WHAT DO I DO IF I SUFFER WHIPLASH SYMPTOMS AFTER A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT?
Posted on Friday, May 22nd, 2020 at 1:24 am
One of the most common car accident injuries is whiplash. Unfortunately, whiplash is also one of the most disputed car accident injuries by insurance providers. Insurance companies often allege that the victim’s injuries are not as severe as the victim claims because the victim is exaggerating whiplash symptoms. Talking to a Sacramento whiplash injury lawyer is one of the best ways to protect your right to a fair settlement for your car accident claim.
Why Are Whiplash Claims Challenging?
Whiplash is a neck injury that is often caused by car accidents, especially rear-end crashes. The soft tissues of the neck are injured when the head is “whipped” back and forth because of the force of the impact of the vehicles.
Because there is no outward sign of trauma, insurance companies claim that the victim is exaggerating the injury or faking the injury. Diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can identify fractures and some soft tissue damages. However, some damage may not show up on an image.
Doctors diagnose whiplash by performing a physical examination to test a person’s range of motion, reflexes, and pain level. Most of the information gathered during the test is subjective because it is based on the patient’s response. Therefore, insurance companies allege that whiplash is an injury that is easy to fake or exaggerated.
Whiplash Symptoms May Not Appeal Immediately
Another complication of whiplash claims is that the symptoms of whiplash may not appear immediately after a crash. It could take several hours or days for a person to notice whiplash symptoms. Because delays in treatment are used by the insurance company to build a case against the victim, it is crucial that see a doctor as soon as you experience any symptoms of whiplash.
Common whiplash symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Pain in the neck and/or shoulders;
- Stiffness in the neck;
- The pain worsens with movement of the neck;
- Headaches, usually beginning at the base of the skull and sometimes radiating up and down;
- Fatigue;
- Loss of range of motion or flexibility in the neck;
- Dizziness;
- Numbness in the arms;
- Tingling in the arms;
- Tenderness or pain in the upper back, shoulder, or arms;
- Blurry vision and/or ringing in the ears;
- Memory problems;
- Problems with concentration;
- Sleep problems; and,
- Irritability and/or depression.
In some cases, a person could develop complications from whiplash. Instead of taking a few weeks to heal, the person may continue to suffer from symptoms for many months after the accident. Lingering or worsening symptoms could indicate a chronic condition or permanent impairment.
Seek Help From a Sacramento Whiplash Attorney
In addition to seeing a doctor, you should also talk with a personal injury lawyer. An attorney can guide you through the process of obtaining medical treatment for your whiplash injury. The attorney can also help you document your damages for an injury claim.
Attorneys understand how insurance companies handle claims involving whiplash injuries and how to fight unfair insurance tactics designed to undervalue your injury claim. Do not provide a statement, sign documents, or accept a settlement offer until you talk to a lawyer.
If you sustained a whiplash injury, get help from an experienced attorney. Contact The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Sacramento car accident lawyers.
