According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, whiplash injuries, commonly associated with car accidents, can have long-term consequences that may impact an individual’s health and quality of life.
Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backward and forward, causing a rapid back-and-forth neck motion. Unfortunately, whiplash is a common and painful injury. There are an estimated three million cases in the U.S. each year, most caused by rear-end or side-impact car accidents.
What are the Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash After a Texas Car Accident?
Usually, whiplash symptoms develop within days of the injury and may include:
- Dizziness.
- Fatigue.
- Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull.
- Loss of range of motion in the neck.
- Neck pain and stiffness.
- Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms.
- Tingling or numbness in the arms.
- Worsening of pain with neck movement.
Some accident and injury victims also have blurred vision, sleep issues, memory problems, tinnitus, or irritability.
Seek immediate care if you are experiencing severe pain, weakness in the arms or legs, balance problems, or changes in your bowel or bladder function.
The Potential Long-Term Consequences of Whiplash Injuries
Most people with whiplash get better within a few weeks. However, some people continue to have pain for several months or years after the injury occurred. This is more likely in people who are older, have existing back or neck pain or previous whiplash, or have whiplash due to a high-speed accident.
Long-term consequences of whiplash injuries may include but are not limited to:
- Chronic neck pain.
- Headaches and migraines.
- Reduced range of motion.
- Muscle weakness and fatigue.
- cognitive and concentration issues.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Emotional and psychological, including increased stress, anxiety, or depression as a result of ongoing discomfort and impairment.
Chronic neck issues from whiplash can contribute to secondary conditions, including nerve impingement, disc herniation, or other cervical spine disorders.
In addition, the long-term consequences of whiplash can significantly impact daily activities, including work, hobbies, and social interactions, that require injury victims to adjust to accommodate their physical limitations. When filing a personal injury claim, these adjustments can be quantified, representing your economic and non-economic damages in the insurance company’s compensation demands. We can help outline your complete financial recovery needs during a free consultation.
Contact our Personal Injury Attorney at Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys
If you have suffered whiplash injuries in a vehicle collision caused by negligence in Texas, call our skilled accident and personal injury attorneys at (512) 883-0277 or contact us online today.
We pursue dedicated, driven results for our clients, and there is never a charge to talk to an attorney. We stand ready to help you.
