Orlando Whiplash Injury Lawyer

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury that occurs when the neck is suddenly and forcefully jerked back and forth. It is most commonly associated with car accidents, but it can also occur in other situations where the head is rapidly and violently whipped around. Whiplash can result in damage to the neck muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues, as well as nerves and vertebrae in the spine.

The most common cause of whiplash injuries is rear-end car accidents. But whiplash can also occur in other types of accidents, such as sports-related injuries, falls, or physical assaults. Whiplash can affect anyone, regardless of age.

How is Whiplash Diagnosed and Treated?

Whiplash is diagnosed by a physical examination by a medical professional, which may include X-rays or other imaging tests to evaluate the extent of the damage. Treatment for whiplash may include pain medication, physical therapy, and chiropractic adjustments to help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

Often, whiplash will recover with conservative treatment. However, in some cases, an individual may experience chronic pain and discomfort from their injuries. That’s why it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible if you experience neck pain or other symptoms after an accident.

Long-term complications can include chronic pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty performing daily activities.

Understand the Importance of Medical Care for Whiplash

When you submit an injury claim, the insurance company will inquire about the timing and location of your treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to visit a doctor promptly after any car accident, even if you don’t experience immediate discomfort. Inform the medical professional that you were involved in a car accident and provide details about the incident. While receiving a clean bill of health right after the accident is positive news, it can be deceptive.

Often, individuals with whiplash injuries may not exhibit symptoms until a day or two later. Symptoms to watch out for include:

Unexplained pain: Victims may experience pain in their arms, neck, shoulders, or hands. In some cases, lower back pain may also be present. Whenever you encounter unexplained pain after a car accident, it is essential to follow up with your doctor to ensure there are no serious injuries. Keep in mind that an adrenaline rush following the accident can mask symptoms of an injury.

Numbness: Whiplash victims often report experiencing areas of numbness, which can occur in the arms, hands, or shoulders. It is crucial not to disregard this sensation, as it can be risky and may indicate a more severe injury associated with the numbness.

Other unusual symptoms: Dizziness, irritability, insomnia, blurred vision, and ringing in the ears may not be commonly associated with whiplash, but they are possible indications of a whiplash injury following a car accident.

The Long-Term Effects of Whiplash

Whiplash is usually considered a minor injury. However, it can have some serious long-term effects. These can vary depending on the individual and the circumstances of the accident.

Some potential long-term effects of whiplash include:

• Chronic Pain: Whiplash can cause chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. This pain can last for weeks, months, or even years and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
• Reduced Range of Motion: Whiplash can cause stiffness and reduced range of motion in the neck, making it difficult to perform daily activities.
• Cognitive Issues: Whiplash can also cause cognitive issues such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and fatigue.
• Psychological Effects: Whiplash can also have psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Vertigo and Dizziness: Whiplash can cause vertigo and dizziness, which can impact a person’s ability to balance and can lead to falls and injuries.
• Sleep Disturbances: Whiplash can cause sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, which can impact a person’s overall health and well-being.
• Chronic Headaches: Whiplash can cause chronic headaches that can be severe and debilitating, impacting a person’s ability to work and enjoy daily activities.
• TMJ Disorders: Whiplash can also cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can cause pain and difficulty chewing and speaking.

These long-term effects of whiplash are not always immediate and may show up later down the road. It is important to seek medical attention and follow a proper treatment plan to prevent and / or control these long-term effects.

What is the Recovery Time for a Whiplash Injury

The recovery time from a whiplash injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury and other individual factors. Some people may recover in a few weeks. However, others may experience symptoms for months or even years. The recovery time depends on the treatment received and adherence to the recommended treatment.

In general, most people with whiplash will experience some improvement in their symptoms within the first few weeks following the accident. However, it is important to note that some symptoms, such as chronic pain and cognitive issues, may persist for an extended period.

Factors that can influence the recovery time for whiplash injury include:

• Severity of the injury: The more severe the injury, the longer it may take for recovery.
• Age and health status: Older individuals and those with pre-existing medical conditions may experience longer recovery times.
• Treatment received: Prompt and appropriate treatment, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, and pain management, can help speed up recovery.
• Compliance with treatment program: Adherence to a rehabilitation program is essential for a successful recovery.
• Psychological factors: Psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD can impact the recovery time and may require additional treatment.

