Any of our readers who have been in an accident that left them facing serious injuries know the fear and uncertainty that can come with such a situation.
Hopefully, most people who do find themselves in such a situation are able to get the medical treatment they need and recover in full.
But, the reality is that sometimes these injuries completely alter the person’s way of life going forward. Neck injuries can certainly be long-lasting, including so-called “whiplash” injuries.
“Whiplash” overview
Our readers in Montana have probably heard the term “whiplash” before when it comes to injuries, but what exactly happens when a person suffers this type of injury?
Well, in short, this is an injury that occurs when a person’s head is “whipped” back-and-forth quickly in an accident – commonly, for example, when the person’s vehicle is hit in the rear portion of the vehicle.
A rear-end collision can cause a person’s head to whip backwards first, quickly, at the first impact of the collision, and then forward again as the vehicle lurches to a stop after the collision.
No two whiplash injuries are the same, but common symptoms include: neck pain; loss of ability to move the neck in the full range of normal motion; dizziness; headaches; and even pain in the areas around the neck, like in the shoulders or top of the person’s back, for example.
And, symptoms can worsen as time goes on, to include: numbness or tingling sensations in the arms; negative effects on vision or the ability to sleep; or even memory issues, among other potential symptoms.
Injury claims
Unfortunately, in the worst-case scenarios, some of the effects of a whiplash injury can last for long periods of time.
If you have suffered a potential whiplash injury in an accident that was caused due to another person’s negligence or recklessness, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim to attempt to recover financial compensation that can help you pay for medical expenses and other associated costs.