What Is Whiplash?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip.” While it’s commonly caused by rear-end car accidents, whiplash can also be caused by physical abuse, sports accidents, falls, and other types of trauma.
What Are Common Symptoms of Whiplash?
Symptoms of whiplash may start immediately after the car accident that caused it or not until the adrenaline rush has worn off in a day or two and may include:
- Neck stiffness or pain
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- Pain or tenderness in the arms, shoulders, or upper back
- Fatigue
- Worsening of pain with neck movement
- Headaches, typically starting at the base of the skull
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus (ringing of the ears)
- Irritability
- Memory problems
- Blurred vision
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
These symptoms may also indicate other head or neck issues, which is one reason it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as you can after being in a car accident. Proof that you received medical care shortly after your accident also makes it easier to prove your claim in court if you file a lawsuit against the driver who hit you and caused your injuries.
How Do I Know if I Have Whiplash?
A doctor will do a physical exam to check your range of motion and discuss with you the particulars of your car accident. They may also order imaging (like CT scans, an MRI, or X-rays) to rule out other kinds of neck injuries, like herniated discs or fractures.
What’s the Treatment for Whiplash?
The treatment for whiplash varies depending on its severity and typically includes a combination of treatments, such as:
- Pain management (via rest, heat or cold, medications, or injections)
- Exercises to do at home
- Physical therapy
- Foam collar
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Massage
How Long Does Whiplash Last?
While most people who suffer from whiplash feel better within a few weeks, some people continue to deal with pain for months or even years after the accident that caused it. Predicting how each person with whiplash will recover is very difficult.
What to Do if You Suffer Whiplash from a Car Accident
Unfortunately, insurance companies frequently treat whiplash as cases of fraud, so it’s crucial to follow these steps after a car accident to get compensation from the at-fault driver for your injuries.
Get Medical Treatment
The sooner you get medical treatment after your accident, the easier it is to prove that you suffered whiplash as a result of the accident. Your medical records will be extremely important when it comes time to prove that you suffered damages due to the car accident.
Contact a Las Vegas Whiplash Accident Lawyer
The insurance company of the at-fault driver won’t give you a fair settlement if they can avoid it, so you should schedule a free consultation with a Las Vegas whiplash accident attorney like the experts at Morris Injury Law as soon as possible.
A whiplash lawyer will do more than just provide legal advice; we can help you get the care you need, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Keep All Medical Bills and Records Related to Your Injury
In order to get compensation for your whiplash-related expenses, you need to have proof of them. Keep all your medical bills, medical records, and other expenses related to your injury in a safe place.
Save All Communication With Your Employer
If you can’t work as a result of your whiplash injury, be sure to keep all communication with your employer, pay stubs, and other records that show how much money you lost as a result of missing work due to the car accident.
Avoid Social Media
As tempting as it is to tell your friends and family all about your car accident, sharing that information online can actually be used against you when you go to seek compensation for your injury. Avoid posting anything about your accident or injury on social media.
What Damages Could I Recover for a Whiplash Injury in Las Vegas?
What might you get compensation for after receiving a whiplash injury in a car accident that wasn’t your fault? Here are a few examples:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Reduced earning capacity
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent or temporary disability
The insurance company won’t offer you a fair settlement unless you hire an experienced Las Vegas whiplash lawyer. Schedule a free consultation with Morris Injury Law today. We’re passionate about helping our clients and our community, and we’re available 24/7 to assist you.
When you choose Morris Injury Law, there’s no fee unless we win. Guaranteed.
How Can a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Help?
While a Las Vegas car accident attorney can’t help cure your whiplash, the compassionate folks at Morris Injury Law can:
- Evaluate the scene of the accident
- Gather evidence
- Send medical records to the insurance company
- Get expert opinions
- File a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to pay the value of your claim
- Fight for you in court
Contact a Reliable Las Vegas Whiplash Lawyer
If you’re suffering from whiplash after being injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, contact Morris Injury Law today. We’ll fight to get you the compensation you need to get your life back on track after a life-altering automobile accident, and you don’t pay us anything unless we win.