After a car accident, you may find that the effects of this type of event reach into multiple areas of your life. In addition to damage to your vehicle and the complications of dealing with the insurance companies, you may also find yourself with painful and lingering injuries that make it difficult to return to your daily activities. One of the injuries that could affect you in this way is whiplash.
Whiplash is a common car accident injury, but it is important not to underestimate the serious effect it can have on your life. This type of injury is the result of the rapid back-and-forth movement the head can make in the moment of a collision. This results in damage to nerves, muscles, tendons and other parts of the neck. Whiplash may seem like a minor injury, but it may be more serious than you initially think.
How can you know if it’s serious?
Whiplash is an injury to the neck, so it is common to experience pain and tenderness in the neck, shoulders and head. Many victims who suffer this type of injury may also find that they have headaches, and they may have difficulty moving or limitations with their range of motion. These effects can resolve themselves over the following weeks, and many people who suffer whiplash injuries do not experience long-term effects. However, the following may be signs that your whiplash injury is more serious:
- You have lost your range of motion completely, and it has not returned after days or weeks.
- You are experiencing blurred vision and difficulty concentrating.
- You find yourself experiencing depression or mood swings.
- You have ongoing fatigue, but you are also having trouble sleeping well.
- You have memory problems, and it is difficult to do your job.
If you are experiencing any of these severe symptoms, you may need to seek medical guidance regarding the specific types of care you require in order to recover and return to normal life.
Post-accident concerns
You may be struggling to pick up the pieces and move forward after suffering a whiplash injury. However, if this injury is the result of the reckless or negligent actions of another motorist, the Louisiana civil justice system provides you a way to seek justice and accountability. Through your claim, you may be able to secure the compensation you require to cover your medical costs and address other post-accident concerns.