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The Macon Car Accident Lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC Represent Victims of Whiplash Injuries

What Are Symptoms of Whiplash After a Car Accident?

Whiplash is one of the most common types of injuries that can occur in a car accident. While whiplash is not generally a life-threatening injury, it can cause chronic pain and other symptoms if it is not properly treated. Oftentimes, however, whiplash symptoms may not appear right away, so people do not seek treatment or even realize that they have an injury until the pain has progressed. By that time, the whiplash injury can become more complicated, which is why it is so important to seek immediate medical attention for even a minor car accident injury. If you are aware of the common whiplash symptoms, you are more likely to seek the treatment necessary to address the injury and prevent chronic pain and other complications. An experienced car accident lawyer will assist you with the claims process and help you recover the damages you are entitled to for your injuries.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury to the neck that occurs when the head snaps forward and backward in a forceful manner. It is often caused by rear-end car accidents, where the force of impact causes the head to suddenly snap back and forth, like the cracking of a whip. It is generally not a serious or life-threatening injury, but it can lead to chronic pain, limited range of motion, and a range of other symptoms if left untreated. If you were involved in a car accident and you experienced any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from a whiplash injury, in which case you should seek immediate medical attention:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Increased pain with neck movement
  • Reduced range of motions in the neck area
  • Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms
  • Headaches that start at the base of the skull
  • Fatigue
  • Tingling or numbness in the arms
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Insomnia
  • Mood changes
  • Memory problems
  • Difficulty concentrating

What Are the Treatment Options for Whiplash?

A doctor can diagnose whiplash during a physical examination to determine how well your neck moves in different directions, your range of motion, and if you are experiencing significant pain and discomfort. In some cases, they may order an

X-ray of your neck to rule out a bone fracture or dislocation. Once they have diagnosed your whiplash injury, there are a number of treatment options that your doctor may recommend, including:

  • Ice the area during the first 24 hours after the accident.
  • Take over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen to relieve pain and swelling.
  • Try to stay active and continue normal activities. However, physical activity that involves the affected area should be avoided.
  • Attend physical therapy to regain movement and improve range of motion in your neck. Physical therapists may incorporate gentle exercises, manipulation, and massage to treat the injury.

What Steps Should I Take if I Suffered a Whiplash Injury?

If you were involved in a car accident and suffered a whiplash injury, there are steps you should take to ensure that you receive the medical care necessary and that you recover the financial compensation you deserve.

  • Call 911 to report the accident and ask dispatch to send an ambulance to the scene.
  • Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, the position of the other vehicle, skid marks on the road, and any other pictures that could help prove that the other motorist caused the accident.
  • Seek immediate medical attention. Even if the injury does not seem serious, if you fail to get medical attention for your whiplash injury, it could progress and become more serious. In addition, the insurance company will argue that the injury must not be very serious if you do not find it necessary to be examined by a healthcare professional. This could have a negative impact on your claim.
  • If there were witnesses who saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and ask for their contact information.
  • Notify your insurance company that you were injured in a car accident. Keep in mind, however, that your insurance company will resort to a range of tactics to avoid paying a large settlement. Do not say anything that could be interpreted as an apology, as this may be used against you, and your insurance company may offer a lowball settlement.
  • Contact an experienced car accident lawyer who will review the details of your case, protect your legal rights, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve.

What Damages Am I Entitled to for a Whiplash Injury?

There are costs associated with any type of injury, but if the car accident was the other driver’s fault, you are entitled to financial compensation. Since whiplash injuries are often caused by rear-ending accidents, the driver who did the rear-ending is generally considered at fault. A successful personal injury claim will ensure that you recover the following damages:

  • All medical expenses associated with your injury
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

In order to recover the compensation that you are entitled to, you must file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires. In Georgia, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This may seem like a long time, but the process of negotiating the outcome of a successful claim can take time. In addition, if you miss the filing deadline, your claims will likely be denied and you will be unable to recover any damages. A dedicated car accident lawyer will assist you with the claims process and ensure that your claim is filed before the deadline passes.

The Macon Car Accident Lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC Represent Victims of Whiplash Injuries

If you suffered a whiplash injury after being involved in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact the Macon car accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC. Our dedicated legal team will help you navigate every step of the claims process, determine who is responsible for causing the accident, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 478-254-2007 or fill out our online form. Located in Macon, Georgia, we serve clients in Savannah, Albany, Atlanta, Bibb County, Chatham County, Columbus, Crawford County, Oglethorpe, and Peach County.

The Help You Need Can Be Found at Childers & McCain

Facing the aftermath of a serious accident can be overwhelming. Before you speak with the insurance companies, make sure you schedule a free consultation with the Macon personal injury lawyers at Childers & McCain. We can protect your rights while anticipating the insurance company’s tactics to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve. You don’t have to navigate this tough road alone – let our team of professionals help you move forward.

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