Whiplash is a common car accident injury
Most people are left with some aches and pains following motor vehicle collisions. At first, these seemingly minor injuries may not seem like a big deal, but in reality, they might be. Whiplash is a common car accident injury that causes some of these aches and pains. Numerous Illinois residents may be unaware that whiplash can actually cause long-term damage to the body.
Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are quite literally whipped in a swift backward then forward motion. This violent motion can overstretch muscles and ligaments in the neck, causing a person to experience pain. Other symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck/shoulder stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
One might think ice, heat and an over the counter pain medication will be enough to treat this type of injury. Sometimes, that may be all that is required, but other times it is not. If the injury is severe enough, it can cause nerve damage, broken bones and neurological deficits — among other things. The sooner a person gets treated for whiplash, the better, as letting such injuries go untreated can have long-term consequences.
Those individuals in Illinois who have suffered whiplash injuries in a car accident may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses. These victims often end up suffering physically, emotionally and financially, not just right after the event, but for months or even years down the line. It can certainly take a toll on one’s life. With the assistance of counsel, victims of car accidents may be able to achieve relief, either through negotiations or litigation.