Whiplash Can Be a Serious Injury and You Need a Serious Attorney
Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end car accidents. Whiplash can be minor and heal within a few weeks, or it can cause lasting damage. It is important to get appropriate medical treatment and follow the doctor’s orders.
Just as important is the legal representation you have in your personal injury claim as a result of the car accident that caused your injury. You deserve to be compensated for your injuries and the financial losses that result. If you have whiplash after a car accident, contact us today or keep reading for more information.
Symptoms of Whiplash
According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of whiplash can vary and include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Tenderness in the shoulders, upper back, and arms
- Tingling and numbness in the arms
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Memory problems
Many people also have difficulty concentrating, fatigue, depression, irritability, and sleep disturbances as a result of the chronic pain. You may not have all of these symptoms, but if you have any of them you could have whiplash.
What Causes Whiplash?
Whiplash occurs when the head is thrown backward and then quickly forward. Whiplash can happen even if you are wearing a seatbelt because the head and neck are not supported or protected by the harness.
Whiplash is most common in rear-end car accidents, but it can happen in other types of accidents as well. Even a minor car accident can result in whiplash. High-speed rear-end accidents tend to cause the most damage.
Long-Term Effects of Whiplash
Some people heal from whiplash within a few weeks or a couple of months, but in severe cases of whiplash, the effects can last for years. It can be difficult to predict how someone will heal from whiplash. There are many factors involved, including age, preexisting back or neck problems, and the severity of the accident.
The long-term effects of whiplash can include:
- Severe and persistent neck pain
- Continued limited motion
- Pain spreading to the arms
The chronic pain and stiffness can last months or years and prevent you from working, caring for others, or enjoying life.
What Compensation Can I Get for Whiplash?
There are several types of damages you can get for a whiplash injury, including:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Care expenses for children, disabled, or elderly (if you were a caregiver)
- Pain and suffering
To get compensation for whiplash in a car accident you must first prove the negligence of the other driver. This can be cut and dry in rear-end car accidents, but cases become more complicated when more than two vehicles are involved in the accident. It is best to have an attorney experienced in car accident personal injury claims to ensure you get fair compensation for your injury.
Let Coletrane & Messersmith Review Your Whiplash Case
Whiplash can happen even in minor car accidents, and it is important that you have an attorney fighting on your side. Insurance companies often question the existence and severity of whiplash in an attempt to pay a lower settlement.
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact us today at (757) 223-4455 to schedule a free consultation. Our firm has been helping people like you for over a decade. We are here to support you in your time of need and ensure you get fair compensation for your whiplash injury.
