• About
    • Our Attorneys
    • Verdicts and Settlements
    • Community
      • Sponsorship Request
      • Partnerships
      • Project Backpack
    • Testimonials
    • Scholarships
      • Cancer Scholarship
    • Careers
    • Our Core Values
  • Practice Areas
    • Car Accident
    • Truck Accident
    • Motorcycle Accident
    • Product Liability
    • Mesothelioma
    • Workers Compensation
    • Dog Bite
    • Slip and Fall
    • Wrongful Death
    • Maritime Injury
    • Pedestrian Accident
    • Dangerous Drugs
    • Defective Devices
    • Mass Torts
    • Premises Liability
    • View All Practice Areas
  • Areas we Serve
    • Lafayette
    • Alexandria
    • New Iberia
    • Marksville
    • New Orleans
    • Monroe
    • Arnaudville
    • Baton Rouge
    • Breaux Bridge
    • Broussard
    • Cankton
    • Carencro
    • Cecilia
    • Duson
    • Cade Coteau
    • Grand Coteau
    • Lake Charles
    • Opelousas
    • View All Areas We Serve
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • FAQs
    • Videos
    • For Referring Attorneys
  • Hurricanes
  • Contact Us
Available 24/7 • 365 Days (337) 777-7777 Hablamos Español
(337) 777-7777 Hablamos Español
No Win - No Fee AVAILABLE 24/7

How Long Does It Take for Whiplash Symptoms to Appear?

Put 350 Years of Experience in Your Corner GET A FREE CASE EVALUATION
An Award Winning
Team in Your Corner
Attorney David Laborde | Attorney Digger Earles
  1. Home
  2. FAQs
  3. How Long Does It Take for Whiplash Symptoms to Appear?
On This Page
  1. What Is Whiplash?
  2. An Accident Can My Whiplash—Will the At-Fault Party Pay My Medical Bills?
  3. Call for Your Free Whiplash Case Review Today
Contact Us Today

Get The Help
You Need

I NEED HELP NOW

Your personal injury lawyer can help you calculate your recoverable damages, which may include:

  • Medical Bills
  • Income Loss
  • Property Damage
  • Pain & Suffering
  • Emotional Distress
  • Lasting Disfigurement
How Long Does It Take for Whiplash Symptoms to Appear?

How long it takes for whiplash symptoms to appear will vary from one injured person to the next. It can take days, sometimes even weeks. If you were involved in an accident that jarred you or caused you to brace yourself or sustain blunt force trauma, be on the lookout for whiplash symptoms.

Do not hesitate to get medical care right away, as it can set you up for a fuller and speedier recovery. You may also want to consider hiring a lawyer too, as they can help you hold the other party responsible for your injuries.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the forceful whipping and snapping of your neck in a back-to-front or side-to-side motion. This painful condition can greatly limit your range of motion. 

Rear-end car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash, in addition to slip and fall accidents and physical assault. If one of these or any other negligence-based accident caused your whiplash, a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue financial compensation.

What Symptoms of Whiplash Can Be Delayed?

According to Mayo Clinic research, it can take days or weeks for the symptoms to show. When they do, they can include:

  • Pain that worsens with movement
  • Stiffness and limited ability to move
  • Difficulty turning your neck 
  • Headaches radiating from the base of the skull
  • Shoulder pain or tenderness 
  • Upper back or arm pain and tenderness
  • Tingling or numbness in the arms
  • Fatigue, dizziness, and irritability
  • Blurred vision and tinnitus
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Memory issues

Whiplash symptoms can also be masked in the immediate aftermath of an accident due to an adrenaline rush. They can also be confused with other injuries or overlooked when treating more readily apparent injuries.

If a loved one was injured in the same accident, you may be so focused on them that recognizing your own symptoms is delayed.

How Is Whiplash Diagnosed Once the Symptoms Start?

When whiplash symptoms appear later, it can mean a corresponding delay in your diagnosis and treatment, which can lead to worsening symptoms and possibly longer recovery times. 

To reach a conclusive diagnosis, your healthcare provider will:

  • Conduct a comprehensive physical exam
  • Tests of your range of motion
  • Tests of your reflexes and strength
  • Imaging exams like X-ray, CT, and MRI

Once diagnosed, your doctor will develop a treatment plan customized to your needs and ability and with your prescribed recovery goal in mind.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Whiplash?

It can take several months to fully recover your agility, mobility, and range of motion. It can also take time to return to work and to your previously enjoyed lifestyle and activities.  

Because whiplash symptoms come and go at times, it can be hard to know when your recovery is complete on your own. Let your doctor diagnose your recovery, and follow all their orders until they release you from their care.

CTA CTA

Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.

Client
Call Us Today We Are Here For You
(337) 777-7777

An Accident Can My Whiplash—Will the At-Fault Party Pay My Medical Bills?

The person or entity whose negligent action was the cause of your accident is responsible for covering your medical bills. The costs of treating whiplash can include:

  • Prolonged immobilization
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Muscle relaxers to prevent spasms
  • Nerve blockers to treat chronic pain
  • Stretching and physical therapy
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) 
  • Radiofrequency (RF) nerve ablation
  • Spine surgery in rare cases

You have a limited amount of time after your accident to pursue the other party for these costs. The sooner you get a personal injury lawyer involved in your vase, the better. Early intervention means they have sufficient time to investigate, speak to witnesses, and meet the personal injury statute of limitations under CC Art. 3492.

What Other Compensation Can I Receive?

In addition to your medical bills, you and your attorney can recover the following economic damages:

  • Injury-related lost income
  • Loss of future earning ability
  • Property damage expenses
  • Diminished property value

You could also demand compensation for non-economic or intangible damages, which can include:

  • Disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Emotional distress
  • Diminished quality of life

The at-fault party owed you a duty of care. If they failed to provide it and their actions caused your accident, injury, and financial damages, your lawyer will fight hard for compensation.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Sue the At-Fault Party?

