Whiplash is a soft tissue injury, which makes it difficult to diagnose. It does not always show up on medical imaging scans, so many insurance companies will attempt to deny a claim based on whiplash. Many victims who suffer this injury after a car crash turn to whiplash accident lawyers in Upper Arlington for help. At Bressman Law, we may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
When another motorist causes a car accident, you have right to file an insurance claim against them or pursue litigation through a personal injury lawsuit. Bressman Law can help you understand your options and handle your case. Call our Central Ohio office at (614) 538-1116 for a complimentary case review.
Understanding Your Damages After a Whiplash Injury
When the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck, shoulders, and upper back stretch beyond their typical range of motion, you may experience severe pain for several weeks. Occasionally, it can take months or even years to fully recover. Sometimes, people who suffer a whiplash injury can develop a chronic pain condition that calls for long-term prescription pain management. In addition, you likely have a wrecked car and other property damage.
Some of the damages you may suffer after a whiplash accident include:
- Doctor’s visits;
- The cost of medical imaging scans;
- Physical therapy costs;
- Painkillers, muscle relaxers, and other prescription medication;
- Lost wages, if your pain impacted your ability to work;
- Property damage to your vehicle;
- Rental car costs; and
- Pain and suffering.
If another driver caused your accident, we can help you hold them financially responsible for your damages. Proving a whiplash claim is notoriously difficult, but we can help you document your soft tissue injuries and build a solid case in favor of a full payout. We will first pursue an insurance claim, presenting your case to the other motorist’s auto insurance company.
We will ask for a fair settlement based on the value of your damages. Usually, we can settle these cases through negotiations with the insurer. Only if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair payout will we need to file a lawsuit and take your case to court.
For a free legal consultation with a whiplash injury attorney in Upper Arlington, call (614) 538-1116
Getting Medical Attention for Your Whiplash Injury
The first signs of whiplash usually include neck, shoulder, and upper back pain, along with a limited range of motion. Sometimes headaches also occur. Unfortunately, this type of pain often takes several days to develop and many people are not aware of their injuries immediately following a crash. This complicates the process of getting compensation for your injuries.
We recommend seeing a doctor immediately following any accident to rule out serious injuries. Often, your doctor will be able to spot the early signs of whiplash before your symptoms develop. This can be key in getting the full payout you deserve.
Getting a whiplash diagnosis as soon as possible can also help you by ruling out other serious injuries that share the same symptoms. This can include traumatic brain injuries and more serious spinal injuries.
Upper Arlington Whiplash Injury Attorney (614) 538-1116
Why Is Seeing a Doctor Quickly so Important in a Whiplash Injury Case?
Because whiplash does not show up on imaging scans or other tests we can use as medical evidence, your case will hinge on your doctor’s opinion of your injuries, the steps they took to diagnose you, and what they note in your medical records. Your care—and how quickly you received it after a crash—will play a key role in the success or failure of any insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit we file.
Even if you are in what seems like a minor rear-end collision, we encourage you to see a doctor the same day as the crash. If you have a headache, neck pain, or any other symptoms of injuries at the scene, it pays to ask for an ambulance. The emergency medical technicians can ensure your neck is stable and transport you to the nearest emergency department for triage and treatment.
This also links your injuries to the crash in a way that the insurance company cannot challenge. This eliminates one of the most common hurdles we face in proving this type of claim.
Begin treatment right away. You should continue seeing your doctor and following their advice until your recovery is complete. This reduces the pain and discomfort you experience, gives you the best chance at a full recovery, and shows the insurance company you are suffering from a very real and painful injury.
Click to contact our Upper Arlington Car Accident Lawyers today
Painkillers, Physical Therapy, and Other Whiplash Treatments
Generally, whiplash symptoms go away on their own after a few weeks. Most people do not require anything more than over-the-counter pain relievers, alternating ice packs and a heating pad, and rest. You may miss a week or more of work, depending on the severity of your injury and how long it takes for the swelling and inflammation to fade. Most people recover their full range of motion within a month of their crash, although it may take longer for you.
Some car accident victims suffer more severe injuries to the soft tissues of their neck and upper back. In moderate and serious cases of whiplash, intensive treatment may be necessary to relieve your pain and help you recover your previous range of motion. This may include:
- Prescription pain relief;
- Prescription muscle relaxers; and
- Physical therapy.
In rare cases, whiplash can develop into a chronic injury, causing recurring headaches and ongoing pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. If your doctor can document that your pain requires long-term use of prescription painkillers and prevents you from returning to your previous job or work schedule, we can request compensation for your ongoing care costs and future lost wages in our insurance claim or lawsuit.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
How Can I Discuss my Case With a Whiplash Accident Lawyer?
At Bressman Law, we offer boutique-level legal services for car accident victims. We understand how painful and debilitating whiplash can be and will fight for the full payout you deserve based on your damages. Call us at (614) 538-1116 today for a complimentary case review.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
