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What Is the Significance of Whiplash?

| Oct 31, 2016 | Car Accidents, Personal Injury

Whiplash is commonly suffered in rear-end car accidents and the term refers to neck injuries that occur from the sudden jerking of a victim’s head back and forth. Unlike with broken bones or fractures, the soft tissue injuries associated with whiplash may not be immediately visible or apparent. Victims may put off seeking medical treatment thinking that they are uninjured or just sore. However, if left untreated, injuries can become increasingly severe and can come to affect a person’s basic quality of life. Understanding the significance of whiplash begins with knowing the symptoms. Symptoms of whiplash can include:

  • Migraines which begin at the base of the skull
  • Excessive fatigue or tiredness
  • Unexplained dizziness or nausea
  • Limited motion and stiffness around the neck and shoulders
  • General pain and soreness around the neck and head
  • Problems with concentration or memory
  • Numbness in the arms

A common misunderstanding concerning whiplash is that it only occurs at high speeds or in especially hard collisions. In reality, whiplash can occur at slow speeds and with low impacts. Speed is simply one of many factors which can lead to the injury. Factors including a person’s height, position in the car, the position of the driver’s seat, and their position at the time of impact can all influence the severity of whiplash. Additionally, the term “soft tissue injury” may lead victims to underestimate the seriousness of their injury.

Seeking Medical Treatment

If you have been involved in a car crash or accident, it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose your injuries and recommend treatment. Seeking medical treatment early can be among the best steps you can take in supporting a claim for compensation. When investigating an accident, an insurance adjuster will examine the events of your accident under a microscope looking for any possible discrepancies between your story and your injuries. Failure to see a doctor in a timely manner may be used as evidence that your injuries are not truly as severe as you have indicated.

Avoid Saying “I Have Whiplash”

When going through the insurance claims process, avoid using the term whiplash. While the injury itself is very real, it can be a blanket term describing a range of neck and lower head injuries. Insurance companies have become wary of the term and may argue that its use constitutes a misrepresentation of your injuries. This is critical as in a personal injury claim, the compensation available to you will largely depend on your ability to accurately communicate the nature of your injuries and how they have affected you.

Compensation for Victims of Whiplash

You do not have to provide an official statement without first consulting with an attorney. The claims process can be tremendously complex and full of potential pitfalls that the average person may not be aware of. Securing legal advocacy as soon as possible can make a vital difference in the success of your case. If you have been in an accident and believe that you have suffered whiplash, do not waste any time in contacting Williams DeClark Tuschman Co., L.P.A. Our Toledo personal injury attorneys have substantial experience helping victims of car accidents to receive the compensation that they deserve. When your health is on the line, call us and put more than 50 years of combined legal experience to work for you. Questions about your accident? Call (419) 719-5195 and discuss your case with an attorney during a FREE case evaluation.

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