If you’ve ever been in a car accident in Northern Ireland, you may have unfortunately felt the jolting force of impact that leads to a whiplash injury. This common neck injury results from the head quick and painful jerking back and forth. While whiplash may initially feel mild, the effects can linger and can potentially have significant long-lasting effects on your life.
Understanding whiplash
The force of the impact caused by a vehicle can cause the head and neck to rapidly move backwards, forwards, and rotationally. This ‘whipping’ motion typically places an enormous amount of strain on your neck. Despite the fact that the injuries can feel insignificant at first, whiplash can actually cause small tears in soft tissues that connect the bones of the neck. It’s possible for these tears to not heal properly on their own and can lead to chronic neck pain and stiffness after the initial trauma.
Whiplash is commonly associated with rear-end car collisions in Northern Ireland. Symptoms can typically develop within 24 hours of the incident and can include:
- Neck pain
- Stiffness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty sleeping
- Memory problems
We urge people to not be fooled into thinking these various symptoms are manageable. They may feel this way at first, but if they aren’t treated properly, they can become far more painful very quickly.
The Long-Term Impact of Whiplash
For some, the whiplash symptoms can go away within just a few weeks. For others, whiplash will result in soreness and pain for many years. This prolonged state, often called chronic whiplash, can dramatically impact a person’s standard of living.
In addition to the typical symptoms mentioned above, those suffering from long-term whiplash may also suffer from:
- Chronic pain in the neck and/or shoulders
- Severe dizziness
- Mobility issues
- Severe and chronic headaches
- Ringing in ears
- Numbness or weakness in different limbs
- Blurred vision
- Vertigo
- Permanent personality changes
Untreated whiplash can lead to serious health issues later on. Long-lasting whiplash can result in increased pain or discomfort, and can even have psychological impacts like anxiety or depression. It can also disrupt one’s work by making it difficult to focus on or completing certain tasks that were effortless before the injury. Chronic whiplash can directly result in diminished productivity.
We believe it’s absolutely crucial to treat any whiplash issues seriously and urge everyone to seek appropriate medical care as soon as signs develop. You shouldn’t delay treatment or fail to follow your doctor’s recommendations. Your health should be your #1 priority so don’t neglect self care.
Seeking help after a whiplash injury
If you were involved in a car accident in Northern Ireland and you’re experiencing any symptoms of whiplash, it’s important to seek medical assistance right away. A doctor can determine your condition and recommend the appropriate action you need to take to ease your pain.
Speaking with a solicitor is also very important. If your whiplash injury resulted from someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation for your suffering, any lost earnings, and any treatment you may require.
How Paschal O’Hare Personal Injury Solicitors Can Help
For over 50 years, Paschal O’Hare Personal Injury Solicitors has been helping people across Northern Ireland with their personal injury claims, including whiplash injuries. Our solicitors understand the complexities of these types of cases.Our experienced team works relentlessly to guarantee you receive the reimbursement you deserve, considering not only your physical hardship but also the emotional and psychological effect.
We recognize that no two injuries are exactly alike. As such, we take the time needed to gain comprehensive insight into your specific circumstances.
At Paschal O’Hare Personal Injury Solicitors, we believe in your right to recovery and justice. We’re here to get you the compensation you deserve after your whiplash injury. Don’t shoulder the burden alone – let us stand right with you on your journey towards recovery.
To arrange a completely free consultation about pursuing a whiplash claim with our expert team, contact us today.
