Whiplash is a very common injury that can result from a vehicle accident. Understanding what whiplash is and how it can occur is helpful. The type of settlement you may be eligible for as a result of an accident can be confusing, since every accident is different. A better overall understanding of what whiplash is can help.
West Palm Beach Personal Injury Attorney Explains: Whiplash
Technically, “whiplash” is not actually an injury. It is the actions that take place that can cause a cervical spine injury. During an accident, there can be sudden extension and flexion actions that can detrimentally affect the cervical spine area.
Whiplash is not a singular injury, such as a cervical strain or a herniated disc. It is an injury to the soft tissue of the neck. This injury occurs because of the sudden extension and flexion that can take place during an accident. It is usually defined by the symptoms that are experienced after an accident occurs.
Whiplash: What Are the Common Symptoms?
If you are involved in a West Palm Beach accident, you may not immediately recognize that a whiplash occurred. The symptoms often do not show up until several hours – or even a few days – after the accident. Symptoms can vary, but often include headache, dizziness, and shoulder pain or stiffness. Sometimes there is a burning or itching sensation that can affect the neck, upper back or arms. There may also be memory loss, or the inability to concentrate. Sleep disturbances can occur, along with fatigue.
Suspected Whiplash? What Should You Do?
Whiplash is unfortunately common after car accidents. If you think you may have suffered a whiplash, you must consult a doctor. It is important to seek treatment for your injuries. It can be helpful to keep a journal of the symptoms resulting from your injury. Record specifics such as any pain you are experiencing, the intensity, and any physical impairments.
Document your answers to questions such as the location of the pain, what it feels like, methods of pain relief employed, and any medication side effects. You should also document what types of medical treatment you were given, if the injury affects your ability to work, and any other pertinent details. Documenting this daily will provide you with a written record, which is important.
Documenting a Whiplash Injury
Problems can occur when trying to file an injury claim based on a whiplash. These soft tissue injuries do not show up on x-rays, MRIs or other diagnostic image-based tests. This does not mean that the injury did not occur, or that it is not extremely painful. You may be experiencing limited range of movement, stiffness, discomfort or outright pain.
Seeking medical attention promptly is important for your health and well-being, as well as to serve as documentation. In the case of any accident that may result in an insurance claim, documentation is extremely important. Insurance adjusters need documentation regarding your injuries and subsequent treatment. Maintaining a journal of your injury and experiences, including treatment records and medical bills, is extremely important. This documentation will help you prove the legitimacy and extent of your injuries, as well as the overall costs of treatment.
Whiplash Injuries: Determining Claims
Whiplash injuries are generally considered to be less severe than many other vehicle related injuries. As a rule, a whiplash does not involve damage to vertebrae or discs. The soft tissue injuries such as neck strain or sprain are usually not permanent.
Accident claims resulting from whiplash injuries are usually not too large. However, the claim settlement should cover expenses such as medical bills and earnings that were lost. An attorney can also help you determine damages such as pain and suffering.
Whiplash Injuries: Do You Need an Attorney?
Hiring an attorney to help with your whiplash claim is a smart choice. An experienced West Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyer will help you determine and receive fair compensation for your injuries. If you have been injured as a result of an accident in West Palm Beach, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation and more information.