How Whiplash Occurs in Car Accidents

Whiplash injuries commonly occur in auto accidents when a vehicle is struck from behind. When a vehicle is hit from behind, the impact can cause the head and neck to be suddenly and forcefully jerked forward and then back, like the motion of a whip. This rapid and forceful movement can cause damage to the neck muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues, as well as nerves and vertebrae in the spine.

During a rear-end collision, the force of the impact causes the torso of the occupant to be propelled forward while the head and neck remain stationary for a brief moment due to inertia. As a result, the neck experiences a sudden and rapid extension and then bends beyond its normal range of motion. This movement can cause stretching, tearing, or spraining of the soft tissues in the neck, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

In addition to the whiplash injury, there are other impacts, such as hitting the head on the steering wheel or dashboard, that could cause additional trauma to the head, neck, and spine.

Whiplash injuries can occur even in low-speed collisions, and the risk of injury is not necessarily related to the severity of the impact. Factors such as the size and weight of the vehicles involved, the position of the occupants, and the use of seat belts and headrests can all affect the risk and severity of whiplash injuries.

Whiplash injuries occur in auto accidents when the head and neck are suddenly and forcefully jerked back and forth, causing damage to the soft tissues and structures in the neck and spine.

Should I Accept an Insurance Settlement Following a Whiplash Injury?

Before you jump at the chance to accept a settlement offer from the insurance company, it’s crucial to grasp what accepting that offer fully entails. Here’s the deal: When you accept a settlement, it usually means you’re waving goodbye to any future claims. This has some serious implications you need to be aware of. Let’s break it down. If the settlement offer includes compensation for lost wages, any wages you might lose in the future won’t be recoverable. And guess what? If you happen to rack up medical bills after accepting the settlement, you’ll be left footing the bill without any chance of getting additional funds. Insurance adjusters are well aware of this, and they’re hoping you won’t be in the know or take the time to read through all the nitty-gritty details in that settlement agreement. They’re also counting on the fact that you’re going through a tough financial time since you’re out of work, and they’re banking on you not seeking the guidance of a skilled personal injury lawyer to review the agreement before you sign on the dotted line. Don’t fall into their trap. Do not accept their offer without having an experienced lawyer review the agreement and advise you.

Attorney Jeremiah Jaspon has experience dealing with car accident injuries, especially whiplash cases. Give our office a call to discuss your case and options. There is no charge for the call, and if there is a case, you pay nothing unless we get money for your case.  

Potential Damages in a Whiplash Claim Case: Understanding Your Options

It’s important to recognize that every accident is unique. The severity of a whiplash injury can vary depending on the speed of the collision. A low-speed accident may result in a milder whiplash injury, while a high-speed impact can lead to more severe consequences. Additionally, individual recovery experiences differ as well, with younger victims typically bouncing back quicker compared to older individuals. Some individuals recover from a whiplash injury within a few days, while others may continue to face neck, back, and shoulder issues for months.

When determining the compensation for your claim, several factors come into play. Here are some potential damages that you may consider including in your claim:

Medical expenses: Beyond the direct cost of medical care, it’s essential to account for other related expenses. This may involve prescriptions for pain management, medical equipment like whiplash collars, transportation expenses to and from medical appointments, and costs associated with rehabilitation.

Lost wages: If your whiplash injury prevents you from working during your recovery period, you may be eligible to claim your lost wages. In situations where the recovery process is expected to be prolonged, you can also include estimated future wage losses. It’s worth noting that this encompasses not only your regular paycheck but also any work-related benefits or perks you may have missed out on during your absence from work.

Non-economic claims: In certain cases, you may be able to pursue non-economic damages as part of your claim. These damages encompass intangible losses such as pain and suffering, diminished enjoyment of life, and other similar factors. Understanding the specifics of non-economic claims and their applicability to your situation is best discussed with an attorney familiar with personal injury cases.

While there are no guarantees when it comes to claim approvals, it’s vital to assert your right to compensation by including all relevant damages in your claim. By ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of potential damages and discussing them with your legal representative, you can maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your whiplash injury.