A car accident can impact you in many different ways. While every car accident is different, they often result in consequences that include physical injuries, emotional duress and mental trauma. One of the most common injuries victims suffer in car accidents is whiplash, which is an injury that affects the neck, head and even the back. It can be painful and debilitating, and you can feel the effects of whiplash for months.
Whiplash can happen regardless of the type of car crash. You can suffer this type of injury in a low-speed collision or a serious multiple-car accident. As each person is different, the specific ways that this type of injury can impact you depends on factors such as the speed of the crash, your health at the time of impact and whether you were wearing your seatbelt.
Signs of a whiplash injury
You may not be immediately aware that you have a whiplash injury. You may begin to notice symptoms in the hours right after a crash, or in the days and weeks following. It is a result of the rapid back-and-forth whipping motion made by the head during a sudden impact. This injury can be serious, and although it is a common result of a collision, it is a medical condition that one should take seriously. Signs of a whiplash injury include:
- Pain that gets worse with movement
- Stiffness in the neck
- Headaches that begin at the base of the skull
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Pain or tingling in the neck, shoulders or arms
These are the typical symptoms of a whiplash injury. However, more severe cases can result in other troubling physical issues that may include blurred vision, memory problems, trouble sleeping, trouble concentrating, ringing in the ears and more. These symptoms and others can impact you for weeks or months after a crash, and some victims may struggle with the impacts of whiplash long-term.
Your rights after a car accident
If you are suffering from a whiplash injury that resulted from a California car accident, you do not have to navigate the aftermath of your car accident alone. Your injuries and physical struggles may be the direct result of the reckless or negligent actions of another person. In this case, you may have grounds to pursue financial recovery and appropriate damages through a civil claim.
