When it comes to car accidents, no accident – other than a light tap – should be considered minor. Even what most of us think of as fender benders can lead to severe injuries, including chronic whiplash pain and other long-term injuries. If you were involved in a car accident, it is in your best interest to seek professional medical attention and to retain an experienced Killeen personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and intervention are closely associated with improved prognosis, and you should do everything you can to protect your health and well-being.
Whiplash
A car accident can lead to nearly any kind of injury, but accidents that are deemed minor often lead to whiplash injuries. The Mayo Clinic explains that whiplash is an injury to the neck that is caused by an impact that whips the head back and forth on the neck. The impact created by rear-end car crashes is a common cause. The powerful motion associated with whiplash injuries can damage the bones in the victim’s spine; the ligaments, muscles, and nerves in the victim’s neck; and/or the discs between the bones that make up the victim’s spine. When whiplash is serious, it can lead to months or even years of debilitating pain.
The Symptoms of Whiplash
It is important to recognize that, while whiplash symptoms are generally on display within 24 hours of a precipitating accident, they can take much longer to present. In order to rule out whiplash (or any other serious injury), it is important to obtain medical attention immediately after a car accident – even if you consider the accident minor. Every case of whiplash is unique to the individual who suffers from it, but there are several symptoms that are often indicative of this neck injury, including:
- A stiff, painful neck
- Pain in your neck that worsens with movement
- Difficulty moving your neck through its full range of motion
- Headaches that begin at the base of your neck
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Tingling and/or numbness in your arm or arms
- Tenderness and/or pain in your shoulder(s), arm(s), and/or upper back
In addition to these physical and sensory symptoms, whiplash can also have an emotional component, such as irritability, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, depression, and/or anxiety.
Complicating Factors
Some cases of whiplash ultimately lead to intense chronic pain. Often these cases begin with intense symptoms that come on suddenly and that include severe pain in the neck that radiates out through the arms and/or serious headaches. Further, when whiplash symptoms are intensified, it is important to rule out other kinds of injuries or complications, including broken bones or damaged tissue.
If Another Driver’s Negligence Leaves You with Whiplash, Contact an Experienced Lawyer Today
If you have suffered whiplash as a result of another motorist’s negligence, attorney Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is on your side. Living with a painful injury is difficult, but our dedicated legal team is committed to skillfully advocating for the compensation you need to make your fullest recovery. We are here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at (254) 220-4225 for more information today.