There are a multitude of injuries that an individual might suffer during a motor vehicle accident. While some may be immediately apparent, others can take time to manifest symptoms, and despite the delay in pain, these could be just as harmful to you as any other.
If you are in an accident, you could walk away feeling as though the worst is behind you, only to wake up the next day with a searing pain in your neck and upper back. If this sounds familiar, you could be suffering from the common accident injury known as whiplash.
Information about accidents and whiplash
While they can occur under numerous circumstances, whiplash injuries are most prevalent victims of rear-end collisions, and their impact on your life can range from minor soreness to long-term, or permanent pain and suffering. Some of the signs that may indicate the presence of whiplash, as well as the potential treatments, may include the following:
- Whiplash explained: Whiplash generally occurs when a sudden impact causes the neck and upper back to move backward then forward in quick succession. This type of movement can cause damage to joints in the neck, or even muscles or ligaments in the neck and upper back.
- Common symptoms: Whiplash can exhibit numerous symptoms, ranging anywhere from soreness or tingling in the neck and upper back to muscle spasms or pain.
- Medical diagnosis: While minor soreness may seem harmless at the time, you may still find it advisable to seek medical attention, as an x-ray or an MRI could uncover signs of a deeper issue.
- Medical treatments: The treatments for whiplash depend on the severity of the injury, and can include anything from prescription medication to the need to wear a neck brace to limit movement in the area, even if only temporarily.
While wearing your seat belt and having awareness of your surroundings could go a long way in increasing your safety, in some cases, it may not be enough. If another car hits you while you are sitting at a red light, you might have little control over the situation, and you could be the one who suffers.
Seeking restitution
Whiplash injuries can result in a need for long-term or permanent medical care, which could leave you in a significant financial bind. You may wish to pursue restitution following the incident, but the process can be exceedingly complex. You could seek guidance from someone who is knowledgeable in North Carolina state laws surrounding the incident, which may prove invaluable in preparing you to pursue the compensation to which you’re entitled through a personal injury claim.
