Many people have a misconception when it comes to whiplash injuries. Hollywood has consistently shown cases where victims of accidents appear to fake their whiplash injuries to receive compensation for a car accident. The truth is that car accidents can cause serious whiplash injuries that can last months, years, or even result in permanent physical injuries.
Whiplash injuries can leave victims suffering from pain, a loss of life enjoyment, and the inability to return to work and earn a living. If you have experienced a car accident that resulted in a whiplash injury, you have the right to seek compensation from the negligent party for your injuries and losses. Consider speaking with our legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 730-0233, and learn how a Mesa whiplash injury lawyer may be able to help you.
Dangers of Whiplash Injuries
While it is true that whiplash could remain a minor injury that heals within a few days or weeks, many victims of serious car accidents suffer from whiplash injuries that turn into chronic and persistent neck and back pain. In some horrific cases, whiplash injuries develop into permanent medical conditions that remain debilitating and create lifelong physical and psychological challenges.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes whiplash (officially known as Whiplash Associated Disorder) as a medical injury occurring when the soft tissue, tendons, muscles, and ligaments in the neck sprain or experience tears. Whiplash typically occurs due to a sudden snapping or sharp jerking movement, similar to what victims of serious car accidents experience.
For a free legal consultation with a whiplash injury lawyer serving Mesa, call (844) 730-0233
Learning the Typical Symptoms of Whiplash
First, every person who has been in a car accident should seek medical evaluation as soon as possible after a car accident. If you experienced a car accident and have not done so already, visit a medical professional for an examination to ensure your health remains a priority, and any unseen injuries receive medical examination and treatment. Many injuries, such as whiplash, are not immediately evident following a car accident.
Certain chemicals in the body, such as adrenaline or simply being in a state of shock, can mask certain serious symptoms of medical conditions. Therefore, even if you visited a medical professional, you should consistently consider whether any of these symptoms either appear or worsen following your accident as they could indicate whiplash.
- Neck, shoulder, jaw, or upper back pain
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Headaches
- Impaired vision or blurry vision
- Development of a limited range of motion in the upper back area, including the neck, shoulder, or jaw
- Muscle spasms
- Tenderness or stiffness
- Ear ringing
- Personality changes, including mood swings
- Overall pain in the upper back, neck, shoulder, or jaw area
- Dizziness
- Foggy thinking or challenges with concentrating
- Vomiting
Some victims that develop whiplash will also have other injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or concussions. As a result, some of the symptoms listed above could actually be the result of even more serious medical conditions that could result in death if the victim does not receive a medical evaluation.
If you believe you have suffered an injury following a car accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, consider calling the legal team today for a free consultation. Learn how a Mesa whiplash injury lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help you seek justice and financial awards for your accident-related injuries and losses.
Mesa Whiplash Injury Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
How Long Whiplash Injuries Last
Every person will have unique facts and circumstances related to their car accident and whiplash injuries. Some whiplash injuries are more severe than others. After you receive diagnostic testing and a full medical evaluation, you will know exactly how serious your whiplash injury is and how long it may last. It is important to note that the earlier you seek medical treatment, the better your medical chances are to ensure proper treatment and healing.
Whiplash injuries may require rest, surgery, medical treatments, prescription medications, physical therapy, and even psychological counseling, as you may not have the ability to perform the same daily tasks as you used to do easily.
Additionally, you may lose income due to your injuries preventing you from returning to work. If you receive a whiplash diagnosis, make sure you always follow the doctor’s treatment schedule and plan. This will help you prove to an insurance company that your accident-related injuries persist, even after following your medical provider’s advice.
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Insurance Companies and Whiplash Injury Victims
Insurance companies seldom pay out a large settlement offer if they can avoid it. In many instances, they will utilize manipulative and unscrupulous tactics against a victim of a car accident to avoid paying full settlements that a victim deserves under the law. If you make the decision to negotiate on your behalf with an insurance company, remember the following:
- Insurance companies may attempt to record your conversations to use what you say against you later to offer low settlements.
- Insurance companies may attempt to request your full medical history to locate pre-existing medical conditions that could explain your current injuries.
- Insurance companies will use stall-and-delay tactics to not only frustrate a victim of a car accident but also intentionally attempt to prevent a victim from filing a legal action within the statute of limitations deadlines required under the law.
- Insurance companies will often send out a check, hoping the victim will cash it, and therefore, end the entire negotiations process completely.
If you choose to take legal action in your Mesa whiplash injury, keep in mind that you generally have two years to file your lawsuit, per Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 12-551. If the deadline expires, you likely will not be able to pursue your case or financial recovery. An attorney can make sure your lawsuit is in before the deadline passes.
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Learn How a Mesa Whiplash Injury Lawyer Can Help
A Mesa whiplash injury lawyer with Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help you understand your legal rights and answer the questions you have. They can also help you determine if an insurance company’s settlement offer adequately covers your injuries and losses, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if negotiations do not result in a fair settlement. Call (844) 730-0233 today to schedule a free consultation with a team member.
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