Whether you’re driving to work or running errands, the last thing you may anticipate is being involved in a collision. However, when you are rear-ended by a distracted driver, you may be relieved to discover that you feel okay in the moments after the collision. Unfortunately, however, as time progresses, you may notice pain and stiffness in your neck, which can indicate whiplash. As such, it’s imperative to understand the signs and symptoms associated with whiplash to ensure you can receive adequate care. The following blog explores what you should know about these injuries, including the importance of working with a San Angelo, Texas auto accident lawyer to guide you through these difficult times.
What Is Whiplash, and What Are Common Signs?
Whiplash is the name for an injury often sustained in rear-end collisions that impacts the neck. Essentially, when your body sustains a force that causes your neck to move violently and rapidly back and forth, you can sustain significant injuries. This is because your neck is hyperflexed before hyperextending. As such, this motion can cause injury to the muscles and tendons in your neck.
While this injury is commonly associated with rear-end car crashes, it can also occur as a result of slips and falls. As such, understanding the symptoms associated with whiplash is critical to ensure you can receive the correct care. Common signs include the following:
- Neck pain and discomfort
- Headaches
- Limited range of motion and stiffness
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Tinnitus
- Pain in your upper back, shoulders, and arms
- Numbness or tingling in your arms
- Fatigue
Unfortunately, many assume that whiplash is a mild injury. While this is the case in some instances, others can suffer severe injury, with some cases resulting in fractures of the victim’s spinal cord. As such, understanding the symptoms and seeking medical care is critical to mitigating damages and reducing your pain.
Can I Seek Compensation for Incurred Damages?
If you are involved in an incident that results in whiplash, understanding your legal options is critical. In many instances, you’ll find that the injuries you endure can result in a number of damages. As such, you may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Typically, your economic damages will include things like medical bills, lost wages if you must take time off work to heal, and property damage. These are all costs that have an attached value, making them simpler to recover. This differs from non-economic damages, which include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and humiliation. Unfortunately, these losses are considered subjective, making them more difficult to recover.
If you have suffered due to the negligent actions of another party, it is imperative to discuss your legal options with an experienced attorney. At the Mathis Law Firm, PLLC, our team understands how overwhelming these matters can be. That is why we are committed to helping you through these difficult times. If you’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, do not hesitate to contact us today.
