Car, truck, and other vehicular accidents are the most common causes of whiplash due to the sudden back-and-forth flexion of your neck that occurs on impact. However, whiplash can occur after a fall or any other accident that causes your head to abruptly jerk forward and back, damaging the muscles and tendons in your neck.
Whiplash can appear immediately after an accident or take several days (or even weeks) to develop. That is why seeking medical attention immediately after such an incident is critical, even if you are not yet experiencing whiplash symptoms. Medical records, accident investigation reports, and other evidence are essential when you are filing an injury claim for whiplash after an accident.
In this post, you will learn how to identify whiplash symptoms, what compensation is available to accident victims experiencing whiplash, how to file a claim, and more.
Get medical attention immediately after an accident so the full scope of your injuries can be explored and documented. Learn how to recognize the most common symptoms of whiplash in yourself and others:
Whiplash can cause a variety of cognitive, somatic, and psychological symptoms and conditions. These include memory loss, inability to concentrate, nervousness, irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and depression. Occasionally, whiplash suffers experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears), as well.
Because whiplash affects the soft tissues in your neck, medical professionals rely heavily on their physical examination to diagnose the condition. Medical imaging tests such as a CT scan, MRI or x-rays can help rule out fractures or other types of injuries resulting from the accident but may not be useful for diagnosing whiplash.
Instead, the examining physician may ask a variety of questions about your symptoms and risk factors. Your doctor may also ask that you demonstrate your ability to perform tasks involving your neck, shoulders, and arms. They will be evaluating:
In years past, doctors recommended using a soft foam collar to stabilize the neck during whiplash treatment. However, there are concerns that this may weaken the neck muscles. Today, foam collars are used only in specific situations, as determined by the examining medical professional. Whiplash treatment may include:
It is vital that you rest, follow your doctor’s medical advice, and allow the muscles and tendons in your neck to heal. Most whiplash victims can return to work and their regular routine within a few weeks.
For some victims though, whiplash can cause suffering for months or years after the accident. Chronic pain, diminished earning capacity, and a restricted range of motion can persist for years.
Whether your whiplash symptoms are short-lived or longer lasting, the financial impact can be devastating. When your whiplash was caused by an accident due to someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness, you deserve compensation for your damages.
Compensation is available for:
Each case is unique as are the settlement payouts; proving damages and liability are critical to the success of your whiplash claim.
Protect your right to compensation by taking these crucial steps after your accident:
You do not have to navigate the system alone. Give Zanes Law a call at 866-499-8989, and we will meet with you in your home or hospital room to learn more about your case and begin the process of filing an injury claim for whiplash after an accident.
