Car accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence in Maryland, and they take many shapes and forms. Yet even seemingly minor accidents can have serious repercussions. Victims can suffer broken bones, head and neck injuries, and other harm that requires extensive medical attention and time away from work.
One of injury that is quite common in rear-end accidents is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the neck is thrown back and forth rapidly, causing damage to the ligaments and other soft tissues in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and tingling in the extremities.
Although many whiplash victims recover from the injury in a matter of weeks, others have symptoms for months or even years after the accident. Whiplash can result in significant pain and suffering, as well as medical expenses and lost income. If the car accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, a victim may be able to recover compensation via a personal injury lawsuit.
In order to do so, a victim must first prove negligence and causation. Here, a victim will need to present evidence that the defendant operated his or her vehicle negligently, which may be done by presenting accident investigation findings and eyewitness accounts. Then, a victim must demonstrate that the accident directly caused his or her injuries. The victim must also prove the extent of his or her injuries. Those who want to put forth as strong a case as possible may want to discuss their case with a lawyer to determine what course of action best supports their claim.
Source: Mayo Clinic, “Whiplash,” accessed on Jan. 14, 2017
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