I am a Moundsville car accident attorney and I see the devastating results of car accidents every day. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries suffered by drivers and passengers involved in car accidents and truck crashes. Typically, whiplash occurs when a car or other vehicle is stopped and hit from behind (that is, rear ended) by another car or vehicle. The rear ending causes the hit car to thrust forward while the driver or passengers’ head, neck, and back momentarily remain motionless. The inertia that follows on the body causes the “whipping” motion and thus the term “whiplash.” That is why whiplash is such a common injury in car accidents and truck crashes.
Whiplash Can Cause Serious Injuries
Many people think whiplash is a relatively minor injury that’s not worth seeking medical treatment. Some people just think it causes some soreness that will subside in a few days. The truth is whiplash can cause very serious injuries, including injury to a person’s muscles, tendons, ligaments, spinal discs, and other soft tissues. The trauma suffered by such injuries can cause significant pain and result in permanent disability. This can be the case no matter if the car accident is a simple “fender bender” or low impact car accident or truck crash.
Unfortunately, the true impact of whiplash and the injuries caused by whiplash are not often fully felt until days later. Many people seek medical attention when their “soreness” does not go away. They then might find out that they have a slipped or bulging spinal disc, tore a tendon or ligament, or suffered another injury. That is why someone who suffers even a “minor” whiplash as a result of car or other accident should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
What are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
Whiplash can cause a variety of symptoms. Most often, a person suffering from whiplash will experience soreness, bruising, reduced range of motion and mobility, nausea, headaches, and/or loss of vision or hearing. If you’ve experienced whiplash as a result of a car accident or truck crash, these symptoms could be signs of a greater injury. And, these symptoms are likely to persist for days, weeks, months, or even years or indefinitely depending upon the severity of the whiplash. That is why it is so important to seek medical attention no matter how “minor” you may think the whiplash injury is that you have suffered. The sooner medical treatment is sought, the better.
What Should You do if You’ve Suffered a Whiplash Injury in a Car Accident?
If you’ve suffered a whiplash injury, you should seek medical treatment if only to gain peace of mind that you’re just “sore.” This is especially true if you’ve suffered a whiplash injury as a result of a car accident or truck crash. After you seek medical attention, you’re probably thinking about who is going to pay for your medical bills that you have already incurred and medical bills that may be incurred in the future for your injuries. You’re also probably wondering about what you can do against the at-fault driver of the car that hit you and what legal recourse you have.
That is why it is a good idea to contact a local, knowledgeable, and experienced car or truck accident attorney (otherwise known as a personal injury lawyer), to make sure your interests are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Many times, a good personal injury lawyer can make a claim for additional compensation or damages that you would not normally be offered without making a claim through an accident attorney or personal injury lawyer.
GKT Moundsville Car Accident Attorney
GKT has represented people in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania who have been injured in car accidents and crashes for over 45 years. Many of our personal injury clients have suffered from whiplash injuries, among other serious injuries. Our Moundsville car accident attorneys have a proven track record of making sure our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries, whiplash and any other serious injuries as a result of the accident. The results speak for themselves.
If you’ve suffered from whiplash or were in a car accident or truck crash and suffered other serious injuries, call GKT today at (304) 845-9750 or live chat with a representative 24/7 at GKT.com. We offer free, no-obligation consultations. Home, weekend, and evening appointments are available for your convenience.
