The Long-Term Effects of Car Accident-Related Whiplash

Whiplash, which involves the overstretching of the ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves, and other tissues in the neck, is one of the most common injuries sustained by car accident victims. This type of injury is typically painful and can have debilitating short and long-term consequences for injured parties, who besides struggling with significant pain, may also experience limited mobility and other symptoms for years to come. Read on to learn more about the long-term consequences of severe whiplash injuries.

What is Whiplash? 

Whiplash injuries are a common car accident-related injury, occurring when the head is suddenly flung backwards and forwards at a high rate of speed, causing damage to the muscles, nerves, discs, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. Common short-term symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck pain and stiffness;
• Shoulder pain;
• Reduced range of motion in the neck;
• Dizziness;
• Numbness or pain in the arm or hand;
• Blurred vision; and
• Ringing in the ears.

Diagnosed via x-ray, MRI, and CT scan, whiplash is often treated with ice applications, the use of a cervical collar to restrict movement, and taking non steroidal anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxing medicines.

The Long-Term Consequences of Whiplash 

While many people who suffer whiplash in car accidents are able to fully recover within a few weeks, others are not so fortunate, but may experience repercussions for months or years to come. The most common long-term symptoms include:

• Chronic neck and jaw pain;
• Permanently reduced range of motion;
• Persistent stiffness or pain in the shoulders;
• Severe headaches;
• Fatigue;
• Insomnia;
• Persistent ringing in the ears;
• Problems with memory and focus; and
• Increased irritability and anxiety.

These kinds of physical and neurological symptoms can affect the overall quality of a person’s life, making it difficult to work and maintain personal relationships. In fact, some research indicates that patients suffering from long-term whiplash symptoms are more likely to experience new-onset mental anguish and emotional distress, in addition to their physical symptoms.

Seeking Compensation for Whiplash Injuries 

Car accident victims who suffer from severe whiplash could be facing months or even years of physical therapy, osteopathic manipulation, and chronic pain. Unfortunately, insurers are often reluctant to pay out the full value of a claim for severe whiplash cases, which is why it’s so important for accident victims to have an attorney on their side who can help them seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress from the at-fault party who was responsible for their crash.

Did You Suffer Whiplash in a Georgia Car Accident? 

If you are still suffering from the long-term effects of whiplash following a car accident, our legal team can assess your case, walk you through the claim filing process, and ensure that your legal rights are protected. Call Shiver Hamilton Campbell at 404-593-0020 to learn more about how one of our experienced Atlanta car accident lawyers can help with your case. You can also set up a meeting by reaching out to us via online message.

Sources:

 mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921

hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/whiplash-injury#:~:text