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Whiplash is a common car accident injury. It occurs due to the head forcefully moving back and then jolting forward. The back-and-forth movement of the neck can result in extremely painful whiplash.
While some forms of whiplash are mild and go away on their own, others last longer causing ongoing pain. The movement can even damage the spine.
If you got a whiplash injury in a car accident, you deserve compensation. Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney will provide you with the representation you need. Call 843-701-8029 to find out how we can help.
What is a Whiplash Injury?
A whiplash injury occurs due to forceful back and forth movement of the neck due to impact. It is considered a type of neck sprain or strain.
The effects of whiplash will usually go away within a few weeks with a treatment plan of pain medication and physical therapy exercise. However, some people may experience chronic neck pain and other complications due to the injury.
What are Symptoms of Whiplash?
Symptoms of whiplash typically develop in the days after the injury occurs. They include:
- Pain and stiffness that worsens with movement
- Headaches that typically start at the base of the skull
- Tenderness or pain in the shoulders, arms, or upper back
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
More severe symptoms of whiplash include:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depression
- Memory issues
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Common Causes of Whiplash
Whiplash can happen for a variety of reasons, but it is most commonly caused by a rear end accident. When a car hits another car from behind, the impact causes the driver’s head to move forward and then snap back as it attempts to adjust to its original position. Depending on how hard the car in the rear hits the front car, the injury can be quite serious.
Whiplash can also occur in other types of car and road accidents. It can also be caused by
- Sports injuries
- Amusement park rides
- Assault and battery
- Slip and fall accidents
- Bicycle accidents
Getting Medical Care for Whiplash After a Car Accident
There are many steps you can take after a car accident, or any other type of accident occurs that will help you establish a strong case. But one of the most important steps is to seek medical care.
Getting medical care is extremely important even if you don’t feel like you were injured that badly. If you hold off on getting medical care, your injuries may get worse over time.
If you see a doctor a few days after the accident occurred, it will be harder to link your injury directly to the accident. The defendant may claim it wasn’t caused by the accident. And it will be difficult for you to prove otherwise.
If you see a doctor right away, they will create a medical record establishing that the injury was caused by the accident.
Medical care after an accident is especially important if you suspect you have whiplash. Symptoms of whiplash may not appear for a few days.
A doctor will review your symptoms and the nature of the accident and determine if it is likely whiplash will develop. This will make for indisputable evidence in a court of law.
How Can a Doctor Diagnose a Whiplash Injury?
Whiplash injuries can’t be seen with the human eye. But your doctor will be able to diagnose you by testing your range of motion, the movements that cause you pain, the tenderness you are feeling, and the reflexes and strength in your limbs.
While imaging tests won’t pick up whiplash, they can be used to rule out other possible causes of neck pains such as fractures and bone damage.
What Type of Damages Can I Claim in a Whiplash Accident?
There are several types of damages you can collect in a whiplash accident. These include:
- Medical expenses to cover present and future care
- Loss of wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Disability coverage
- Property damage
The amount you can claim will vary depending on your personal situation and the extent of your injuries. Your Charleston whiplash injury lawyer will review your claim and let you know exactly how much you stand to be compensated for.
Get Compensation With a Charleston Whiplash Injury Lawyer’s Help
If you incurred a whiplash injury due to someone else’s neglect, whether it be from a car crash, a premises accident, or another incident, it’s time to take action. Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Trey is a skilled personal injury lawyer who knows how to get you fair compensation for whiplash and the complications that arise from neck injuries. Our team will see to it that you get the individualized care you require.
A whiplash injury is not okay. Don’t delay, call Trey today at 843-701-8029!
