Compensation for Whiplash Car Accident Injuries

Whiplash is a common mechanism of injury that occurs when the force of impact from a car crash causes the head to move or “whip” forward or backward in a way that is more than the neck structure can withstand. These injuries can happen in seconds and may cause severe damage to the discs, nerves, neck muscles, tendons, and cervical spine.

If you or a loved one suffered whiplash from a car accident, you should understand the factors that affect whiplash car accident settlements. Because of the challenges of dealing with insurance companies, you should consider hiring an experienced car accident injury attorney, like those at David R. Price, Jr., P.A., to guide you.

Causes and Signs of Whiplash from a Car Accident 

Car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash injuries. In most cases, rear-end accidents cause these injuries. The injuries and symptoms differ based on the impact of the car crash. Below are the common signs and symptoms of whiplash injuries:

• Pain in the neck
• Lack of concentration or memory problems
• Numbness in the hand and arm
• Ringing in the ears
• Headaches
• Shoulder pain and back pain
• Feeling of pins and needles in the neck
• Reduced range of motion
• Tenderness in the neck, back, or shoulders
• Feeling easily irritated

There could be more symptoms associated with whiplash. The symptoms might not show up immediately after the accident. For this reason, it is important to seek medical care immediately after the collision. Delaying to seek medical treatment can harm your case and affect your ability to seek the compensation you deserve.

Treatment for Whiplash Injuries 

Because whiplash from a car accident can be difficult to diagnose, you should seek treatment after the accident if you feel something is wrong. When you visit your doctor, they may order MRI, CT Scans, and X-rays to rule out any associated symptoms. Below are the types of treatment your doctor may prescribe to address your whiplash injury:

Pain management 

The physician may recommend anti-inflammatory medication, injections, muscle relaxants, alternating heat and cold, or rest. The doctor might recommend over-the-counter painkillers if you incur minor injuries. You may also take pain medication if your case is severe.

Exercise

You may need to engage in a series of exercises at home to help restore the range of motion in the neck. The exercises may include moving, stretching, tilting the head side to side, rotating the neck in both directions, and rolling your shoulder.

Physical therapy

If simple home exercises aren’t enough for you and you have persistent whiplash pain or need help with range of motion, you may need physical therapy. An experienced physical therapist can guide you through suitable exercises that may strengthen your muscles, prevent further injury and restore your normal movement.

Long-Term Effects of Whiplash Injuries 

Most symptoms of whiplash from a car accident resolve within a few weeks or months, especially when the patient receives treatment early on. However, for some people, the pain and symptoms can last for many years or even a lifetime. The long-term effects may include.

• Chronic pain and stiffness in the shoulder, upper and lower back
• Spinal fracture or other serious injuries in the neck.
• Difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and dizziness.
• Chronic headaches, chronic stomach aches, and jaw pain.
• Memory loss and difficulty concentrating.
• Constant ringing in the ears.
• Weakness, numbness, and pain in the legs, arms, and hands.

Whether you suffered short-term or long-term whiplash injuries, you may be entitled to whiplash injury compensation. An experienced whiplash injury attorney can help determine your compensation based on the injuries you sustained in the crash.

Compensation for Treatment of Whiplash Injuries

You could seek compensation if you incurred whiplash injuries from a car accident to recover the economic damages you incurred for treatment. If you intend to seek compensation, you will be expected to provide evidence that the accident occurred due to negligence from another party.

Settlement payouts for whiplash injuries will vary based on the specific circumstances of your case. It would be advisable to hire an experienced whiplash injury attorney to help you.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with an Experienced Whiplash Injury Attorney

If you are living with the short- or long-term effects of whiplash from a car accident, then you should seek help from an experienced whiplash injury lawyer.

These injuries can cost you significant money in medical bills, especially when you suffer long-term symptoms. At David R. Price, Jr., P.A., we are experienced in pursuing fair compensation for car accident whiplash injuries and will help you navigate the recovery process. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Whiplash Injury FAQs

Do whiplash claims go to court?

Although very few claims go to court, you may need to go to court if the insurance company and you and your lawyer disagree regarding the value of the claim. For that reason, you should select a lawyer that you believe is willing and able to fight for your case in court.

Who can seek whiplash compensation? 

Anyone who is injured by another person’s negligence is entitled to compensation under the law. You could seek compensation if you were a driver, or even if you were a passenger in private transportation, an Uber or taxi, or when using public transport, so long as the accident occurred due to another person’s negligence.

Can I claim whiplash compensation if I was injured in a hit-and-run?

Yes, you can receive compensation if the driver who caused the accident left the scene. Your whiplash injury attorney can advise you how to seek a claim with your insurance company under your uninsured motorist policy.