Many people — and insurers — try to shrug off whiplash claims as a minor aggravation, but these injuries of the neck and upper spine can be serious and chronic. Just because they affect the soft tissue and do not show up on X-rays or other types of imaging scans does not mean they are not a major cause of pain and disability after a rear-end collision, or other type of car accident.
If you suffered a whiplash injury in a car crash in or around Hilliard, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim against the at-fault driver to collect compensation. While these cases are difficult, Bressman Law has helped many clients recover compensation for whiplash pain in Central Ohio. Call us today at (614) 538-1116 for a free case review with a whiplash accident lawyer in Hilliard.
Why Is It Important to See a Doctor After an Accident?
How your doctor treats and diagnoses your car accident injuries is key to the success of any insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit after a Hilliard crash. You should see a doctor for evaluation as soon as possible after any accident, even minor fender benders when you do not believe you suffered any injuries. Whiplash pain can take hours or days to appear; if you wait days or even a week to go to the doctor, it can be difficult to link your pain to your accident.
If you have any pain or sign of an injury at the scene, we recommend calling paramedics and allowing them to transfer you to the hospital for evaluation.
Getting prompt medical treatment ensures doctors recognize and diagnose any serious medical condition quickly. It also provides the easiest and most efficient way to tie your injuries to the crash, a central part of winning an auto accident claim. If you see a doctor immediately, it is one less excuse the at-fault driver’s insurance company can attempt to use to deny you compensation for your damages.
This type of full evaluation by a doctor is key in getting whiplash diagnosed immediately, as well. It is unlikely you will have conclusive whiplash symptoms at the scene, but your doctor should be able to spot these symptoms and offer a tentative diagnosis within a few hours of an accident.
For a free legal consultation with a whiplash injury attorney in Hilliard, call (614) 538-1116
What Is the General Treatment for Whiplash?
In general, the best thing to do when suffering from whiplash is to be patient. Most people suffer only mild injuries that heal on their own in a few weeks. Your doctor will likely recommend alternating ice and heat, taking over-the-counter pain medication, and resting.
You may miss a few days to a few weeks of work, but the pain will eventually fade, and your full range of motion should come back. While this conservative treatment might seem like no big deal, a few weeks off work can put a family in dire financial straits.
And occasionally, car accident victims have a more serious case of whiplash and require more intense treatment to stop their pain and fully recover their range of motion. This type of moderate or serious neck injury can take one to three months to heal. You can expect treatment to include:
- Prescription painkillers
- Muscle relaxing drugs
- Physical therapy
This treatment can quickly add up to thousands of dollars.
In some cases, even after undergoing treatment, accident victims must contend with whiplash symptoms for the rest of their lives. The sufferer might have problems concentrating, sleeping, or even standing. Depending on their line of work, sufferers might have to change careers, accept a lesser-paying job, or even retire completely.
Hilliard Whiplash Injury Attorney (614) 538-1116
Can I File a Claim for Compensation Based on My Hilliard Whiplash Injuries?
People tend to think there is no sense in filing an insurance claim based on their whiplash injuries, because they do not recognize the full value of the damages they suffered. However, your losses may include:
- Property damage to your vehicle
- A rental car while yours is getting repairs
- Visits to your doctors
- Lost wages from time you missed at work
- Pain management and other prescription medications
- Physical therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
If you opt not to file a claim, you could miss out on thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.
If another motorist caused your Hilliard whiplash accident, we can help you hold him accountable for his careless or reckless behavior. We know how difficult it can be to prove a whiplash claim, but we have the experience and skill necessary to gather evidence and present a strong case on your behalf. We can document your soft tissue injuries in a way that makes it difficult to ignore that you suffered an injury and deserve a payout.
If the insurance company attempts to deny your claim or refuses to fully compensate you for your injuries and losses, we can take it to court and ask a judge or jury to give you the money you need to pay your medical bills and other damages.
Click to contact our Hilliard Car Accident Lawyers today
How Can I Discuss My Case with a Whiplash Accident Lawyer Near Me?
At Bressman Law, our firm treats every client like a family member. We understand you suffered a painful and debilitating injury, and want to ensure you get the money you deserve. Call us today at (614) 538-1116 to schedule your complimentary case evaluation, and to get started on your financial recovery.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
