If you have suffered from whiplash after an accident and are facing mounting medical bills, a trustworthy auto accident attorney can help you. An experienced whiplash injury lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, mental anguish, and more.
Signs & Symptoms of Whiplash
Whiplash can develop up to 24 hours after an accident. Some car accident victims may not realize they are hurt until they begin experiencing pain, stiffness, and other signs of whiplash. Getting medical treatment is essential after an accident, but you should also be mindful of symptoms that could help determine if you suffered whiplash. Signs and symptoms of a whiplash injury include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Pain that worsens with movement
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Muscle spasms
- Tenderness around the neck
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches that begin at the base of the skull
Whiplash may be classified by grades depending on the severity of the injury.
- Grade 0 – no physical signs of injury or complaints
- Grade 1 – neck pain, but no physical signs
- Grade 2 – neck complaints and signs of musculoskeletal injury
- Grade 3 – neck complaints and signs of neurological impairment
A grade 4 whiplash injury indicates a fracture or dislocation. The more severe the whiplash injury, the more signs a person may exhibit. A more severe injury may lead to:
- Blurry vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
Florida law only gives you 14 days to seek medical treatment to qualify for personal injury protection benefits. Failing to get medical treatment can complicate filing a claim and make the recovery process much longer. If you have difficulty obtaining compensation after filing an insurance claim for your accident, contact a whiplash injury lawyer. Call 954-845-0505 or fill out our contact form to set up a free consultation.
HOW DOES WHIPLASH OCCUR
Whiplash is more common after a rear-end accident, though it can be caused in any type of collision. Additionally, the accident doesn’t have to be high-speed; whiplash can be diagnosed in collisions involving vehicles moving at as little as 10 miles per hour. During the collision, three things happen with the neck: hyperflexion, hyperextension, and impact. At the first vehicle-to-vehicle contact, the neck hyperextends in one direction. It then hyperflexes in the reverse direction and impacts with a hard surface, such as your headrest. During hyperextension and flexion, the bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tissues in the neck are injured.
WHIPLASH TREATMENT
Treatment will be needed to return to normal activities without pain and discomfort. Whiplash is diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging tests to rule out any other issues that may be the source of your pain. Once you’ve been diagnosed with whiplash, a physician will recommend a treatment plan for pain management and exercise to restore movement and strengthen the neck. Treatment options include over-the-counter pain medications, physical therapy, stretches, chiropractic therapy, and rest.
HOW CAN AN ATTORNEY HELP?
Whiplash can seem like a minor injury, but for some, it can result in disabling pain and stiffness. Some car accident victims will be out of work for extended periods while facing large medical bills. If you were diagnosed with whiplash after an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
The damages you may be entitled to could be based on your insurance coverage and the coverage of any other drivers involved in the wreck. Drivers with personal injury protection insurance are eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses after an accident. However, filing a claim alone can be difficult, and you could face a long battle with your insurer. Weinstein Legal also represents medical providers in recovering PIP benefits for patients who have received treatment for a whiplash injury.
