A car accident can impact your life in multiple ways. You could find yourself experiencing difficulty physically and financially, and you might have damage to your personal vehicle as well. The injuries you suffer could affect you for years to come, even if the injury seemed minor at the time. Whiplash is a common car accident injury, and it has the potential to affect your life in multiple ways going forward. It is important not to overlook the potential severity of a whiplash injury.
If the accident that resulted in your whiplash injury was caused by another driver, you may have legal options available to you. The civil justice system provides you a way to seek recovery as you navigate the aftermath of your accident. It is possible that a whiplash injury could have lingering effects for months or even years, and you may require long-term ongoing support.
Common side effects from whiplash
Whiplash is the effect of rapid back-and-forth movement the head can make in the event of a sudden stop, such as a car accident. This motion can cause damage to the nerves, tendons, ligaments and other parts of the neck, and it can affect accident victims in different ways. Common side effects experienced by many whiplash victims include tenderness in the neck, headaches, loss of range of motion, tingling, fatigue and more. However, with more severe whiplash injuries, victims could experience the following:
- Memory problems
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritability and mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating or working
- Depression
If you are experiencing any of these side effects after a car accident, they may indicate that you are suffering from a serious whiplash injury. You will benefit from seeking immediate medical care, and you may also need ongoing support as you try to get better, regain your physical health and return to your life as it was before the accident.
Your rights as an accident victim
Victims of car accidents caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another Arizona driver have legal options available to them. If you suspect that another person is to blame for your current suffering, you will benefit from learning more about how the civil claims process could be a reasonable way for you to seek justice and recovery. These cases are time-sensitive, and it is important to have assistance at every step.