In 1992, the number of people who suffered whiplash-related disorders in the United States was estimated to be one million.
The actual number is hard to pin down because often many people don’t realize that they have suffered whiplash until some time after the incident that caused it. Symptoms of whiplash can be delayed by more than 24 hours and may only begin to show up after a few days.
It is important to understand whether your symptoms are indeed whiplash related as if this is the case you may be entitled to claim for compensation for personal injury.
So read on to find out what can make whiplash symptoms delayed and what your next steps should be.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the snapping back and forward of the neck. It most commonly occurs in auto accidents.
It is so-called because the rapid back-and-forth motion is similar to the cracking of a whip. Symptoms can include neck pain, loss of range of motion, headaches, tingling or numbness in the arms or hands, blurred vision and dizziness.
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms after a traffic collision, you may be suffering from whiplash.
Why Are Whiplash Symptoms Delayed?
If you are involved in a traffic collision, your body will release adrenaline.
This is your body’s response to a life-threatening situation. It increases the blood flow to your muscles as part of the fight-or-flight response. It means you are more capable of running away from danger, or standing and fighting.
With so many chemical changes happening in your body, the pain from the whiplash may go unnoticed for several hours.
In addition, some of the symptoms may be caused by swelling of the tissues of the neck after they have been damaged. This swelling may take some time to occur, making the whiplash symptoms delayed.
You may also experience difficulty in concentrating which stops you from noticing all of the symptoms that you are suffering.
What Should I Do?
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of whiplash, delayed or otherwise, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention.
Firstly, you will be able to get treatment for any injuries that you may have sustained. Secondly, if you have suffered from whiplash you will also have a confirmation of the diagnosis, even if some of your symptoms may not yet be showing. This will allow you receive the correct treatment for your injuries.
Finally, you should think about making a claim for the injury you have suffered.
Where Can I Get Help?
A personal injury lawyer should be your first port of call if you want to make a claim for issues related to whiplash.
A personal injury lawyer can help you win compensation to cover the expensive medical bills and loss of earnings that may be a consequence of a whiplash injury.
If you would like more information about whiplash and the services we can offer you, please do not hesitate to get in touch.