Whiplash is a very common injury that happens after accidents in Stonecrest. Although many people underestimate whiplash, it can be excruciating and severe. If you or a loved one have whiplash from an accident, contact a Stonecrest whiplash injury lawyer today.
Whiplash injuries are very real. You might be eligible for compensation for your accident treatment costs and more. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you build a strong claim for the financial recovery you deserve.
Call us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation. We have been helping accident victims win fair compensation for over 20 years. We also do not collect a fee unless we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get your free consultation today.
What Whiplash Means After an Accident
Whiplash is a prevalent injury from car accidents, especially rear-end accidents. Unfortunately, many people still think of whiplash as a minor neck injury.
In reality, whiplash can be debilitating and incredibly costly. The effects of whiplash can stay with accident victims for many years, if not a lifetime. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of whiplash can include:
- Lost range of motion in the neck
- Pain and stiffness
- Pain that gets worse with movement
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Tenderness in the arms, upper back, and shoulders
- Dizziness
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Ringing ears
- Blurred vision
- Irritability
- Memory or sleeping issues
These are just a few examples. Whiplash can show up a little differently for each person. The injury can impact a victim’s ability to sleep, work, and live as they could before.
Whiplash happens when the neck is forced backward and forward during an accident. The motion can strain the neck muscles, causing damage that gets more painful with time. Many accident victims put off treatment because they don’t realize how severe their whiplash pain will be.
Since whiplash doesn’t show up on imaging tests, it might not seem like that big of a deal. However, whiplash injuries are painful and very real. If you suffered whiplash from an accident, it’s best to contact a lawyer for help.
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Liability for a Whiplash Accident
In Georgia, the at-fault driver in an accident is liable for the damages. This law applies to all car accidents, including those that cause whiplash. Most of the time, the responsible driver’s insurance company pays for the damages.
Sadly, insurance companies are always looking for ways to reduce costs. If an accident victim has whiplash, the insurance company might use it against the victim. For example, the other driver’s insurer might claim that you’re exaggerating your symptoms or making up a whiplash injury.
If someone else caused your accident, you’ll need to prove that:
- The other driver was negligent
- The driver’s negligence caused your whiplash injury
- You suffered injuries and damages from the accident
An experienced lawyer can help you prove all of the above. They’ll know where to gather the most substantial evidence to fight for your rights. To get help with your claim today, contact John Foy & Associate for a free consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
Common Treatments for Whiplash
For minor whiplash, treatments often revolve around rest and gentle exercises. However, more severe whiplash injuries might need more hands-on therapy.
Common treatments for whiplash include:
- Rest
- Hot or cold therapy
- Over-the-counter or prescription medications
- At-home exercises
- Physical therapy
- Injections
- Muscle relaxants
- Foam neck collars
- Surgeries
After your accident, see a doctor immediately. Tell your doctor about any pain or discomfort you have in your neck, no matter how small. If the pain changes or worsens, call your doctor for a prompt follow-up.
Do not ignore any symptoms of whiplash after an accident. If you do, the damage could become worse and hurt your accident claim. Also, be sure to follow all of your doctor’s orders for treatment.
Whiplash Injury Damages You Can Claim
Whiplash accidents can have many personal injury damages. Most victims have both economic and non-economic damages:
- Economic damages are the financial losses you have from the accident.
- Non-economic damages are about how the accident impacts your daily life.
You will need to outline and calculate all of your damages, including future medical treatment. If you don’t include a cost in your claim, you could end up paying out-of-pocket for it. And if you were not at fault for your accident, you shouldn’t have to cover the costs.
Building Your Claim After a Whiplash Injury
After the accident, there are things you can do to start building your claim. The following steps can give you the best chance at fair compensation.
Report the Accident
Call the police to report the whiplash accident. Make sure the officers create an accident report, then ask how you can get a copy. You will need this copy for your records.
Document the Scene
A lot can change quickly after an accident. Evidence can disappear, and memories can fade. To protect your rights, document the scene by:
- Taking pictures of your injuries and vehicle damage
- Photographing the entire accident scene
- Getting the names and contact information of witnesses
If your injuries are not visible, such as whiplash, take notes on how you feel. Write down any pain you feel in your head, neck, shoulders, or back.
See a Doctor for Treatment
Don’t wait to get medical care after an accident. If paramedics don’t treat you at the scene, go to a doctor as soon as possible. Your claim will need to document the fact that you sought medical treatment.
Talk to a Lawyer
A whiplash injury lawyer can help you build a strong claim after your crash. Your lawyer can also prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you.
Talk to a Stonecrest Whiplash Injury Lawyer Today
At John Foy & Associates, we can handle the legal details of your case. Meanwhile, you can focus on healing and being with your family. We bring the power of the “Strong Arm” to every claim, and we’re not afraid to stand up for your rights.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation. We do not collect a fee unless we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form