Sometimes, head and neck injuries are not immediately detectable. This is why it is important to look out for signs of injury, especially after being involved in a car accident. Continue reading to learn the symptoms of whiplash and a concussion and how an experienced Pasco County, Florida car accident lawyer at Wendy Doyle-Palumbo, Esq. can help you take the proper steps toward recovery.

What are the symptoms of whiplash?

First of all, whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the neck does an abrupt, forceful back-and-forth motion. This neck injury is especially seen in car accidents that involve a rear-end collision. With that being said, you should look out for the following symptoms of whiplash immediately after your accident:

  • Neck pain that worsens with movement.
  • Neck stiffness that makes you lose your range of movement.
  • Headache that starts at the base of your neck.
  • Tenderness in your shoulders, upper arms, and/or back.
  • Tingling and/or numbness in your arms.
  • Fatigue or dizziness.

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

On the other hand, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the head endures an abrupt, forceful blow, This brain injury is commonly seen in car accidents where a driver hits their head on the window, steering wheel, or even the airbag. The symptoms of a concussion are slightly different than that of whiplash, and they read as follows:

  • Headache.
  • Ringing in your ears.
  • Blurry vision.
  • Sensitivity to bright lights or loud sounds.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Fatigue, drowsiness, or dizziness.
  • Confusion or feelings of “brain fog.”

What should I do if I am experiencing symptoms after my car accident?

Importantly, even if you are not experiencing symptoms of whiplash or a concussion after your car accident, you must attend medical treatment (i.e., at the ambulance on the scene, at the emergency room, and at follow-up appointments with your physician). This is because these injuries tend to arise days, if not weeks, after an accident occurs.

And so, it is important to seek immediate medical attention so that you can properly heal from your injuries. But if you also wish to pursue a personal injury claim, immediate medical attention is also imperative for satisfying your burden of proof. In other words, it will help to connect your injuries directly to the events of your accident and the defendant. If you wait too long, the defendant and their attorney may question it in the presence of a Florida court.

For more information on how to go about your treatment and your claim, do not hesitate in reaching out to a skilled Pasco County, Florida auto accident lawyer. Give us a call today.