It is no surprise to hear that the severity of a car crash can run the gamut. No one may be injured in minor fender-benders and bumper-busters, while other moderate accidents can result in bumps, bruises, and broken bones. Yet others can be more severe, leaving victims permanently disabled or dead. Those who suffer injuries in a car wreck, no matter the extent, can be subjected to physical, emotional, and financial losses.
One such injury is whiplash. Whiplash is an injury that occurs when the neck is subjected to rapid movement in a back-and-forth fashion. Typically, this harm results when an individual is rear-ended, though it might occur in any kind of accident. Whiplash victims may suffer stiffness, pain, weakness in the neck, loss of motion, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, sleep problems, concentration issues, depression, memory problems, and blurred vision. Though whiplash may heal on its own over time, most victims still need medical care which may include pain medication and rehabilitation.
The medical expenses associated with such an injury, in addition to pain and suffering can really be troublesome for victims. Their finances may be thrown into disarray, and their normal, everyday activities may be disrupted. Though legal action cannot immediately cure an injury like whiplash, if successful, it might bring a victim compensation to help cover his or her losses.
When an individual is involved in an auto accident, filing a lawsuit may not be the first thing on his or her mind, and rightly so. After all, recovering one’s health is top priority. However, by taking legal action as quickly as possible, a victim may find relief and be able to cover his or her damages, which might significantly improve his or her emotional state, as well as allow him or her to acquire adequate medical care to reach as speedy a recovery as possible.
Source: Mayo Clinic, “Whiplash,” accessed on Feb. 13, 2015