Whiplash is a very common neck injury that happens in car accidents. The Mayo Clinic explains that whiplash is due to a forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, and gets its name due to the similarity of the motion with cracking a whip. Your neck however is not made of flexible rubber, and when you experience whiplash serious injury that leads to substantial medical costs may occur.
While many individuals who experience whiplash may recover in a few weeks after a treatment plan that includes pain medication and exercise, others will experience chronic neck-pain and long-term complications. The best way to ensure that you receive the full compensation to cover the costs associated with your whiplash injury is by working with an Omaha car accident lawyer on your claim.
Seek Medical Attention After Your Car Accident Even if You Feel Fine
Being in a car accident causes your body to release adrenaline, and the excitement of it all can lead to you not noticing injuries such as whiplash. When you do not notice injuries immediately after the accident, they can worsen over time. Whiplash can take days for the symptoms to emerge, so it is important to seek out medical attention as soon as possible after your accident, even if you feel fine.
Whiplash is a Painful Injury That Can Limit Motion
Whiplash is a painful injury that can be difficult to take your mind off of.
Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- A decrease in your range of motion
- Pain when moving the neck or head
- Tightness or tenderness in the neck
- Headaches, particularly ones that begin at the base of the skull and radiate upwards toward your forehead
Some persons who have experienced whiplash will exhibit more serious symptoms, including:
- Ringing in the ears
- Difficulty sleeping
- Memory issues
- Depression and other mood changes
- Blurry vision
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
Compensation Covers Short- and Long-Term Medical Expenses and Lost Earnings
The symptoms of whiplash can lead to ongoing pain and issues with mobility. When your injuries from a car accident lead to ongoing medical bills and impact your health, you could be entitled to compensation. Compensation includes coverage for both medical bills, and any impact your injuries have upon your ability to work and support your family.
The purpose of seeking compensation for your whiplash injury is to “be made whole”, a legal term that means to put you in as close a financial position as possible as though the accident hadn’t happened. This means covering all short-term medical bills, long-term treatment needs, as well as any lost wages, and earnings potential if your injuries impact your ability to work.
Connect with an Omaha Car Accident Lawyer to Discuss Options
Your Omaha car accident lawyer will help you schedule follow-up appointments with medical experts to help diagnose what is happening with your spine. Whiplash injuries can be serious, and we are here to help. Schedule a consultation with Knowles Law Firm