You don’t have to have legal representation, but there are many benefits to letting a personal injury lawyer handle your whiplash case. They can:

  • Identify the at-fault party
  • Review accident and incident reports
  • Build a compelling evidence file
  • Determine the monetary value of your case
  • Comply with the statute of limitations
  • Handle all case-related communication
  • Draft and file your insurance claim or court case
  • Provide ongoing updates as your case progresses

A lawyer can help you resolve your case with a settlement versus a lengthy trial by negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance company. They will field settlement offers, weigh their feasibility, and guide you toward a well-informed decision. 

CTA CTA

I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.

Rick Smith | Client
Contact Us Today We want to be there for you

Call for Your Free Whiplash Case Review Today

If you or someone you love was injured in a negligence-based accident and was later diagnosed with whiplash, we can help you get compensation for your injury and losses. We will investigate the accident and consult medical experts to understand how long it can take for whiplash symptoms to fully appear and how they can affect your life.

Leave your personal injury case to us. Contact Laborde Earles today to learn more in a free consultation.

Why We Are

The Best Choice For You

Over 1,000+ 5-Star Google Reviews Across Our Locations
Over $1 Billion Recovered For Our Clients
An Award-Winning Team in Your Corner
You Get the Full Team on Your Case, Including David & Digger
Communication with You is a Top Priority
We Give Back to Our Communities

No Fee Unless We Win Your Case

Available 24 hours a day • 7 days a week
GET YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION
Whiplash Injury FAQ:
What is the Average Settlement for Whiplash Injury from a Car Accident? What is the Average Settlement for Whiplash Injury from a Car Accident?

  It is difficult to place a fixed amount on the average settlement for a whiplash injury from a car accident. If you qualify for compensation, the amount awarded will depend on the

How Dangerous Is Whiplash? How Dangerous Is Whiplash?

Whiplash injuries can range from mild to severe, potentially impacting your ability to concentrate or move around without pain. While whiplash is not generally dangerous, it can cause long-term

Can Whiplash Be Permanent? Can Whiplash Be Permanent?

In many cases, whiplash goes away after a few weeks. Sometimes, however, victims may feel whiplash symptoms for years after an accident. Each person heals differently, so your recovery process may

Contact Us Form
CONTACT US TODAY NO WIN, NO FEE GUARANTEE
Name(Required)
Name(Required)
Untitled
Untitled

FAQ Categories
  • Accidents in Intersection
  • Bicycle Accident
  • Car Accidents
  • Defective Product
  • Dog Bite
  • Head Injury
  • Hurricane Damage
  • Jones Act
  • Knee Injury
  • Maritime Injury
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Mesothelioma
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Neck Injury
  • Pedestrian Accidents
  • Personal Injury
  • Premises Liability
  • Rear End Collisions
  • Rideshare Accidents
  • Robocalling
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Slip and Fall Injury
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Truck Accidents
  • Whiplash Injury
  • Workers' Compensation
  • Wrongful Death
  • Zantac

 

Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have to Go to Court for a Car Accident? Do You Have to Go to Court for a Car Accident?
Are Personal Injury Accident Settlements Taxable? Are Personal Injury Accident Settlements Taxable?
Suffering From Arm Pain After a Car Accident Suffering From Arm Pain After a Car Accident
Find Yourself a Passionate Lawyer Now!
  • Lawtell Personal Injury Lawyer
  • New Orleans Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Erath Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Maxie Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Saint Martinville Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Catahoula Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Port Neches Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Ville Platte Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Breaux Bridge Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Youngsville Personal Injury Lawyer
How can we help you

How We Can Help You

Let our injury attorneys help you maximize the compensation you deserve to turn your life back around.


Contact us today if you want to tell us about your accident. We have someone available to discuss your situation at all times of the day.

Contact Us

(337) 777-7777

FREE Case Evaluation

No Win - No Fee
Name(Required)
Name(Required)
Email Opt In
SMS Opt in

Contact Us

(337) 777-7777

OFFICE LOCATIONS

Lafayette
1901 Kaliste Saloom Rd,
Lafayette, LA 70508

Phone : (337) 777-7777

Alexandria
100 Versailles Blvd, Suite A,
Alexandria, LA 71303

Phone : (318) 777-7777

Marksville
306 North Washington Street, Suite A,
Marksville, LA 71351

Phone : (318) 310-8922

New Iberia
230 W. Main Street,
New Iberia, LA 70560

Phone : (337)-547-2777

Lake Charles
530 E College St,
Lake Charles, LA 70605

Phone : (337) 612-6909

New Orleans
821 Baronne St, Suite D,
New Orleans, LA 70113

Phone : (504) 777-7777

Baton Rouge
660 St Ferdinand St,
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Phone : (225) 777-7777

Practice Areas

  • Bicycle Accident
  • Car Accident
  • Dangerous Drugs
  • Dog Bite
  • Maritime Injury
  • Mass Torts
  • Motorcycle Accident
  • Pedestrian Accident
  • Premises Liability
  • Product Liability
  • Toxic Torts
  • Truck Accident
  • Slip and Fall
  • Wrongful Death

About Links

  • Our Attorneys
  • Verdicts and Settlements
  • Community
  • Testimonials
  • Scholarships

Leave a Review

  • LAFAYETTE
  • ALEXANDRIA
  • MARKSVILLE
  • NEW ORLEANS
  • NEW IBERIA
  • LAKE CHARLES
  • BATON ROUGE

Copyright © Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers 2025.
All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer / Privacy Policy / Sitemap

Hennessey-Digital-Badge