Whiplash is a common neck injury after many car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. Unlike the rest of the body which is restrained by the seatbelt, a motorists’ head can stretch too far and then snap backwards, which gives rise to the name “whiplash.” This violent motion is too much for muscles, ligaments, and tendons, any of which can stretch or tear.
Interestingly, many motorists will not immediately notice pain. But over the coming days, they experience neck stiffness and headaches. Call McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie & Clardy to speak with a Greenwood car accident lawyer. We can discuss long term effects of whiplash and what kind of compensation you might receive.
Long Term Whiplash Symptoms
Mild whiplash might heal in a few months with sufficient rest and pain management. But more serious whiplash can still impair a person for more than a year with crippling:
- Neck stiffness
- Painful headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Convulsions
- Blurred vision
- Jaw pain
- Tingling along the arms and hands
- Shoulder or back stiffness
- Irritability
- Depression
Severe whiplash can also lead to bone fractures or dislocation, which usually require surgery. Any dislocation of vertebrae could put pressure on the spine and could be catastrophic if you do not receive immediate treatment.
Can Whiplash Cause Neurological Problems?
Yes. Whiplash can cause severe neurological problems. The violent whipping of the head can damage nerves in the neck and shoulders. A tingling sensation in your arms and hands is a sign of nerve damage, as is dizziness and severe neck stiffness.
Many people who suffer from whiplash also get a concussion, which is a brain injury that results from external trauma to the head or body. In a rear-end collision, a motorist’s head can snap back and forth, and this movement twists or jiggles the brain. Accident victims can suffer from memory loss, behavioral changes, sleep disturbances, and impaired mobility or balance.
You should monitor all symptoms and speak to your doctor. Long-term concussion symptoms often last for a year or longer. Unfortunately, there is no pill or other direct treatment that can make the problem better. Instead, you need to rest and give your body time to heal, which is also the main treatment for whiplash.
How Whiplash Disrupts Your Life
The long-term effects of whiplash can be expensive. Many motorists are pushed to the brink of financial disaster after a collision:
- Lost income or wages. Even if you don’t have neurological problems, you might not return to work for months or even a year. It is difficult to perform any job if you can’t turn your head or tip your chin down without wincing. That means less income coming into your home, while your bills don’t stop arriving. Many people are struggling to meet their rent or mortgage payments.
- Increased medical costs. Car accident victims often end up in the hospital, having diagnostic tests and discussing their symptoms. A doctor might prescribe medication to deal with pain, sleeplessness, or behavioral changes. Whiplash can also require massage or physical therapy to aid in recovery.
- Property damage. Getting your car fixed is expensive. Some cars are totaled, and the person who caused the accident should pay to fix or replace the vehicle.
Call our office to speak with a Greenwood car accident lawyer. You should not have to suffer financially if you were not to blame for the collision. Any negligent driver who struck you should pay for these economic losses.
Whiplash Causes Pain and Suffering
The families of car accident victims are often under extreme stress following a collision. Whiplash can impact even those who weren’t physically injured in an accident.
Bodily injuries lead to pain and suffering. Few victims immediately return to their old selves. Instead, they grapple with depression, anxiety, and other negative emotions. Tempers run short when a person is struggling with pain, and they often take out their anger on family members. Even common painkillers tend to make people feel terrible.
At McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie & Clardy, we don’t neglect the emotional side of whiplash. We know this injury is just as serious as a broken rib or burn injury. We believe you deserve compensation for pain and suffering, along with related mental stress.
Demanding Compensation for Car Accident Victims
Whiplash is a serious injury, and many of our clients are dealing with long term whiplash symptoms for more than a year. They are doing everything they can to heal and return to normal, but they are struggling.
Many insurance companies minimize whiplash as an injury, believing that most victims are exaggerating their symptoms. They might believe you should be “fully cured” after a month or two. They often dismiss out of hand the reality of living with the long term effects of whiplash.
Call our office. We can seek financial compensation in a car accident claim against the driver at fault for the crash. We have more than 30 years of experience negotiating with the largest insurers in South Carolina.
We can seek damages for:
- Property damage
- Lost wages or income
- Medical treatment
- Future medical care
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
Getting a fair settlement isn’t easy for any injury, and whiplash is no different. We need you to document your long-term symptoms to strengthen a case and contact our firm quickly to secure our services.
Consult a Greenwood Car Accident Lawyer Today
Car accident victims are suddenly plunged into confusion after a crash. Many have no idea whether they can receive compensation or even who they should call for assistance. Although many law firms advertise online, victims don’t know who they can trust.
Reach out to McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie & Clardy today. Our firm has built a strong reputation providing high-level service to car accident victims, and we know how to build a claim for whiplash.
Our consultations are 100% free and without any obligation on your part. If you hire us, we will immediately start working to protect your rights to fair compensation.