When a vehicle comes to a sudden stop, such as in the event of an accident, the person inside the vehicle may experience different effects that he or she is unable to control. For example, an impact could force the head of the occupant of the vehicle to move forward and back rapidly in a whipping motion. This is a common result of many car accidents, and it often leads to something called a whiplash injury.
Whiplash may be a common car accident injury, but it can have an uncommon effect on your life. This may initially seem like a minor injury, but victims often find that it can have lingering, significant impacts that affect how they move forward after this type of traumatic event. If you suffered this type of injury in a car accident, it is important to take your injury seriously and seek the recovery you deserve.
Side effects and long-term consequences
Whiplash is damage to the ligaments, muscles and nerves in the neck caused by rapid back-and-forth motion of the head. Initially, this type of injury could simply seem like a sore neck, but side effects can worsen or develop over time. In most cases, people with this type of injury experience soreness, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, temporary loss of range of motion, fatigue and more. Typically, these things resolve over time, but that is not always the case. In more severe whiplash cases, a victim could experience the following:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Trouble sleeping
- Inability to work or complete tasks
- Irritability
If you notice any of these after suffering from a whiplash injury, it could be an indication that your injuries are severe and you require care. You will benefit from seeking a medical assessment from a professional and learning about what you will need to get better and move forward. The impacts of a severe whiplash injury may last for weeks, months or even longer.
Who is to blame?
You could be suffering due to the reckless or negligent actions of another Illinois driver. If you suffered a whiplash injury after an accident that was not your fault, you may have grounds for legal action. Through the civil justice system, you can seek recovery and compensation that will allow you to address your losses, seek the medical care you require and pursue the recovery you deserve.
