The development of more serious complications typically occurs when you've noticed that the initial symptoms you experienced were more severe and intense than they normally are supposed to be. This indicates that the development of chronic pain is possible. Look out for complications like severe headaches, severe pain in your neck, and pain that has spread through your arms. These symptoms will likely bring about further complications. You should also be aware of the fact that you will have a greater risk of developing these complications in the event that you're at an advanced age, you were going through lower back or neck pain when the whiplash occurred, or you've experienced whiplash in the past.

What You Should Do If You Notice Symptoms of Whiplash

While it's essential that you obtain some form of treatment as soon as you notice the first symptoms of whiplash, it's also important that you heavily consider all of the legal options at your disposal. If you believe that the other driver was at fault for the truck accident in question, you may want to contact our Allentown truck accident lawyer so that we can help you determine whether you should file a claim for injuries or file an actual lawsuit. Our law office offers extensive representation for all of our clients, which means that we'll handle all of the necessary paperwork as well as a thorough investigation of your case. The effects of whiplash can be very serious, which is why it's important that you're able to seek the compensation that you deserve in the event that you've had to miss work or garnered extensive medical bills.

Here to Help

If you've suffered from any kind of injury from a truck accident, call our Allentown truck accident lawyer today to learn more about the services we provide. Our office in the Lehigh Valley can be reached at (610) 435-7400.