Understanding Whiplash Injuries
Of all the injuries that can result from a car accident, whiplash is undoubtedly one of the most common. In fact, about 1 million people suffer from whiplash injuries each year and almost all of these injuries are related to minor car crashes. And even though whiplash is one of the most common injuries, it can also have lasting implications that are unique for every person who suffers from them.
How Does Whiplash Happen?
Whiplash occurs when someone suffers an injury caused by a sudden movement of the head forwards, backwards or sideways which overstretches and damages the tendons and ligaments in the neck. Whiplash commonly follows a car accident and often occurs during a rear-end auto accident, but a whiplash injury can also result from a sports accident, physical abuse or other trauma.
What Are Symptoms of Whiplash?
And while many people recover from whiplash, for others, the symptoms are indicative of ongoing health complications and serious discomfort. If you find yourself suffering from any of the following symptoms on a persistent basis, you should seek the help of a medical professional who specializes in evaluating and treating cervical spine and neck injuries. Additionally, it is always a good idea to seek medical attention following an accident, even if you don’t think you have been injured. This can help uncover any latent injuries and help you preserve your right to later pursue a personal injury claim.
Symptoms of whiplash can include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Difficulty focusing
- Irritability
- Arm pain
- Chronic neck pain
- Worsening of pain with neck movement
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
What if I Receive a Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company?
Even if you receive a settlement offer up front, it is imperative that you don’t come to any agreements until you know the full extent of your injuries, no matter how tempting the offer may seem. The full whiplash injury effects often do not manifest until days and weeks after the accident and if you accept a settlement prematurely, you will be unable to seek additional compensation. Before accepting anything, you should seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Car Accident?
If you have been in an accident where a neck injury may have happened, it is crucial to seek medical attention right away even if you are not feeling the pain at first. Additionally, you may choose to pursue a personal injury claim against the responsible parties. Insurance companies do their best to avoid paying fair compensation for the damage caused by their clients and you need quality legal representation to hold them accountable. As the South Florida car accident attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez, we offer well over two decades of combined success helping our clients obtain proper medical treatment so that we can accurately evaluate the long-term effects of their injuries. We can evaluate the circumstances of your injury and help you present the best case possible to get the payout you deserve. Begin by contacting us today.
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