Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from car accidents in Valdosta. The force of a crash can whip the head and neck back and forth. The motion may cause tears and strains that cause terrible pain over time. If you might have a neck injury, contact our Valdosta whiplash injury lawyers.
Whiplash might not show up right away. It can take time to manifest, and insurance companies often underestimate the damage from whiplash. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you build a personal injury claim to seek compensation for what you’ve lost.
Contact us today to discuss the details of your legal options. We do not collect a fee unless we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online as soon as you can.
Signs of a Whiplash Injury
Whiplash can affect an accident victim’s life in many ways. Some symptoms might show up immediately, while others take hours or days for a victim to notice. Either way, you might deserve financial compensation for whiplash after an accident.
According to the Mayo Clinic, common whiplash symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
- Lost range of motion
- Pain that gets worse with movement
- Numbness or tingling that travels down the arms
- Pain and tenderness in the arms, upper back, or shoulders
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
These are the most common signs of whiplash. Some people will also experience:
- Sleep issues
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurry vision
- Trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Irritability
- Depression
Whiplash can show up in many different ways. If you have pain or unusual symptoms after the accident, don’t wait to see a doctor.
Most whiplash injuries heal within a few weeks after proper treatment. However, some victims experience problems for months or years later. Keep track of your symptoms, and talk to your lawyer about how whiplash affects your life.
Unfortunately, many people underestimate the effects of whiplash. The other driver or their insurance company might question the severity of your pain and symptoms. But whiplash is very real, and it can become debilitating.
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Diagnosing and Treating Whiplash
Whiplash doesn’t show up on x-rays and other imaging tests. But that doesn’t mean it’s not real or serious. Your doctor might still order tests to see if there are problems other than whiplash going on.
Your doctor will also do a physical exam to check your head and neck. They might ask questions about your symptoms and range of movement. Again, remember to see a doctor immediately after your accident—even if you feel okay. Whiplash can worsen quickly, and prompt treatment is crucial.
Rest and time can do a lot for whiplash. Your doctor might also order treatments like:
- Bed rest
- Over-the-counter pain medicines
- Prescription medications
- Applying hot or cold to the neck
- Muscle relaxants
- Numbing injections
- Physical therapy
Your doctor might also have you do movement exercises or stretches at home. Gentle movement is usually important after a neck injury.
When you see your doctor, save all bills and receipts. Your lawyer will use this evidence to help build your personal injury claim. Your medical records will also show that you sought treatment very soon after the crash.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help collect information for your claim. We can also assist you in getting proper medical treatment. To learn more about your compensation options, contact us for a free consultation.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
What You Can Recover for Whiplash Injuries
Seeking recovery for whiplash can be challenging. Whiplash is more difficult to prove than other injuries because it doesn’t show up on imaging tests. Also, insurance companies often downplay whiplash as a superficial neck injury — when it can be much worse.
If you were not at fault for your accident, you have rights. You can file a personal injury claim with the responsible driver’s insurance. In your claim, you’ll need to outline all damages.
Personal injury damages are your losses from the accident and your injuries. Here are some damages you might face because of whiplash.
Medical Costs
Car accident victims often have costly medical bills. Even whiplash injuries can require months or years of treatment.
Medical expenses might include:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Medication costs
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Future medical bills
- Medical equipment costs
Keep track of all medical expenses after your accident. These costs will probably make up the largest part of your claim.
Lost Income
If you were working before the accident, you will probably need to miss work time. You can include any missed wages in your claim. That includes both lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
Vehicle Damage
A car accident often requires vehicle repairs or replacement. You can include the costs of repairing your car in your claim.
Pain and Suffering
Whiplash can prevent victims from working, moving, and living as they could before. The pain and emotional trauma can last for a lifetime in some cases.
Examples of pain and suffering damages include:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Disability
Your damages will depend on your specific case. Our lawyers can help determine your damages and what you deserve. Proving whiplash after an accident isn’t straightforward, but our team knows what to do.
Talk to a Valdosta Whiplash Injury Lawyer for Free
Whiplash injuries are hard to prove, but you might still have a case. Don’t let the other driver or insurance company discourage you from taking action. If you’re not sure what to do, contact John Foy & Associates today.
With over 20 years of experience, we know how to build strong whiplash cases. We have grown to become one of the largest injury firms in Georgia for a reason. We’re not afraid to fight for your rights.
For us, each case is personal. We’ll examine your accident and determine your legal options. If you have a valid case, we can help you get started today. The consultation is free, and there is no fee unless we win you money.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online now.
229-232-8678 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form