Whiplash from car accidents can come with severe repercussions depending on the severity of the accident and the severity of your injuries. The good news is that you can sue for whiplash from a car accident and recover damages so that you can make a full recovery. However, there are certain steps you need to take when you have experienced whiplash after a car accident to protect your health as well as protect your rights.
At NBF Accident Law, our car accident attorneys in Washington state can assist you with the process of collecting evidence and filing a claim. Our attorneys will work tirelessly on your behalf, negotiating with involved parties so that you get a fair settlement.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash from car accidents is relatively common as it is an injury to the neck that occurs from a forceful or rapid back-and-forth movement. This type of injury occurs when your vehicle is struck, causing it to jolt, which usually results in your neck and upper body whipping back and forth. Although whiplash is more associated with car accidents, you could also experience whiplash from things like physical abuse, sports, or falls.
The good thing about whiplash is that it is often relatively mild and will resolve itself within a few weeks. After a car accident, whiplash can last a few weeks or months, depending on the type of car accident and how severe the injury was.
Those who have had whiplash before, already have neck problems, or are older in age are at risk of a more severe whiplash injury. More severe whiplash can result in damaged nerves, dislocation, or neck fractures.
Signs of Whiplash From a Car Accident
After a car accident, you should receive medical attention as soon as possible to check for any possible injuries, including whiplash. However, if you do not do this, you need to be aware of symptoms of whiplash after a car accident that may present themselves after the accident. Here are some examples of common whiplash symptoms:
- Pain in your neck
- Neck stiffness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Numbness or weakness in your arms or shoulders
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. You may have a more serious case of whiplash, or you may even have another type of injury other than whiplash that requires immediate medical care. Depending on the injury, you may need physical therapy or ongoing care, or you may want to receive some prescribed pain medication.
Something to keep in mind is that injuries after a car accident don’t always present themselves immediately. It may take days or even weeks before you start to experience severe symptoms of whiplash, and it may not have been noticeable during your first medical examination.
If you are experiencing very severe pain or dizziness, you should get immediate medical attention to rule out more serious injuries, such as a concussion or neck fracture.
Whiplash From Car Accident: What to Do Next
There are certain steps everyone should take after being involved in a car accident to protect their health and their rights. Here is a breakdown of those steps that you should always follow, especially if you suspect that you have whiplash from a car accident:
- Report the accident: After being involved in a car accident, you need to call 911 to report the accident so that law enforcement can file a police report. You should also request that an ambulance be sent over so that you can receive medical care, which will also create medical documentation for your claim.
- Exchange information: You are legally required to exchange contact and insurance information with any other drivers who were involved in the accident. If you notice any witnesses, you can also ask for their contact information so that your attorney can get a statement from them later on.
- Take photos: If you are not seriously injured, you should try to take photos of the collision scene as evidence. Taking photos of any property damage, physical injuries, and the collision scene can help when establishing fault later on.
If you suspect that you have whiplash, you should try to take it as easy as possible until you can get checked out by a medical professional. Avoid moving your neck and upper body too much or doing anything strenuous. Keep in mind that serious neck injuries can also present the same symptoms as whiplash, so you may want to lie down to stabilize your neck if you are experiencing severe pain or dizziness.
How a Lawyer Can Help
After a car accident, you need to hire a car accident attorney to represent you. An attorney will have handled many similar cases and will understand the complexities of insurance claims and proving fault in car accidents involving whiplash.
Your car accident attorney will negotiate with the insurance companies so that you do not accept a low settlement offer and can help you track down essential pieces of evidence. They can help you get medical documents and notes from doctors to substantiate your claim so that you are able to recover compensation for things like medical bills and lost wages.
It is especially important to hire an attorney in cases where proving fault may be a bit more complicated or if you have been seriously injured and cannot file a claim on your own.
Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer at NBF Accident Law
Whiplash and back pain after a car accident aren’t things you can always ignore, as they may not go away on their own. Although whiplash can be relatively mild, it can also come with life-altering consequences, especially if you have a more severe case of whiplash.
At NBF Accident Law, our car accident lawyers will fight purposefully on behalf of auto accident victims, helping you to get the compensation you need to make a full recovery. We can help you every step of the way as you collect evidence, prove fault, and file a car accident claim.
Contact us today at 206-923-8888 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys in Washington.
