According to the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, almost three million Americans sustain whiplash injuries every year. In addition, 1.5 million Americans suffer from chronic pain due to whiplash injuries.
Most commonly, whiplash injuries are associated with car accidents. However, whiplash can also result from motorcycle accidents, slip and falls, trip and falls, and other incidents involving physical trauma.
Whiplash is generally associated with neck injuries. The injury is often a result of a forceful and rapid movement of the neck. Many of those who suffer from a whiplash injury get better with heating pads, rest, pain medication, chiropractic care, and physical therapy. However, others can suffer from long-lasting complications and sustain severe injuries that require surgical intervention.
Clients often believe that a “small” or “minor” whiplash injury from an accident is not a “big deal”, and everything will be okay. However, not surprisingly, many weeks and months later, that small and minor injury continues to get worse and cause extreme pain and discomfort. That’s why it’s important to properly document your injuries and seek appropriate medical care and treatment. Insurance companies love to argue that because you did not seek immediate medical care after an accident or injury, then you must not have been seriously injured. They love to use that “gotcha!” moment to undermine your claim.
Clearly, this is far from the truth, as insurance companies fail to realize, or simply ignore, that individuals have daily life, family and work responsibilities, and sometimes truly believe that their injuries will get better or heal over time. Not everyone runs to the emergency room or to a medical doctor after an accident. Nevertheless, insurance companies will use this against you to undermine your claim.
Ironically, when you do obtain treatment, the insurance companies will then claim that you obtained unnecessary treatment or “too much treatment.” As you can see, the insurance companies love to talk out of both sides of their mouth and will fight tooth and nail to discount your claim.
That’s why it’s important to hire an attorney to be your advocate and fight on your behalf against the excuses and arguments made by the at fault party and their insurance company to discount your claim, and the real, and painful injuries you have suffered.
Whiplash Symptoms
Regardless of the severity, whiplash symptoms should not be ignored. Signs and symptoms of whiplash can develop days or weeks after the injury. Common symptoms of whiplash, include:
· Neck pain and stiffness
· Dizziness
· Headaches
· Loss of range of motion in the neck
· Fatigue (difficulty sleeping)
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms after an accident, it is important to consult a medical professional to receive immediate treatment and document all of your injuries. Treatment for whiplash can be physically, mentally, and financially exhausting. Often, those who suffer from a whiplash injury are bedridden, have difficulty sleeping, are unable to engage in physical activities, or cannot go back to work due to the pain and discomfort in their back and neck.
Claiming Legal Compensation for Whiplash Claims
In addition to consulting a medical professional, it’s important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney like the Hariri Law Group. It is especially vital if your whiplash is the result of a motor vehicle accident. Every case of whiplash can vary in complexity, the most common whiplash settlements include compensation for:
· Pain and suffering
· Past and future medical bills and treatment
· Loss of income
· Emotional and mental distress
If you would like to discuss the information above with our experienced San Diego Personal Injury lawyers call us at (619) 363-2889 or email us at any time. Remember, the insurance company is NOT your friend and do NOT have your interests at heart. If you’ve been injured, call us and we’ll fight on your behalf to get you the compensation and justice you deserve!
The materials on this web site have been prepared by Hariri Law Group for informational purposes only and are not legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel. This information does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor shall it be considered an offer to represent you. Internet users, subscribers and readers should not act upon the information on this website, or decide not to act based upon the information on this website, without first seeking appropriate professional counsel from an attorney licensed in the user’s jurisdiction. This website may contain links to third-party websites or other content for informational purposes only. Hariri Law Group cannot control these third-party links or the content found therein. Hariri Law Group is not responsible for the content of any third-party website, and the inclusion of any links to such third-party websites does not constitute or imply any recommendation, approval or endorsement of such third-party websites.
