One of the most common injuries after a car crash is whiplash. Some people are immediately aware of the symptoms, but many believe that they are just fine. Unfortunately, by the time pain sets in, several days have passed. Thus, a Roswell car accident lawyer will have a hard job winning compensation for car accident whiplash.
In this article, we will discuss the first signs of this type of injury and why it is essential to go to a hospital immediately after a crash.
Car Accident Whiplash: How It Happens and Its First Symptoms
When you are in a car on a road, your entire body is in motion, although you do not feel it. After a collision with another car, your vehicle stops suddenly. However, due to the inertia law, your body tends to remain in motion for a few more seconds. This is why your head jerks suddenly backward and forward.
This fast repetitive motion, beyond your normal range of neck motions, causes whiplash. During the first moments after the accident, you feel dizzy and in a state of shock. You are not aware of pain yet, because your body starts secreting adrenaline to keep you able to face the fight-or-flight decision in dangerous situations.
However, you will soon start experiencing unpleasant symptoms:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Feeling constantly tired and irritable.
The term “soon” varies from person to person. Some people start feeling pain in a few hours, others within 24 hours. This is why you should not wait for these symptoms and get checked by a doctor immediately after the crash.
Possible Complications of Whiplash
Doctors warn that some people may develop less common symptoms of whiplash, which may have a long-lasting impact. Some of these are:
- Tinnitus – a constant ringing noise in the ears
- Poor sleep
- Problems with memory and concentration.
It is also possible that the violent jerking of the neck caused a slipped disc in the spine. This can lead to more serious problems, such as:
- Loss of bladder control
- Numbness and tingling in the arms and shoulders
- Weakness in one leg.
Thus, you should always prioritize your well-being and get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment can save you a lifetime of chronic pain and other impairments.
Treatment Options for Car Accident Whiplash
As your Roswell car accident lawyer can tell you from experience in other cases, most people make a full recovery from whiplash without needing surgery or very complex and risky treatments.
In general, car accident whiplash will heal completely in around 3 months, following a treatment plan that usually consists of:
- Muscle relaxants
- Prescription painkillers
- Doing exercises to rebuild muscle strengths
- Applying ice packs to the injured site.
How to Recover Damages for a Whiplash Injury
All kinds of medical care are expensive, so you are naturally worried about how you will cover these unexpected costs. This is where an experienced attorney steps in to help you. The lawyer will be able to prove the other driver’s fault and help you file a claim against their insurance company.
In order to win your claim, the attorney will need:
- Photos and videos that you should take at the accident scene immediately after the crash
- The accident report prepared by the police officers who investigated the incident
- Eyewitnesses’ statements
- CCTV or traffic camera footage capturing the moment of the crash.
What You Need to Know about the Statute of Limitations
Last, but not least, you must be aware that you do not have a lot of time available to file a claim for damages. The statute of limitations in Georgia for personal injury actions is 2 years after the date of the crash. Since this is the deadline for filing a lawsuit, you must start your insurance claim much sooner.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Roswell Car Accident Lawyer!
While you recover from your whiplash injuries, let an experienced Roswell car accident lawyer at The Weinstein Firm fight for your legal rights. We know how to prove fault and how to negotiate the best settlement with insurance companies.
We offer each new client a free case evaluation, so call us as soon as possible after your accident at 770-HELP-NOW!
