The injuries inflicted by a car crash can be worse than one might expect, even in low-impact collisions. The most common injuries suffered in a car accident are whiplash and neck injuries. If you have had whiplash in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you could make a compensation claim.
It is important to seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney who has experience of winning compensation claims for victims with severe injuries. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our lawyers will take your case on a contingency basis, which means we’ll advance the cost of pursuing your claim while we’re working hard on your behalf.
We’ll only get paid if and when you receive a settlement or award, so it doesn’t cost you anything to contact us and find out whether we can help. Call us (470) 323-8779 to request your complimentary consultation or reach us online.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a common injury caused by automobile accidents. It occurs when the head is thrown forward and then backward suddenly, causing a strain on the soft tissue and ligaments in the neck. The pain from whiplash can be mild, but damage can also be done to the neck, leading to more severe conditions such as herniated discs and even spinal cord injuries.
The best way to reduce your risk of whiplash in an auto accident is to use a headrest. That’s why every car has them installed. Unfortunately, many people don’t adjust them correctly or use them at all. As a result, in the event of a car accident, the driver and passengers can suffer severe injuries.
Grades of Whiplash Injuries
There are 4 grades of whiplash injury:
- Grade 1: Mild strain or sprain in the neck muscles. This is the most common type of whiplash.
- Grade 2: Moderate strain or sprain in the neck muscles and soft tissues.
- Grade 3: Severe muscle and ligament strain or sprain. The victim may experience more significant pain with movement, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
- Grade 4: Severe muscle and ligament strain or sprain, with vertebrae fracture in the neck. This is the least common type of whiplash injury.
Symptoms of Whiplash
Signs of whiplash usually develop within days of the injury, but it sometimes takes weeks for symptoms to appear. Common symptoms include:
- neck pain and stiffness
- headache
- pain in the shoulder or between the shoulder blades
- pain in the upper back or arms
- dizziness or blurred vision
- ringing in the ears
- loss of range of motion in the neck
- fatigue
If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If whiplash is untreated, it may lead to chronic pain. If you have questions about your legal options to recover compensation for your injuries, our experienced injury lawyer can advise you on your best course of action.
How is Whiplash Treated?
Treatment for whiplash can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the person’s general health. The decision about which treatment is best for you will be decided by your doctor. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be used. Common treatments include:
- resting your neck and avoiding activities that make your pain worse
- icing your neck to relieve pain
- taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
- physical therapy exercises to improve range of motion and strength in your neck
- wearing a soft collar around your neck for short periods to restrict movement
Compensation Available for Whiplash Injuries in Atlanta Accidents
Because whiplash claims are primarily soft tissue wounds, it can be challenging to prove the full extent of your injuries to insurance companies. The best way to get fair compensation for your whiplash injury is by working with our attorneys at the CEO Lawyer. You might be eligible for compensation for the following:
- Medical bills
- Car repairs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Property damage costs
It’s impossible to predict compensation for whiplash injuries as no two accidents are alike. But any delay in getting medical attention can make it harder for your attorney to help prove the injuries resulted from an auto accident. So ensure that you seek immediate medical help after your accident.
How Will Injury and Accident Attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Help?
Our Atlanta auto accident lawyers will investigate your car wreck thoroughly to determine whether liability lies with another driver. If so, we will pursue compensation on your behalf. We will review your medical records and speak with your doctor to fully understand the extent of your injuries and recovery time. Our attorneys will also consult with experts who can help them determine how much compensation you should be seeking in a whiplash injury claim. We’ll look into the following factors to determine your compensation:
- The severity of the injury: How much damage did the accident cause? Are there any lasting symptoms that might continue to affect you after the accident?
- The impact on your life: Have you been forced to miss work or incur medical bills because of your injuries? Do you have a physical disability due to the accident? Do you need medical treatment for long-term recovery?
- The future impact: Will your whiplash injuries prevent you from working in the future? Will you require lifelong medical care?
- What caused the accident: Was a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol? Was another driver texting or otherwise driving recklessly? Were all traffic laws followed?
Schedule a Consultation with the CEO Lawyer Today
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your whiplash injury, we understand that this type of injury can have a long-lasting effect on your life. Even if you can recover from your injuries after a few weeks, you may still experience chronic pain or limited mobility due to the accident. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our attorneys are committed to ensuring that our clients receive the compensation they deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (470) 323-8779 or simply fill out this online contact form.