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Whiplash Claim Injuries in Phoenix
Whiplash is a serious injury that must be treated as such. These injuries may occur in a variety of ways for residents and visitors in Arizona. Whiplash is defined as a sudden and fast back and forth jerking of the body caused by an external impact. Vehicle accidents are the most prevalent cause of these injuries. Unfortunately, these injuries can result in substantial medical expenditures, missed earnings if the person is unable to work, and other out-of-pocket expenses. The most effective approach to recoup your damages is to file a whiplash claim.
It is critical for anybody who has suffered a whiplash injury as a result of another person’s reckless or negligent acts to be able to obtain compensation for their losses. At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, our Phoenix personal injury lawyers work tirelessly for our clients. If you or someone you know suffered a car accident injury and want to file a whiplash claim, contact our office. Call 602-910-4040 to schedule your consultation today.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a violent, fast back-and-forth movement of the neck. Rear-end collisions are the most prevalent cause of whiplash. Sports accidents, physical abuse, and other forms of traumas, such as a tumble, can also cause whiplash. Below, we list common symptoms associated with whiplash.
- Stiffness and pain in the neck
- Pain that worsens with neck movement
- Range of motion loss in the neck
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Pain or tenderness in the shoulder, arms, or upper back
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Other less common symptoms include blurred vision, tinnitus, difficulty sleeping, irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and depression. Sometimes, whiplash symptoms take a while to present themselves. You may think that you’ve just gotten into a non-injury car accident, but we recommend seeking medical attention anyway, just to be safe.
How Long Does Whiplash Last?
Most people with whiplash recover in a few weeks and do not appear to have any long-term consequences from the injury. Some people, on the other hand, have pain for months or even years following an accident.
It’s difficult to say how each person will recover from whiplash. In general, if your early symptoms were severe, came on quickly, and included any of the following, you may be more prone to develop chronic pain.
- Severe pain in the neck
- An even more limited range of motion in the neck
- Pain that spreads from the neck to the arms
Additionally, certain risk factors exist that have the potential to make your whiplash injury worse.
- Having had whiplash in the past
- Older age
- Neck back or low back pain that already exists
- High-speed injuries
How to File a Whiplash Claim?
The greatest proof you can give in a whiplash claim is documentation of the accident and injuries. Take photographs of the collision and the damage to both vehicles if you can. After you’ve gotten medical care, call your insurance agent to discuss the circumstances of your accident. It’s vital to know that speaking with the other party’s insurance agent after an accident is not encouraged. Their goal is to uncover any information that would show their client is not at fault. Your insurance company can relay the information you’ve provided them, and your lawyer can talk with the other party’s insurance company on your behalf.
Car accident lawsuits differ according to how your state’s laws handle this area of law. To sue a motorist for whiplash, you must show that their reckless driving was the direct cause of the injury. Medical documents will show that your injuries are legitimate, but you and your attorney will need to show fault. This isn’t usually a straightforward job. In a whiplash claim, insurance company reports, police reports, and personal statements/witnesses can all be used to show fault and negligence.
What Does Whiplash Feel Like?
Because of the jarring action, you may have neck pain or a headache as soon as your automobile comes to a stop. Your body may have been jostled substantially depending on whether or not you were using a seatbelt. If you hit your head on the steering wheel or headrest, you may need to be checked for a concussion.
However, because your body may be sluggish to react due to the stress of the occurrence, you may not experience any symptoms immediately. In this scenario, you may be inclined to think to yourself, “I’m OK,” and get on with your day. However, keep a careful eye on any new symptoms that appear.
Whiplash causes discomfort and stiffness because the muscles and tendons in the neck are overstretched and even damaged as a result of the abrupt motion. The hyperextension of the muscles, as well as any soft tissue injury in the neck and adjacent regions, cause the discomfort.
Swelling and inflammation in the affected area may occur as your body reacts to the stress. Neck and upper back muscles can become tight, and you may find it difficult to turn your neck from side to side or up and down.
This loss of range of motion may be accompanied by pain, and your muscles may feel sensitive or knotted as a result. Whiplash is also associated with headaches, as the brain was likely jostled as a result of the collision.
What to Do for Whiplash?
Once you visit the doctor for your whiplash treatment, they will develop a treatment plan for you. The severity of your whiplash injury will determine your treatment options. Some patients just require over-the-counter drugs and in-home care. Prescription medicine, specialist pain treatment, or physical therapy may be required for others.
In terms of pain management, there are several common options. Milder whiplash cases involve a lot of rest, heat or cold application, and over-the-counter pain medications. For more serious cases, a doctor might recommend prescription pain medicine, muscle relaxants, or even injections for the pain.
You will most likely be given a list of stretching and mobility exercises to complete at home by your doctor. These exercises can help you regain neck range of motion and return to your usual activities. Before exercising, moist heat to the sore area or a warm shower may be advised.
Your doctor may recommend that you consult a physical therapist if you have chronic whiplash discomfort or need help with range-of-motion exercises. Physical therapy can help you feel better and may possibly save you from being hurt again. Your physical therapist will lead you through exercises to help you strengthen your muscles, correct your posture, and reclaim your normal range of motion.
How Long Does It Take for Whiplash Symptoms to Appear?
Whiplash symptoms can emerge hours, days, or even weeks after a person thinks they are fine following an accident. Unfortunately, just because you don’t notice neck discomfort right away doesn’t imply it won’t be severe when symptoms do appear. To ensure that you receive treatment for whiplash, you must first understand how long it generally takes for symptoms to emerge.
Within the first 24 hours, the great majority of whiplash symptoms will develop. If you are not experiencing any of the symptoms listed above after the first full day, it is unlikely that you will develop whiplash. It’s essential to remember, however, that some people don’t suffer any whiplash symptoms for the first several days following a vehicle accident. Make an appointment with a medical expert to determine if you are suffering from whiplash.
How Much Is a Whiplash Claim Worth?
After experiencing a whiplash injury as a result of an accident, there are no precise rules for how much compensation a person will get. However, just because Arizona doesn’t have set standards for a whiplash claim doesn’t imply a victim won’t get any money. The entire amount of compensation an automobile accident victim receives after suffering whiplash injuries varies depending on the severity of the occurrence as a whole.
For soft tissue injuries like whiplash, the typical compensation in Arizona ranges from $10,000 to $25,000. Keep in mind that this also includes the upper end of the spectrum for more catastrophic injuries. The payout will be on the lower end of the scale for something as minor as whiplash.
However, if you suffer a back or spinal cord injury, our attorneys can help you understand the average settlement for car accident back injury cases.
Contact a Whiplash Claim Lawyer in Phoenix
If you sustained a whiplash injury in a car accident, you need a qualified attorney. In order to prove your damages, an experienced Phoenix car accident attorney will work with you and all other involved parties. Trust Ybarra Maldonado Law Group to handle your case with dedication and care. For more information about filing a whiplash claim, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office. Call 602-910-4040 today to start fighting for just compensation.
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