Whiplash Can Have Lifelong Effects
The most common type of spinal injury sustained in an accident is called a whiplash injury. Suffering a whiplash injury after an accident can be a very serious medical condition despite what some people or insurance adjusters might believe. If you are experiencing symptoms of whiplash after an accident, working with an experienced Colorado Springs car accident attorney increases the chances that you will be able to receive critical compensation to help pay expensive medical bills.
It’s No Joke — Whiplash Is A Very Serious Injury
A whiplash injury is also referred to as a neck sprain or neck strain depending on the severity. It is where the cervical vertebrae actually sustain soft-tissue injury. This type of injury typically causes headaches and stiffness and sometimes other associated pain. It can also cause cognitive issues. Whiplash is defined as an injury caused by a severe jerk to the head, typically in a motor vehicle accident, and can even happen in slow speed crashes. When the head is jerked in this manner, damage can occur in the discs between the vertebrae because the muscles and ligaments in the neck are forced beyond their normal range of motion.
Some of the ways you can identify if you have sustained a whiplash type injury after an accident include headaches, back or shoulder pain, and dizziness. Some individuals also experience difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, memory loss, blurred vision, tingling in the arms and shoulders, jaw pain, fatigue, and even depression. These symptoms do not always appear until several days after an accident, which is one of the reasons why it is so important to see a doctor promptly after any crash even if you feel okay in the immediate aftermath.
How Long Does Whiplash Take To Heal?
Recovery time varies significantly from person to person. It typically takes most people a couple of months to recover from whiplash symptoms with proper treatment, but some individuals experience chronic pain and long-term complications that can last for years or even become permanent. Factors that affect recovery include the severity of the initial injury, the age and overall health of the person, how quickly treatment was sought, and whether the person followed through with their treatment plan consistently.
A physician will typically recommend physical therapy, massage, and possibly chiropractic adjustments. Muscle relaxers or pain management medications may also be prescribed to provide comfort during recovery. What is most important is that you take care of your health and follow all of your doctor’s recommendations so you can get back to life before the injury. Gaps in treatment or failing to follow medical advice can not only slow your recovery but can also be used by insurance companies to argue that your injuries were not as serious as you claim.
Whiplash And Your Personal Injury Claim
Insurance companies and their adjusters have a long history of downplaying whiplash injuries, sometimes dismissing them entirely as exaggerated or unprovable. This is especially common in low-speed collision cases where the vehicle damage appears minor. Do not let an adjuster’s skepticism discourage you from pursuing the compensation you deserve. The severity of vehicle damage does not always correlate with the severity of injury, and courts and juries have long recognized whiplash as a legitimate and often serious medical condition.
To build the strongest possible claim, document everything. See a doctor as soon as possible after the accident and keep records of every appointment, prescription, and therapy session. Keep a journal of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Save all medical bills and any documentation of missed work or lost wages. This kind of detailed record-keeping gives your attorney the evidence needed to fight for full and fair compensation on your behalf.
Getting a favorable settlement for your whiplash injuries is crucial to being able to pay your medical bills without coming out of your own pocket. Understanding what pain and suffering compensation looks like and what damages you may be entitled to recover are important first steps. If you are still in the research phase, check out our guide on typical car accident settlement amounts to get a ballpark idea of what your case may be worth.
When you are ready to talk to someone, our Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys are available 24/7 for a free consultation. Give us a call at (719) 578-1106 and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
