In the United States alone, 2 million Americans are impacted by whiplash every single year. Because it is such a common occurrence, it’s important to know the basic facts about whiplash, what you can do to avoid it, and also what to do if you suffer whiplash at the hands of someone else.
What is a Whiplash Injury?
If you are unaware of what a whiplash injury is, it is a common injury seen in the neck when there is a sudden acceleration and deceleration of the head. Whiplash is seen in contact sports and a variety of accidents, from car accidents to slip and fall accidents.
The main symptom of a whiplash injury is neck pain, although other symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and numbness in arms/hands can arise. Symptoms of whiplash have a tendency to arise after the event occurred. In the case that symptoms are delayed, it is more difficult to diagnose and treat the injury.
Whiplash Injury Severity
The severity of a whiplash injury is determined by how much damage has been inflicted upon neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments. In a severe case, these parts of the body may be completely torn and/or ruptured, whereas in a more mild case, they would be stretched and pulled. A victim of this sort of injury may need to get X-ray and MRI tests done in order to have the injury correctly and accurately diagnosed.
Common Treatment Options
Physical therapy and rest are an injured person’s best friend when it comes to whiplash. There is little that can be done other than this in most cases. Physical therapy will be the guide in gaining full range of motion back into the neck and head muscles. Taking painkiller medicines such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol can be very helpful during the painful recovery process.
Some victims may be advised to wear a cervical collar in order to prevent any unwanted movements from the neck up.
Recovery time varies on a case-by-case basis. A mild whiplash injury may only need a few days to heal, and a more severe case could take months before the injury has fully healed. If you have suffered from whiplash, it’s important to work closely with your doctor to determine the best course of action for recovery.
For all whiplash injuries, the most important step is prevention. Because this injury is seen so commonly in preventable accidents, knowing how to stop them before they happen is key. This means practicing safe driving habits (always wear a seatbelt, and drive at a safe speed always) and wearing the appropriate protective gear if playing contact sports.
Whiplash Injuries and Car Accidents
Whiplash injuries are one of the most commonly seen injuries as a result of a car accident, and they are also extremely painful and bothersome. More often than not, they are an injury that arises from rear-end accidents. In some cases, when left untreated, whiplash may lead to long-term complications, so it is important to seek medical attention if you have suffered from a whiplash injury.
If your whiplash injury has come to fruition due to the negligence of someone else, you may be able to seek legal compensation for the damages and costs of your injury. This article will take you step-by-step to help you navigate the legal process of your whiplash injury claim.
Seeking Medical Attention
The first, and most important step when it comes to a whiplash injury is to seek medical attention immediately. You may want to see a chiropractor or orthopedic doctor to help you understand and diagnose your injury. Not only is this an important step for your health, but it will provide a medical report that you may need down the road in the legal process.
The car accident lawyers at Haffner and Morgan LLP say that it is a good idea to keep track of your pain and injury development for the legal process as well. Be honest about the severity of your injuries, as this will be an important factor in your legal claim.
Gathering Evidence
No matter what type of accident caused the injury, it is essential to gather as much evidence as possible. Evidence for an accident or injury claim commonly include photos and videos of the scene, witness statements, and any other information that seems relevant to the accident. Be sure to save any copies of medical bills, receipts, prescriptions, and medications.
Having substantial evidence is crucial in a personal injury claim, as it can help your attorney build a strong case of defense on your behalf.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
After having received medical attention and gathering as much evidence as possible, the next step is to contact a personal injury lawyer. A personal injury attorney will help you determine whether or not you have a case based on your circumstances. Most importantly, they will aid you in navigating a complicated legal process.
It is likely that the insurance company will attempt to negotiate a settlement. In this case, having a skilled personal injury attorney on your side will prove extremely helpful. They will negotiate on your behalf and ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
If a settlement is unable to be reached, your lawyer will represent you in court as you take legal action. You deserve fair compensation if you have been left injured, unable to work, and under amounts of distress due to someone else’s negligent behavior.
Conclusion
A whiplash injury is a common injury from primarily car accidents and contact sports. The recovery process will vary depending on the extent of the injuries, and it’s important to discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider.
Being the victim of a whiplash injury in an accident is challenging. The legal process can be extremely complicated and raise a variety of questions. Having a skilled attorney by your side throughout the legal process will help you to secure the compensation you deserve, from medical costs to pain and suffering damages.
