When you get behind the wheel of a car to travel somewhere, you never suspect that you will become involved in a life-altering car accident. However, this is the reality that many individuals experience every day in California. There are many types of injuries that are common to car accidents, one of which is whiplash. If you have sustained a whiplash injury in a car accident, it can be either minor or severe in nature.
Maison Law offers representation to victims of serious California car accidents. We understand how devastating a car accident can be and the financial impact it can have on your life as you work on your physical recovery. We want to stand by your side and assist you in receiving support during this difficult time in your life. Please contact us today for a free and completely confidential case review.
The Signs and Symptoms of a Whiplash Injury
Whiplash injuries stem from accidents where the head is moved suddenly and vigorously in one direction, and then back into the other direction. When this snapping motion takes place, a whiplash injury can result and show itself in minutes, hours, or days after the collision. Though many people believe that whiplash injuries are one of the most minor injuries present in car accidents because we hear about them all the time, they can actually be incredibly severe and life-altering.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, here are some of the main symptoms that you may experience if you have suffered a whiplash injury in an accident:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Shoulder pain
- Pain in the lower back
- Dizziness
- Pain or numbness in your arm or hand
- Trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Sleeplessness or tiredness
- Irritability
- Blurred vision
- A ringing in your ears
After you have been involved in a car accident or any other type of collision, it is crucial that you receive immediate medical attention. This can help you diagnose a whiplash injury, as well as any other serious injury that you may have sustained in your collision. Without treatment, you could miss out on medical opportunities or an injury could worsen.
When Whiplash is More Complex Than Just a Minor Injury
Though most people will successfully recover from a whiplash injury, other individuals will experience ongoing pain and disabling problems related to their injury. It is important to remember that whiplash can be graded based on its severity:
Grade 0: A victim does not have any symptoms related to a whiplash injury.
Grade 1: Though the whiplash injury cannot be confirmed medically, the individual experiences minor pain related to a whiplash injury. These include aspects like neck pain, stiffness, and tenderness. This is a frequent complaint after a car accident or any other type of collision.
Grade 2: An individual has been medically evaluated and they have limited motion due to their injury, as well as pain and tenderness at the injury site.
Grade 3: An individual experiences pain, muscle weakness, and sensory loss due to their whiplash injury.
Grade 4: In the most severe cases, an individual complains about injury to their neck and spinal cord. In many of these cases, bone fractures or dislocation are present.
Due to the severity of Grade 4 whiplash injuries, many victims will experience permanent disability and need extensive medical treatment. The pain and disability caused by these injuries can significantly disrupt many aspects of an individual’s life, including their ability to enjoy activities they did before their accident or return to work. Victims of these accidents and injuries wonder what options they have following a collision.
Damages You Can Recover After a Whiplash Injury
Though it is impossible to calculate exactly what damages you can receive after you have sustained a whiplash injury, there are many types of damages that may be available for you. Some of these economic and noneconomic damages include the following:
- Medical expenses you have incurred or expect to incur
- Lost wages or loss of future income
- Property damage related to your accident and injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent injury or disfigurement
If you have suffered a whiplash injury in an accident, it is important to act quickly so that you can retain the damages necessary to move forward in every aspect of your life. In California, you have a deadline of two years from the time you discovered your injury to file a personal injury claim for damages.
Contact a California Whiplash Injury Lawyer
After you have sustained a whiplash injury due to a car accident, it is important that you seek legal help from a California whiplash injury lawyer as soon as possible. At Maison Law, we believe that whiplash is a serious injury and know how it can permanently impact your life. We want to make sure that you receive a fair settlement and are not mistreated by the insurance company. Please contact us today for a completely confidential and free case consultation.
