Important Things to Know Before Filing a Claim for Whiplash
Car accidents are not uncommon in Las Vegas. In fact, they happen often, which may be considered, by some standards, to be of alarming regularity. This unfortunate occurrence is usually caused by negligent or reckless behavior by some drivers.
In these car accidents, even a seemingly minor crash can leave catastrophic effects. Take the case of whiplash.
Would you believe one can suffer from whiplash even with minimal collision force? But here’s the danger. This type of injury is so serious that it has the potential of jeopardizing overall health and well-being.
Did you know whiplash is one of the most common injuries related to car accidents in the U.S.? As a result, there are a lot of people seeking a claim for compensation on account of this injury before the courts.
So what is whiplash? What are its symptoms, and how does one get it? In this article, we will understand more about the injury and its impact on overall health. We will also discuss the manner of seeking compensation for damages on account of this injury.
What Is Whiplash?
If you rode a vehicle that was bumped from the back, chances are you’ll get whiplash. This type of injury normally arises as a result of the forceful jerking of the head in a backward and forward motion due to the impact of the collision. As a result of the violent head movement, this may cause neck sprain and strain.
In addition to the injured neck muscles, whiplash may also involve ruptured ligaments, damaged discs, and fractures to the vertebrae. In severe cases, whiplash may lead to permanent nerve damage.
Did you know over 800,000 people suffer from whiplash every year in the U.S.? This figure accounts for about a third of all injury-related insurance claims.
The common symptoms of whiplash include the following:
—neck pain, stiffness, and restricted range of movement
—limited movement for the head and arms
—recurring headaches, dizziness, or fatigue
—tingling sensation in the arms and hands
—chronic pain in the shoulders, back, and arms
Not all symptoms may appear right after the car accident. There are reportedly cases where the symptoms emerge a week or two after the crash. These delayed symptoms may include the following:
—blurred vision
—memory or concentration problems
—mood disorder
—ringing of the ears
—anxiety or depression
—sleep problems
Filing Legal Action for Compensation
If you have been injured as a result of a negligent or reckless driving act of another person, you have the right to pursue a claim for compensation of damages. For purposes of filing a legal action, you will need to secure the following:
—police report, detailing the circumstances of the car accident
—medical certificate or record that documents your injuries
—other supporting documents like statements from the attending physician
You may also need to secure other records of your medical care as it relates to the following:
—emergency room and hospital admission
—doctor’s records on the symptoms and nature of the injury
—diagnostic testing
—treatment report or recommendation
—prognosis for recovery
—discharge instructions
—hospital or medical billing
—receipts on prescription and over-the-counter medications
Get in Touch with Our Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney
Have you or a loved one suffered a whiplash injury as a result of the fault or negligence of another driver? Reach out to our highly experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyer. Contact Dan Lovell of Empire Law Group.
