Far too many individuals receive whiplash injuries behind the wheel every year in California. At Maison Law, we offer representation to those who have been injured in serious collisions due to the negligence of other drivers. We believe that you should never have to face a personal injury claim on your own, no matter how severe your injuries. Please do not hesitate to contact our California whiplash injury lawyers today for a free consultation and to get started on your claim.
Understanding Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash injuries occur in accidents when your neck bends forward and backward in a sudden and sharp movement and are actually quite common injuries in collisions. Though some of these injuries are minor and cause few symptoms, others are incredibly severe and lead to an array of serious symptoms.
The symptoms of a whiplash injury might not be prevalent right after an accident, especially when adrenaline is at its highest. However, when symptoms do occur, they tend to include the following:
- Pain and stiffness in your neck
- Shoulder or back pain
- Pain and numbness in your hand or arm
- Blurred vision or dizziness
- Irritability
- Issues remembering things
Whiplash symptoms can coincide with other injuries such as traumatic brain injuries. Because of this, it is crucial that you always seek medical attention after an accident.
Why Diagnosis and Medical Treatment is Important After a Whiplash Injury
After any type of accident, receiving medical treatment is crucial, as it can help you further protect your health and well-being. However, your diagnosis and the treatment plan that follows is vital in another way as well: It can help you prove your claim and the severity of your injuries so that you can receive necessary damages.
Your doctor will give you a physical exam and could test for actual whiplash with an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. If they suspect that a whiplash injury is present, they may present you with some of the following treatment options:
- Gentle movements and ice application
- A cervical collar
- Over-the-counter medications and muscle relaxers
- Physical therapy
The medical treatments that you face can be extensive, lengthy, and even expensive. However, it is important that you always follow your doctor’s treatment plan and follow-up appointments to show that you take your injury and healing seriously.
Paperwork and Evidence in a Whiplash Injury Claim
If you wish to move forward with a personal injury claim after suffering from a whiplash injury, you will need many different types of documentation on your side. These include some of the following:
Documentation on the Accident: Information on the accident can be useful in your claim. These include photographs showing the position and location of your vehicle and where the collision took place, police records, and witness statements.
All Medical Records: You want to include all medical documentation in your evidence, from your first hospital visit to the follow-up care you have received since your diagnosis.
Financial Documentation: All medical bills should be included in your file such as insurance co-pays, lost wages from missed time at work, the cost of traveling to and from your doctor, and more.
Emotional Documentation: If your injury was severe enough, there were likely many days that you could not engage in regular activities that you once enjoyed. Keeping a journal of the activities you missed out on can help you receive pain and suffering damages.
How an Attorney Can Help
Unfortunately, insurance companies are hard-pressed to protect their rights and deny whiplash claims at every cost. Some insurance companies even deny that whiplash injuries are serious at all, trying to offer you as little as possible in damages. Having a legal advocate on your side can ensure that you are handling your claim with confidence. A lawyer can help you with the following aspects:
- Investigate your claim and help you gather evidence that proves your whiplash injury
- Negotiate on your behalf with the big-name insurance companies
- Send a demand letter to help you receive the damages you deserve
- Represent you in trial if settlement cannot be reached
What seems like the most minor of personal injury claims can actually be an incredibly complex matter that leaves you with a wide array of questions. This is why it is important that you never delay in seeking help from a lawyer after an accident that caused a whiplash injury.
Contact a California Whiplash Injury Lawyer Today
Dealing with a whiplash injury following a California car accident or any other type of road-related collision can be exhausting and stressful. As the insurance company keeps calling and you try to focus on your physical recovery, it is not uncommon to concern yourself with how you will afford the bills that keep piling up.
At Maison Law, we are here for you during this difficult time in your life. As you navigate the legal system, we will provide you with the resources necessary to move forward with a successful personal injury claim. You should never delay when seeking help from a dedicated and knowledgeable California whiplash injury lawyer. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information and a completely confidential case review.
