What Are Whiplash Injuries vs. Concussions?
Whiplash and concussions are two separate injuries. While mild whiplash might resolve in a matter of weeks, concussions are more difficult to treat and can have lasting impacts.
Whiplash is an injury that can occur when your head and neck are thrown forward and backward, which is common in rear-end collisions. This sudden movement can cause muscle and tendon strains and tears in the neck. It can also cause soft tissue damage and soreness in the area. Whiplash injuries typically occur in accidents when a person in the front car is propelled forward by the impact before being thrown backward as the vehicle quickly decelerates.
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can occur when a person receives a blow to the head during an accident or when they are violently jolted. The sudden movement or blunt force trauma to the head can cause the person’s brain to jostle inside the skull and strike the bones. This can cause damage to the brain cells and metabolic changes in the brain. While a concussion is generally considered a mild form of traumatic brain injury, it can still impact the person’s quality of life and can worsen over time without prompt treatment. It might take several months for the person to recover, and some people might continue to experience ongoing symptoms.
Symptoms of Whiplash vs. Concussions
Whiplash and concussion symptoms can overlap since both involve the person’s head. Both injuries can leave the victim with the following types of symptoms:
- Persistent headache
- Blurred vision
- Soreness
- Memory loss
Whiplash also typically involves neck and shoulder pain and a loss of the range of motion of the arms and neck. The symptoms of whiplash might also be delayed and not show up for hours or days following an accident, making it important to seek a medical examination as a preventative measure following any car accident.
In some cases, an accident victim will suffer both whiplash and a concussion. When your neck and head are violently propelled forward and then backward, you can suffer injuries to the soft tissues of the upper shoulders and neck while also suffering a concussion caused by your brain striking the interior of your skull. Any time you are involved in an accident that jerked or jolted your head and neck, you should see a doctor.
What to Do If You Think You Have Whiplash or a Concussion
If you think you are experiencing whiplash and concussion symptoms following a motor vehicle collision, your first step should be to see a doctor. If you have a concussion, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible to increase your chances of making a full recovery. Getting prompt treatment for whiplash can also expedite the recovery process so that you can return to your normal activities sooner.
You should never hesitate to see a doctor following a collision or wait to see if your symptoms will go away on their own. Waiting to see a doctor can cause your injuries to worsen and make the recovery process harder. Seeing a doctor promptly is also important for any legal claim you might have. If you wait days or weeks to seek medical attention, the insurance company will likely try to blame your injuries on a different event.
Once you have received a whiplash or concussion diagnosis, make sure you follow your doctor’s recommendations. Keep all of your medical appointments, and follow any instructions for rest, physical therapy, and other treatments.
Once you have sought and received medical treatment for your injuries, your next step should be to consult a car accident attorney. It can cost thousands of dollars to treat a concussion or whiplash. A car accident lawyer can review your accident and help you understand how to pursue financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses from your collision. In addition, keep in mind that it can be difficult to try to deal with an injury claim while you are also trying to recover physically. A lawyer can handle all of the details of your claim for you while you concentrate on getting better. Your attorney will advocate for you with the insurance company and work to maximize the financial compensation to which you might be entitled.
Talk to Ellis & Associates
After you have sought treatment for your injuries, contact the law firm of Ellis & Associates. We offer free consultations and can explain your rights and any legal remedies that might be available. Call us today at 800-MR-ELLIS or send us a message online.