Whiplash is a very common injury after an accident in Dunwoody. But it’s also very painful—and very real. Insurance companies can complicate whiplash cases, as they might doubt your injuries. Plus, it can take time for you even to know you have whiplash.
If you suffered whiplash, you have legal rights. You might be eligible for financial recovery from the person who caused your accident. An experienced Dunwoody whiplash injury lawyer can help.
John Foy & Associates is one of the largest personal injury firms in Georgia. We’ve been helping clients win compensation for over 20 years. To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Whiplash Is a Real Injury
Whiplash has a bad reputation from a legal standpoint. The other driver’s insurance company might claim you’re overblowing a minor neck injury, for example. But whiplash can be incredibly painful and debilitating.
A whiplash injury can affect your ability to move, work, sleep, and live as you did before. The symptoms can last anywhere from months to years. And it all starts when a car accident forces your head forward and back.
Besides auto accidents, other causes of whiplash include:
- Falls
- Blunt-force trauma
- Physical abuse
- Contact sports
The forward motion of the neck puts a strain on your muscles and ligaments. It can cause injuries to the cervical spine and more. Most of the time, severe whiplash happens after a rear-end accident.
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Symptoms and Signs of Whiplash
Whiplash often starts as a mild soreness. In some cases, you won’t feel anything at all initially. Then, symptoms develop over the next hours or days. The pain can escalate until it’s unbearably painful.
It’s important to know the common symptoms of whiplash:
- Neck stiffness
- Headaches (often starting at the base of the skull)
- Less range of motion in the neck
- Tingling down the arms
- Pain in the head, neck, shoulders, or upper back
- Memory issues
- Blurred vision
- Sleep problems
It’s easy to leave an accident scene while thinking that you’re fine. This is why we recommend seeing a doctor, even if you feel okay. You could have whiplash injuries that will worsen with time—or even overnight.
Common Treatment for Whiplash
You can treat some whiplash injuries at home, but you should always see a doctor first. Your doctor will direct you on how to handle the injuries. Your treatment should help reduce pain and restore range of motion.
Whiplash doesn’t show up on imaging tests. However, your doctor will probably order imaging tests to make sure you don’t have other conditions. You might need tests like:
- X-rays to check for dislocations or fractures
- MRIs to check for soft tissue injuries
- CT scans to check for bone issues
Simple treatments for whiplash can include rest, over-the-counter pain medicines, and applying hot or cold packs. For worse pain, your doctor could prescribe:
- Prescription pain medications
- Muscle relaxants
- Injections
- Physical therapy
- At-home neck exercises
- Foam collars
Early treatment makes a huge difference. Getting medical attention immediately is also crucial for your case. If you wait too long, it might affect your financial recovery.
Who Is Liable for a Whiplash Accident
If someone else caused your accident, they are liable for the damages under Georgia Code § 51-1-6. As the injured person, you file a personal injury claim with the driver’s insurance. Your claim will request compensation for your accident costs.
Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t make the process easy, especially with whiplash claims. It’s easy to doubt whiplash injuries because they don’t show up on most tests. So, you’ll need to see a doctor and gather evidence to support your injuries.
It’s best to work with a whiplash injury lawyer, especially if:
- Your injuries ended up being worse than you thought
- You said something that could be used against you, such as that you were “okay” or “fine” after the accident
- The insurance company denied or is challenging your claim
The driver who caused your accident is responsible. You shouldn’t have to pay for the costs of something that wasn’t your fault. To protect your legal rights, contact an experienced lawyer today.
Let John Foy & Associates help. We’ve been working on whiplash claims for over 20 years. We’ll discuss your case and your options during a free consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How a Lawyer Helps After a Whiplash Accident
Whiplash injury lawyers focus on victims who didn’t cause their crashes. An experienced lawyer knows how to gather evidence of your injuries and what you deserve.
Car accidents can be incredibly expensive, even when they seem minor. You might face huge medical bills, lost wages, and more. But you should not have to bear the expenses of your crash.
A lawyer can help by:
- Gathering evidence of your costs
- Getting copies of all medical bills
- Making sure you get the treatment you need
- Building a strong personal injury claim
- Talking to and negotiating with the insurance companies
- Fighting for what you deserve
Don’t wait to get started on your claim today. In Georgia, you usually have two years from the accident to take action. In some cases, you have less time.
Take the first step towards the compensation you deserve. Talk to a Dunwoody whiplash injury lawyer about your case today. With John Foy & Associates, there is no charge to you unless we win your case.
Talk to a Dunwoody Whiplash Injury Lawyer for Free Today
After a whiplash injury, it can feel like no one is on your side. That’s an unfair place to be since you had no fault in your accident. Thankfully, help is available today.
John Foy & Associates has been helping accident victims for over 20 years. We’ve grown to become one of the largest injury law firms in Georgia. Plus, we never charge you a fee unless we win your case. You can start working with us risk-free.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
