Rear-end auto collisions occur every day all over the state of Pennsylvania. Often, these are minor motor vehicle accidents that do not cause serious injury. However, in some rear-end crashes, whiplash is a common outcome for victims.
Whiplash injuries occur when a victim’s head suddenly moves backward and then forward in a forceful motion. The violence of this movement can stretch or tear the soft tissue located in the neck area. Sometimes, whiplash manifests right away, but other times, symptoms may not appear for several days.
Although this condition is typically not a life-threatening injury, it may result in physical, mental and emotional injuries that could affect a victim’s financial situation and physical well-being. Below you will find a few of the most common symptoms of whiplash injuries.
- Headaches and dizziness
- Stiffness and pain in the neck area
- Constant fatigue
- Chronic or severe neck, head or shoulder pain
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty sleeping
- Ringing in the ears
Less common, but potentially serious, symptoms include pain when moving the head, pain or numbness spreading to shoulders or arms and weakness or numbness in the arms. Victims who experience any of these issues should see a doctor right away.
Effective treatments associated with whiplash include physical therapy, chiropractic treatment and electronic nerve stimulation. As you might expect, these treatments can cost thousands of dollars, particularly if they go on for months or years.
When motor vehicle accidents resulting in whiplash occur due to another party’s negligence, victims may seek financial relief by pursuing a personal injury claim. This compensation ensures that victims of rear-end collisions have the funds to pay for necessary medical treatment.
Source: HealthLine.com, “Whiplash: Diagnosis, Treatments, and Complications,” Shannon Johnson, accessed May 23, 2018
