A car accident can occur in the blink of an eye, and the aftermath could leave you somewhat shaken up and uncertain of what just took place. Following a serious accident, your first reaction could be to seek medical attention, but if you feel fine at the time, you may feel this step is unnecessary.
However, certain injuries tend to develop symptoms over time, such as those pertaining to whiplash. Although the pain might not be immediately apparent, these injuries can be exceedingly severe and could lead to long-term or permanent damages.
Prevalent types of whiplash injuries
A whiplash injury can occur whenever an accident causes your body to move back and forth in rapid succession. While these injuries can exhibit a variety of symptoms, some of the most common forms of serious whiplash injuries might include the following:
- Neck injury: Perhaps one of the most common injuries associated with whiplash is neck pain. Although these injuries could dissipate with time, pain in and around the neck could lead to additional concerns, such as long-term or permanent damage to muscles and joints.
- Head or brain injury: If you begin to experience headaches or dizziness following an accident, seeking treatment is advisable, as such a forceful movement could lead to serious health issues, such as a traumatic brain injury.
- Back pain: Another common result of whiplash is back pain, and injuries to this area of the body can linger for years or culminate into a permanent health issue.
- Numbness: It might not be uncommon for victims of a whiplash injury to experience numbness or loss of feeling following an accident. These symptoms should be taken seriously, as they could also indicate the presence of deeper issues.
If you begin to exhibit signs of a whiplash injury, it is likely in your best interests to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Unfortunately, even with the best treatment available, a person who suffers a serious whiplash injury could experience pain throughout the remainder of his or her life.
Seeking financial compensation
If you suffer a serious whiplash injury due to the negligent actions of another party, the resulting financial obligations that accompany long-term medical treatment could leave you in search of relief. If another party is responsible for causing your injuries, you could be entitled to restitution, but the process can be exceedingly complex. However, by seeking guidance from someone with knowledge in Florida state laws surrounding your incident, you could become better prepared to pursue the full amount of compensation you deserve through a personal injury claim.
