According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is a serious injury that can result from car accidents and cause a lifetime of debilitating pain and suffering. In some cases, it can completely devastate a victim’s life, leaving them with a lifetime of medical bills, physical therapy, and an inability to return to work. In other cases, whiplash victims suffer injuries that need surgery or ongoing medical treatments or therapy.
If you have suffered whiplash following a car accident in Florida, consider speaking with the legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 730-0233 to help you understand how a Fort Lauderdale whiplash accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights. We can answer your questions and help you review possible legal recourse for your situation.
Whiplash Injuries
In some cases, whiplash injuries remain minor, and rest and over-the-counter pain medications will heal the injury over several days or weeks. However, when car accidents occur, and large vehicles collide at high rates of speed, the head continues to move forward while the rest of the victim’s body remains in the same place. The weak point of the neck then receives a jerking motion and can result in Whiplash Associated Disorder, also known as whiplash. The ligaments, tendons, and muscles throughout the neck suffer tears and sprains during this violent movement, leading to serious injuries and pain.
For a free legal consultation with a whiplash injury lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale, call (844) 730-0233
Symptoms of Whiplash
The National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) indicates the symptoms whiplash may include:
- Neck pain, neck stiffness
- Paresthesias (burning/prickling)
- Muscle and ligament pain
- Headache
- Ear ringing
- Muscle spasms
- Impaired vision
- Jaw pain
- Fatigue
- Tenderness, stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Dizziness
- VomitingShoulder pain
- Back pain
In certain circumstances, whiplash injuries could also cause a victim to have somatic, psychological issues, including memory loss, cognitive impairment, difficulty with concentration, or behavioral changes, such as irritability or nervousness.
In many cases, because of stress, shock, or other more serious injuries present, car accident victims might not notice they suffered whiplash, as they do not develop whiplash symptoms until hours or days following the car accident. It is critical to mention that if you develop any additional symptoms after you received a medical evaluation, or if any of your symptoms worsen, you should immediately revisit a medical provider to ensure you receive proper medical attention and care.
Fort Lauderdale Whiplash Injury Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Treatments for Whiplash
You should always first visit your medical provider or health care professional to determine the best medical course of action for your whiplash injuries. In many cases, a doctor will order certain diagnostic tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to determine how severe your injuries are and whether or not you have any additional injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Some of the treatments available for whiplash, depending on the severity of the condition, include the following:
- Rest
- Pain medications (over-the-counter or prescription)
- Antidepressants
- Muscle relaxants
- Neck brace
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic therapy
- Cervical traction
- Heat
If you continue to experience serious pain and suffering from your whiplash injury, always consult your medical professional to attempt to find ways to heal and address your whiplash injuries.
Click to contact our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyers today
Duration of Whiplash
The good news is that most victims who suffer whiplash typically have their pain and suffering and symptoms resolve within three months, according to tNINDS.
However, some car accident victims suffer debilitating and painful symptoms of whiplash for years following a car accident or for the rest of their lives. As a result, these victims cannot return to work, resulting in lost wages along with their pain and suffering.
If a victim continues to suffer from lifelong and permanent whiplash symptoms, they may seek advice and information from the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) and the National Headache Foundation. If you have suffered injuries and losses from a car accident, including whiplash injuries, consider how a Fort Lauderdale whiplash accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can work with you to receive the justice you deserve.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Insurance Companies and Whiplash Claims
Many insurance companies will attempt devious and manipulative tactics to pay whiplash victims less than they deserve after their car accident. Consider the following if you decide to negotiate with an insurance company for your settlement following your car accident:
- Do not consent to have your voice recorded during a conversation.
- Do not allow an insurance company to access your complete medical file and history.
- Never engage in small talk with insurance company representatives. (If you mention you feel “fine,” they may use this as evidence that your whiplash injury is not truly debilitating or painful.)
- Never accept the first settlement offer, as it is typically unfair and unjust and likely will not cover your injuries and losses.
- Never cash a check from an insurance company until you agree that it will be the only settlement amount you receive, no matter what an insurance representative tells you.
- Never post anything about your car accident or your injuries on social media, as an insurance company may use the information obtained on the internet against you and offer you a lower settlement amount.
Consider How a Fort Lauderdale Whiplash Accident Lawyer Could Help You
If you suffered whiplash in a car accident, you might have other injuries and losses as well. Along with astronomical medical bills, you may have lost wages due to an inability to return to work, property damage, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of life enjoyment.
The legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help you understand how a Fort Lauderdale whiplash accident lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your whiplash injuries. Call us today at (844) 730-0233 to schedule your free case evaluation.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
