Every car accident that occurs in West Palm Beach is unique. Because of this, it is challenging to determine the type of settlement you can expect after an accident that involves a whiplash-type of neck injury without knowing the entire situation.
While this is true, learning more about whiplash and the factors that impact the settlement you will receive can be helpful.
Whiplash Defined
The word “whiplash” is not an injury but the mechanism that causes an injury. It refers to the sudden flexion and extension action that occurs to your cervical spine. It is not a single issue that occurs because of a car accident, like a herniated disc or cervical strain.
Whiplash is defined (officially) as being a soft tissue injury in your neck. It is characterized by set symptoms that are seen after the damage to your neck, typically resulting from the sudden flexion and extension mentioned above.
Common Symptoms Associated with a Whiplash Injury
After being involved in a Florida car accident, the signs of whiplash may not be immediately evident. However, the signs of an injury will likely show up a few hours or days later. Some of the top signs of a whiplash accident include:
- Stiffness or pain in the upper back or neck
- Itching or burning sensation in your arms, shoulders, or neck
- Shoulder stiffness or pain
- Dizziness
- Headache
With more severe whiplash injuries, you may also experience things like fatigue, sleep disturbances, a loss of concentration, and memory loss.
What to Consider if You Believe You Have Whiplash after a Car Accident?
You must consult your doctor to receive treatment for the injuries you suffered. At this point, it is a good idea to create and keep an injury journal. Record information each day about what pains you are experiencing or any new impairments. Detail as many specific things as you can about your pain each day. Some questions to consider when writing in your pain journal include:
- Where do you feel the pain?
- What does the pain feel like?
- What did you do to help relieve the pain?
- Were there side effects from the medication you took for the pain?
- Did the injury impact your ability to work?
Proving Whiplash and Seeking Medical Treatment
Whiplash injuries are extremely common in car accident situations. Unfortunately, they are also problematic when filing an injury claim.
This is because, like any other injury to your soft tissues; they will not show up on MRIs, X-rays, or other types of diagnostic tests. Of course, this does not mean that a whiplash injury is not legitimate or less painful than other injuries you suffer in a car accident. However, it does mean that if you are experiencing any type of pain, discomfort, stiffness, limited movement, or other symptoms related to a neck injury, you should seek medical care right away.
Receiving timely medical treatment is essential for your injuries and important to your health and well-being. However, this is also essential for any type of injury-related insurance claim you file after being involved in a car accident.
Remember, insurance adjusters are not going to take your word for it when you say you have been injured and give you a check. Therefore, you must have your losses documented as much as you can. If you can produce medical bills and records that show the extent and type of medical treatment you have received after an accident, it can be a significant help in showing the legitimacy of your injuries and proving your damages.
How to Determine the Worth of Your Whiplash Case
In most whiplash cases, the damages you receive are usually less than for other car accident-related injuries. If you have been diagnosed with a neck sprain or strain, or whiplash, it is usually not considered a severe injury. In most cases, whiplash does not involve an injury to your intervertebral disks.
This means that your claim will not be a large one but knowing how to determine the general value of your case can be helpful.
Start with your economic, tangible damages. This includes things like medical bills and lost earnings. The next factor considered is the non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Again, this is something your attorney can help you with.
Hire an Attorney for Help with Your Whiplash Claim
If you are involved in a car accident, hiring an attorney to help with your case is a smart move. They can evaluate your situation and help determine what you should do to recover a fair amount of compensation. For example, if you believe you have suffered whiplash because of the accident, your attorney can help value your case and ensure you receive adequate compensation.
Do not wait to call for help. Our team at Fetterman & Associates. PA is here to help. Contact us today at 561-845-2510 for more information and to schedule a free consultation.
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