By: Joseph T. Dunn, Esq.
Automobile accidents, especially those involving rear-end collisions, often cause an abrupt backward and/or forward jerking motion of the head, which leads to neck sprains and strains. This injury is colloquially referred to as “whiplash.” In occurrences of whiplash, the joints between the vertebrae, discs, ligaments, cervical muscles and nerve roots may become damaged. These forms of injuries typically cause pain and discomfort to the injured.
Symptoms of Whiplash Injuries
The symptoms of whiplash are often times delayed for 24-hours or more after the initial trauma of the car accident. Although, people who suffer from whiplash typically develop one or more of the following symptoms within the first couple days following the injury:
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Shoulder pain
• Low back pain
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Difficulties with concentration or memory
• Irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue
Next Steps After Suffering Whiplash
In most situations, soft tissue injures – like whiplash – cannot be seen on standard X-rays. Specialized tests such as CT or MRI scans may be necessary to diagnose the damage done by your whiplash injury. As a result, a visit to the Emergency Room may be necessary after your accident. Not only can the necessary tests be done in an ER to diagnose the severity of your injury, but the documentation you will receive will be very helpful in any potential legal action that may occur.
This brings us to the next action you should take after suffering a whiplash injury: contact a personal injury attorney. It is imperative that an attorney acts on your behalf if you wish to pursue a legal action against a negligent driver. An experienced attorney can not only ensure your rights are properly protected, but also ensure you are compensated to the fullest amount possible.
What you are entitled to recover
If your attorney is successful in proving the adverse driver was at fault for your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. What amount of compensation is rightfully yours depends on a variety of factors. However, injured parties can typically recover monetary damages for:
• Pain and Suffering
• Past and Future Medical Expenses
• Past and Future Lost Wages
• Mental Anguish
Whiplash can be a serious and painful injury that may not be obvious until days after your accident. Due to the possible monetary ramifications an injury of this type may have, it is important that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible to make sure your rights are protected. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and may be suffering from whiplash call GDH Law today. We can be reached at (301)-769-6835 or online at gdhlawfirm.com.
