The last thing you expect when you are driving to work in the morning or heading on a road trip with friends is to be rear-ended by a distracted driver. Luckily, you may assess yourself and discover that you feel okay. However, as time progresses, you may feel worse, with the majority of pain stemming from your neck. If this is the case, you may find that you have whiplash. The following blog explores what you should know about these injuries, including the most common signs of this injury, as well as the importance of working with a Broward County auto accident lawyer to help you fight for the justice you deserve when you are the victim of another’s negligence.
What Is Whiplash and What Are the Signs?
Whiplash is the name of a type of neck injury that is most commonly sustained during rear-end car accidents. When you are rear-ended, you’ll find that your neck may be rapidly and violently moved back and forth, similar to the cracking of a whip, which can result in injuries. This hyperflexion followed by hyperextension can cause injury to the ligaments and muscles in your neck, resulting in considerable pain. Unfortunately, many assume that because this injury is relatively common, it is not serious. However, whiplash can be so severe that it can result in fractures to your spinal cord.
Unfortunately, whiplash may not be discovered until hours or days after your accident. As such, understanding the symptoms and signs is critical to obtaining the care you need. The most common symptoms include the following:
- Neck pain
- Loss of range of motion and stiffness
- Headaches, particularly ones that start at the base of the neck
- Blurry vision
- Tinnitus
- Numbness or tingling sensations in the upper arms
- Pain in your upper back, shoulders, and arms
Can I Seek Compensation for Damages
If you are involved in an accident and sustain whiplash as a result of the other party’s negligent actions, it’s imperative to understand your legal options. Generally, when you are injured due to the negligence of another driver, you are eligible to file a claim to recover the expenses you’ve incurred. Most commonly, this includes medical bills from doctor’s appointments, lost wages if you must take time off of work to heal, and property damage. However, you are also eligible to recover compensation for the economic damages you have sustained, like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and anxiety.
As you can see, navigating a lawsuit while managing the injuries you’ve suffered at the hands of another person can be incredibly difficult. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney to discuss your circumstances in further detail. At the Finizio Law Group, our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to help you fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
