Certain injuries have a strong association with car crashes. To many people, whiplash is all but synonymous with a rear-end collision. Rear-end collisions are arguably the most likely to cause whiplash, but other types of collisions can also cause whiplash.
People frequently make the mistake of assuming that injuries are obvious after a crash. However, whiplash is among the many medical conditions that take time to manifest after a car wreck. Anyone involved in a collision needs to be aware of the symptoms of whiplash so that they can get appropriate support.
What are the warning signs of whiplash?
Most people are aware that whiplash causes muscular tension and pain in the neck and shoulders. Whiplash is also well known for causing persistent headaches.
Beyond that, additional symptoms may include:
- reduced range of motion in the neck
- pain in the upper back or arms
- numbness or tingling in the arms
- unexplained fatigue
- blurred vision
- difficulty focusing
- dizziness
- sleep disruptions
People dealing with whiplash generally need to see a doctor for a diagnosis and for a treatment plan.
How do doctors treat whiplash?
As a soft tissue injury, whiplash usually does not require aggressive medical intervention. In most cases, simple treatments are sufficient. Doctors may prescribe medications intended to manage pain and promote the relaxation of muscles. They may recommend physical exercises to help overcome painful limitations and increase range of motion. People may need to wear foam collars or receive numbing injections in some cases.
What rights do people with whiplash have?
Whiplash can be costly. The medical treatment required by those with whiplash can potentially add up to thousands of dollars in more serious cases. People also have to consider how their injuries could affect their earning potential. People in service-related professions or blue-collar careers may not be able to perform their jobs because of their functional limitations. Headaches and pain symptoms could also affect the job performance of white-collar professionals.
Those dealing with the aftermath of a car crash that caused whiplash have certain rights. Those rights include the right to seek compensation from the driver at fault for the collision. Compensation frequently comes from liability insurance coverage. However, if a driver doesn’t have insurance or if the expenses related to whiplash exceed the coverage available, then a personal injury lawsuit might be necessary.
Learning more about common car crash injuries can help people effectively assert themselves after collisions. Whiplash is not a minor issue, as people often claim. Those dealing with whiplash often need support as they estimate their losses and request compensation, and that’s okay.