whiplash injury

How Whiplash Can Cause Lasting Trauma and Pain

Whiplash is a common injury reported after car accidents, roller coaster accidents, and sports collisions. However, it is widely viewed as a minor injury that doesn’t require medical treatment or follow-up. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, when whiplash is not properly diagnosed or treated, victims can be left with years of lingering pain, limited mobility, and discomfort.

If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by someone else, the team at Burns, Cunningham & Mackey can help. Give us a call at 251-432-0612 to set up a meeting now.

Causes and Symptoms of Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash can occur in any accident or collision that puts sudden force on your body. This causes your neck to snap back and forth, much like a whip, leading to flexion and hypertension. Not only does this put significant stress on your neck, it can also impact your brain. Whiplash caused by extreme force or speed can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull, leading to traumatic brain injury. Some of the most common causes of whiplash include rear-end car accidents, roller coaster rides, high-impact sports, and falls from heights.

Symptoms may appear immediately or in the hours following an accident, depending on how much your body’s adrenaline surge masks your pain. Common symptoms include neck pain and soreness, pain in the shoulders and back, tinnitus, and headaches.

The Long-Term Effects of Whiplash

Serious cases of whiplash can leave victims with long-term or permanent injuries. You may experience cognitive symptoms, including changes in your mood or behavior, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and distractibility. If you have a severe case of whiplash, you may find that the pain and soreness in your neck and shoulders does not go away.

Many people report ongoing dizziness and instability. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, may also occur for years following your whiplash injury. Other symptoms of severe whiplash include:

  • Chronic headaches
  • Jaw pain or stiffness
  • Limited mobility in your neck
  • Tingling in the hands or feet
  • Blurry vision
  • Insomnia
  • Memory issues
  • Permanent changes in your behavior or personality

How will you know if you have a serious case of whiplash? You won’t, at least not until your symptoms linger or worsen over time and you finally go to the doctor. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Doing so can help you get the prompt treatment that is needed to keep your injuries from getting worse. Severe whiplash is more common in some cases. You may be at higher risk if medical imaging shows serious damage to the bones or discs in your neck, if you injure your neck again while it is healing, or have preexisting neck pain.

Protecting Your Personal Injury Claim

If you do develop severe or long-term whiplash, it’s obvious that you’ll have significant medical expenses associated with your injury. On top of that, you may be unable to work or have to limit your work hours or duties. Because of this, it is essential that you file a personal injury claim to get the compensation you deserve.

One of the best ways to protect your personal injury claim is to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after your injury. If you wait days or weeks to get treatment, you’ll likely cause further damage in the meantime. The liable party could argue that you failed to mitigate the damage caused by the injury and that they are not responsible for any damage that occurred as a result. If you do everything you can to minimize and treat your injuries, you stand a better chance of getting fair and full compensation.

It’s also essential to follow your doctor’s care instructions. Whether that’s rest, physical therapy, surgical treatment, or some combination of these options, stick to their treatment plan. Going astray could show the other side that you aren’t truly invested in your healing efforts.

Additionally, keep documentation of your injuries, the expenses associated with them, and the treatment you receive. Your attorney can use these to build a strong case against the liable party.

Choose Burns, Cunningham & Mackey for Your Personal Injury Claim

If a car collision or other type of accident has left you with painful injuries, it’s time to talk to the team at Burns, Cunningham & Mackey. To set up a consultation, call us at 251-432-0612 or get in touch with us online.

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