Whiplash Injury Lawyers

Imagine that you are driving responsibly, stopping your vehicle at a red light or stop sign, when the vehicle behind you unexpectedly fails to brake and collides into the back of your car. Your head jerks violently forward and back again due to the force of the hit, straining your neck. In this situation, the uncontrolled movement of your neck may have caused an injury that is frequently referred to as whiplash.

You might be inclined to dismiss your whiplash injury after the car accident. It may not have caused significant pain or visible injury. However, whiplash can end up being much more serious than one might think. It may have long-lasting repercussions on your health as well as complications that appear unexpectedly.

If you have suffered a whiplash injury in a car accident, the whiplash injury lawyers at Harding Mazzotti, LLP are here to help. Call 1-800-LAW-1010 today to speak to one of our experienced attorneys.

Common Causes of Whiplash

Whiplash is most often caused by a rear-end car accident, but it can also be caused by other types of accidents, such as falls or sports injuries. In the event of a rear-end collision, the driver or passenger’s head may be thrown forward and then backward in a whiplike motion. Disks, ligaments, bones, muscles, nerves, and other tissues can all be harmed by that sudden motion.

While everybody is at some risk of sustaining a whiplash injury, some are more likely to do so than others. Those with past whiplash injuries, advanced age, and chronic pain in the lower back or neck all fit into this category. Furthermore, recent medical studies show that female patients may exhibit more severe whiplash symptoms than male patients.

Common Symptoms of Whiplash

Some people involved in car accidents don’t show signs of whiplash right away. It could take a few days for you to feel any pain or discomfort. That’s why being aware of these indicators is crucial for keeping an eye on your health.

Common whiplash symptoms include:

• Neck pain, stiffness, and aches
• Headaches or migraines
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Muscle spasms
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
• Difficulty sleeping
• Worsening pain with any movement of the neck
• Reduced range of motion in the neck
• Pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arm

In addition to the more common symptoms of whiplash listed above, patients may also have memory loss, depression, tinnitus, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and blurred vision.

It is important to see a doctor for an exam if you’ve been having any of the symptoms associated with whiplash. Getting a proper diagnosis is essential for prompt treatment, and in case you decide to pursue compensation, your doctor can keep track of your symptoms and treatments in a patient record.

Diagnosis of Whiplash

In addition to complete medical history and a physical examination, tests for whiplash may include:

• X-ray. Electromagnetic energy beams make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. However, soft tissue damage would not be visible on an X-ray.
• MRI. Organs and soft tissue structures in your body are imaged in great detail using powerful magnets and a computer.
• CT scan. A detailed image of any area of your body, including your bones, muscles, fat, and organs, may be created using X-rays and computer technology. Compared to regular X-rays, CT scans are more detailed.

Whiplash Treatment and Recovery

Whiplash recovery time varies from person to person. Within a matter of weeks, some individuals will begin to feel better and see their symptoms subside. Some people recover quickly from injuries, while others suffer from persistent pain for months or even years. The duration of whiplash-related pain is not always obvious. However, in most cases, people whose symptoms appear quickly may experience more prolonged discomfort.

The goals of whiplash treatment are to:

• Control pain
• Restore normal range of motion in your neck
• Get you back to your normal activities

Treatment, too, will vary greatly from patient to patient depending on factors such as injury severity. If the extent of the damage caused by whiplash is minor, then you may just feel mild symptoms. Getting some rest might help ease the pain and speed up your recovery. More intensive therapy, such as long-term physical rehabilitation, may be necessary for those who have sustained severe neck injuries.

Whiplash can be medically treated in a variety of ways, including:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories
• The use of an ice pack or heat
• Muscle relaxants
• Topical gels or Lidocaine injections
• Prescription pain medication if ordered by a doctor
• Exercises and/or physical therapy to build strength and range of motion
• Cervical collar or cervical traction for support
• Steroid medication

Nontraditional therapies have also been used to treat whiplash pain, but several of these have less research available to back up how well they work:

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Massage
• Mind-body therapies

It is crucial to get in touch with a medical professional without delay to discuss potential treatments. It could reduce the likelihood of permanent harm and discomfort from your accident.

Compensation for Whiplash Injury

Like many medical expenses, the cost of whiplash treatments can quickly become overwhelming after an accident. A severe injury like this might leave a huge dent on an accident victim’s bank account.

Many people who suffer from whiplash did so because of an automobile accident due to another careless motorist. You may be entitled to financial restitution if this applies to you, and you can file a claim against the party at fault to seek compensation for your losses.

In the aftermath of an accident that left you injured, the insurance company of the negligent motorist may make a settlement offer. In the moment, this may seem like a good deal. Sadly, these offers are rarely sufficient to cover all the costs associated with your injury, leaving you back in a bind financially. At Harding Mazzotti, our whiplash accident lawyers can examine the specifics of your case and advise you on possible compensation. Damages may consist of things like money spent on medical care (past and future), time off work, money lost, emotional misery, physical pain, and a lower quality of life.

Consult a skilled personal injury attorney at Harding Mazzotti, LLP who can handle your whiplash case and help you maximize your compensation.

Hire an Experienced Whiplash Injury Attorney

If you or anyone you know has been injured in an automobile accident of any kind, the attorneys at Harding Mazzotti, LLP have a wealth of experience in dealing with insurance companies and in protecting your right to receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Our attorneys handle all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving automobiles, motorcycles and all types of truck accidents. Call our experienced legal professionals today for a free consultation at 1-800-LAW-1010. We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.