Whiplash injuries are probably the most disputed injuries in a car accident. They’re often the hardest to prove, and many claim that whiplash isn’t a serious injury, or that those who claim to be suffering from it are ‘milking’ it and just trying to get as much money as possible.
This is why it’s important to ensure that you do everything properly and at the right time to make sure that your claim doesn’t get denied.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash isn’t an injury on its own. It’s a term used to cover a collection of symptoms that result from car or sports accidents, abuse, or other trauma. The symptoms can range from muscle sprain to spinal cord contusions to a fractured vertebra. Whiplash is basically pain that has no visible cause. The most common symptoms of whiplash are:
- Tightness, pain, and decreased range of motion in the neck and back
- Pain when moving head from side to side or forward and backward
- Stiffness or pain when looking over each shoulder
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Tenderness
- Shoulder, back, or arm pain
- Headaches that begin at the base of the skull and radiate toward the forehead
Concussions or head injuries can accompany whiplash, as well which can be a serious condition.
Whiplash isn’t immediately apparent
All of the symptoms listed above, including a concussion, aren’t going to be immediately apparent at the scene of the accident. This is why it’s important that you see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. This preserves your rights by establishing that you did seek care, and establishes any injuries you have, while also confirming they’re related to the accident. You also should not say you are fine at the scene, because that claim can later be used to attempt to disprove your injuries. You don’t want the insurance company to claim that you are making up invisible injuries to get a payoff.
Failure to get immediate and proper medical care can have serious consequences if you have latent injuries that don’t show up for 24-36 hours. Don’t neglect unfamiliar symptoms or pain that appears hours after the accident. Serious back injuries can start out as nothing more than a minor ache, but if left untreated, they can create serious health difficulties in the future.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Whiplash injuries, because of their hard to prove nature, lack of visible cause, and potential for ongoing problems, are often more complicated than a simpler injury such as a broken bone. This is why you need an attorney to help you navigate the settlement process.
A good car accident attorney will work with your doctor to establish the severity of your injuries and whether there will be ongoing issues, and ensure that the insurance company doesn’t try to lowball you and get you to settle for far less than your injuries are worth.
Some of the compensation you may be eligible for:
- Lost wages (past and future, plus loss of earning capacity)
- Mental anguish, emotional suffering and physical pain
- Permanent disability, scarring, and disfigurement
- Past and future medical expenses, including physical therapy and rehab
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses related to the car accident, your injuries and your recovery
Contact Us
Call our law offices today at any of our convenient locations and get a free consultation.
Arlington (817) 522-4451
Denton (940) 222-4060
Dallas (972) 362-6848
Fort Worth (817) 764-1375
Cedar Hill (972) 338-9427
McKinney (469) 522-3688
Lewisville (972) 354-4605
You can also contact us online by using our quick contact form.
