Whiplash is one of the most common car crash injuries, especially in rear-end collisions, but it can also be one of the most difficult injuries to detect. What may manifest itself as soreness in the immediate aftermath of a crash can lead to more serious complications in the future. For this reason, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident and hire an attorney who can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault driver.
How to Recognize Whiplash
Whiplash is an injury to the neck caused by a sudden movement that forces the neck beyond it’s normal position, causing injury to one or more of the following: muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs, nerves, facet joints, bones, or even the spinal cord.. This sort of movement is common in a rear-end crash, when a person may be sitting in a stopped or slowing vehicle while impacted forcefully by a vehicle traveling at a higher speed. Whiplash often has no visible signs, so it is important to look out for other symptoms, including stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back; decreased range of motion; numbness; and blurry vision.
In some cases, the effects of whiplash can be long-lasting. You may experience chronic neck pain in the months following the accident, as well as restricted movement. Ongoing pain or weakness that extends beyond the neck can sometimes be the sign of a more serious problem with the spine or nerves. In these cases, you may require significant medical care, including medication, physical therapy, and treatments from a massage therapist or chiropractor.
Pursuing Compensation for Whiplash Injuries
One of the most important steps you can take to increase your chances of receiving compensation for a whiplash injury is to seek medical attention immediately after the accident. It can be hard to tell how serious your injuries are on your own, but a medical professional can provide a more definitive diagnosis that clarifies the kind of treatments you will need and connects your injuries to the accident. If you wait days or weeks to visit a doctor after the crash, it is easier for the at-fault party to argue that other factors were responsible for your condition.
Hiring an attorney is also important to help you gather evidence of the other driver’s negligence. In the case of rear-end collision, the driver in back is often speeding, following too closely, or distracted, and alcohol can also be a factor in some cases. Evidence from the crash, including pictures, video, witness testimony, 911 call transcripts, and police reports, can help you build your case.
Contact an Appleton, WI Car Crash Attorney
At the Herrling Clark Law Firm Ltd., we can provide the legal help you need after your accident, including preserving evidence of your condition and the other driver’s negligence so that you have the best chance of fully recovering damages. To schedule a free consultation, contact a Green Bay personal injury lawyer at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921
https://www.healthline.com/health/whiplash