Whiplash is a serious soft tissue injury that can result in severe pain and long-term disability for some people. While common in motor vehicle accidents, this injury can occur in several ways. Like with any injury, you could receive financial compensation if another person’s negligence caused your whiplash. Unfortunately, these claims can become challenging to prove due to the nature of the injury.
Because it is a soft tissue injury, X-rays and other diagnostic tests might not show any physical damage. However, that does not mean your injury isn’t real. Despite the challenges that come with diagnosing or proving the injury, a Miami whiplash accident lawyer could help you secure financial compensation. To learn more about your injury claim, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (844) 730-0233 for a free case review with a team member.
Understanding Whiplash
Whiplash earned its name from the whip-like movement of the head and neck that occurs when a sudden impact causes the head to accelerate forward before snapping back the opposite direction. This whip-like motion can cause the soft tissue in the neck to strain and tear. In extreme cases, whiplash can result in broken bones in the neck.
Car accidents are the primary cause of whiplash. Although any motor vehicle crash could lead to a whiplash injury, it most frequently occurs in rear-end collisions. According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash also results from sports injuries, physical abuse, and other forms of trauma to the head and neck.
When it comes to sports injuries, whiplash is more common in full-contact athletic competitions, including football and combat sports.
For a free legal consultation with a whiplash injury lawyer serving Miami, call (844) 730-0233
Diagnosing and Treating Your Whiplash Injury
Diagnosing whiplash is more complicated than other acute injuries like a broken bone or laceration. While many injuries are visible to the naked eye or detectable through an X-ray, whiplash lacks the same type of visual cues. Some diagnostic exams can identify whiplash, such as an MRI, but even these are not foolproof. Instead, medical professionals must watch for an array of symptoms to diagnose this condition.
Like with most soft tissue injuries, whiplash frequently results in pain and muscle stiffness. Many people injured in an accident find it difficult to rotate the head and neck without severe pain. In some cases, a victim could lose most of the range of motion with the head. The pain and stiffness are not limited to the neck, either. They can spread down to the shoulders, upper back, and even the upper arms.
Whiplash can also cause uncommon symptoms that include:
- Blurred vision
- Tingling or numbness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
In many cases, whiplash symptoms clear up on their own. Many injury victims need little more than time and rest to recover from the stiffness and pain that come with these injuries. Others face additional complications from a whiplash injury that require significant medical intervention. These individuals could experience pain or other effects for months or even years following the accident’s date.
For some, the pain can slowly spread over time from the neck to the back and shoulders. Others could ultimately require surgery and physical therapy to treat these symptoms. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), other treatment options include antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or a cervical collar.
Miami Whiplash Injury Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Taking Legal Action
If you suffered a whiplash injury in a car accident, remember that Florida is a no-fault state. You will first submit a claim against your personal injury protection (PIP) policy. However, if your expenses exceed your coverage limits or you suffer significant and permanent injury, Florida Statutes § 627.737 gives you the right to pursue legal action. If successful, you could recover financial compensation for your whiplash injuries.
A Miami whiplash accident lawyer can explain how Florida’s no-fault accident law affects your case and assist you with every aspect of your injury claim. This process typically starts with a thorough evaluation of your case and the severity of your injuries. An attorney can evaluate your chances of success and review your medical records and other losses to estimate your potential recovery.
Settlement or Trial
Many whiplash injury claims result in a financial settlement. A car accident lawyer can negotiate with the at-fault party or their insurance company to obtain a fair compensation offer. While settlements are typical, some cases might require a lawsuit to resolve. An attorney can lead the way during litigation as well. From filing your lawsuit to conducting discovery, they can take the steps necessary to bring your case to trial.
Whiplash injury trials can become complicated due to the nature of these injuries. Unlike broken bones or other apparent injuries, you must demonstrate to a jury that whiplash has occurred. The defense frequently suggests that the victim has exaggerated or even fabricated their injuries, making it vital that you understand how to establish that your injuries exist.
At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, our Miami whiplash accident lawyers have litigated hundreds of car accident cases. Our team understands the challenges in a whiplash case and can help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
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You May Be Entitled to Compensation for Your Whiplash Injury
From medical expenses to lost wages, you could receive substantial compensation for a successful whiplash injury claim. These damages are only possible if you pursue an injury claim in a timely manner. Florida Statutes § 95.11 establishes a four-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. The longer you wait, the more likely evidence will disappear, and memories will fade, making it more difficult to pursue your case.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (844) 730-0233 for your free case review with a team member. We can explain how a Miami whiplash accident lawyer could help you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
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