A very common type of injury in car accidents, whiplash is caused by the violent front-to-back motion of the head and neck that happens when a vehicle is struck. This type of injury often happens in rear-end collisions. While there are misconceptions about whiplash, it is a real injury that can lead to multiple symptoms and potential long-term consequences. Getting help from an experienced Encino whiplash injury attorney may help you to prove that your injury was caused by your motor vehicle accident so that you might recover more compensation for your losses. It can be difficult to prove that you have suffered a whiplash injury. In order for you to prevail on your injury claim, you will need to understand how to prove that your injury occurred and that it was caused by the car accident in which you were involved. An attorney who is experienced in handling whiplash injuries may understand what to look for in your medical reports. He or she may work with a medical expert so that he or she can construct a strong case that clearly demonstrates the severity of your injuries and the liability of the driver who crashed into your vehicle. Getting the help of an experienced lawyer may make it likelier that you will succeed in your claim.
Common Consequences of Whiplash Injuries
Immediately after a car accident, you may not realize that you have suffered a whiplash injury. This is because whiplash often does not show symptoms for more than 24 hours after an accident. Any time that you are in an accident, it is a good idea to get examined by your doctor as soon as possible. This may help you to show that your injury was caused by the accident and not by some intervening cause. When symptoms do appear, they most commonly include the following:
- Headaches that start at the base of your skull
- Limited neck mobility
- Painful neck and stiffness
- Pain in the shoulders and upper back
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
Mild whiplash injuries may subside over a period of a few weeks, but severe whiplash injuries may cause ongoing problems that last for months or years.
Potential Complications and Lasting Effects of Whiplash Injuries
Severe whiplash can cause some complications and effects that can last for years. Recovering from whiplash may take more time for people who are older, those who have suffered whiplash injuries in the past and those who have existing back and neck problems. Women are also much likelier to suffer more severe whiplash injuries than men. Some of the potential complications and ongoing problems that whiplash can cause include the following symptoms:
- Blurry vision
- Depression
- Sleep problems
- Ringing in the ears
- Memory issues
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Severe and chronic headaches
- Pain that radiates to the arms
Why a Whiplash Injury can Cause Other Symptoms
Your neck is made up of a number of different muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves. When you suffer a whiplash injury in a car accident, all of these structures may be impacted. Whiplash can cause other symptoms when more of the structures are damaged. If you suffer damage to the nerves that run through the vertebrae of your neck, it can also cause signaling problems in the nerves so that distant areas of your body might be affected. This signaling problem can lead to chronic pain that can last for months.
When Should You Contact an Encino Whiplash Injury Attorney?
There is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including those that involve whiplash injuries. You must file your claim within this time period. If you don’t, you will not be able to recover compensation for your losses. Contact an Encino whiplash injury attorney today at our firm to learn about your rights.
To learn more about the Encino Personal Injury Attorneys, check out the Encino main page.
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