Whiplash is an incredibly common injury after an accident in Sandy Springs. Insurance companies often write off whiplash as a minor neck injury, but that’s misleading. Whiplash can be very painful, even debilitating, for accident victims.
The recovery process for whiplash can be long and expensive. If you suffered whiplash after an accident someone else caused, our Sandy Springs whiplash injury lawyers can help. We’re dedicated to helping you fight for fair compensation.
John Foy & Associates is one of the largest personal injury firms in the Sandy Springs area. We treat each client with respect and compassion. Plus, you don’t pay a thing unless we win your case. To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Whiplash Injuries Are Painful and Real
Many people don’t realize how severe whiplash can be. Unfortunately, movies and TV often portray whiplash as a minor neck injury that recovers fast. But the truth is more sobering.
Whiplash can lead to:
- Enormous pain
- Problems sleeping, working, or focusing
- Debilitating headaches or migraines
- Damage to the cervical spine
- Anxiety, depression, and/or other emotional issues
Whiplash happens when something forces the neck to “whip” quickly back and forth. The injury is most common in rear-end accidents, but it can occur with any crash.
Whiplash can affect the rest of a victim’s life. If you have whiplash injuries, you might have mounting medical costs. The pain and discomfort can affect your daily quality of life. Plus, you might have to miss work while you recover.
Don’t let anyone tell you that whiplash isn’t a big deal. Talk to a whiplash injury lawyer who can help you build a legal case for compensation and aid you in recovery.
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Causes of a Whiplash Injury in Sandy Springs
According to the Mayo Clinic, common causes of whiplash include:
- Car, truck, or other auto accidents
- Contact sports, like football
- Physical assault
A car accident can force your head suddenly backward and forward. This quick and fast motion can damage the muscles and tendons in your neck and spine. You might not feel the pain right away, but it can develop over the next few hours or even days.
Even if you don’t feel pain right away, see a doctor after your accident. You could have a whiplash injury that hasn’t fully shown up yet.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash
You won’t always know you have whiplash after an accident. You may only feel a mild pain or soreness. But as time passes and your body responds to the injury, the area can swell and become very painful.
Pay attention to any symptoms of whiplash after your accident. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Neck stiffness
- Pain when moving your head or neck
- Arms, shoulder, or upper back pain
- Tingling down your arms
- Blurry vision or memory problems
Whiplash can present differently for each person. Even if you think you’re okay after an accident, see a doctor. Tell your doctor about any pain you experience, no matter how minor. He or she can evaluate you for whiplash and other injuries.
Diagnosing and Treating Whiplash
Whiplash does not show up on imaging tests like other injuries. Your doctor will ask you questions and will physically feel the painful area. They might also order tests to rule out other injuries, including:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRIs
After diagnosing whiplash, your doctor will prescribe treatment. There are many things you can do at home to treat whiplash. For example, rest, pain relievers, and hot or cold applications can help. A doctor might also prescribe muscle relaxants or injections.
If you wait too long to seek treatment, it can hurt your claim. Insurance companies will need proof of your injuries after the accident. If you don’t see a doctor right away, it will appear that your injuries weren’t as bad as you now claim. And the insurance company will almost certainly use that against you.
Who’s Liable in a Whiplash Accident
The person who caused your accident is responsible for the damages. Most of the time, the at-fault party will have auto insurance in place to cover the accident. If so, you can file a personal injury claim to recover your losses.
Most insurance companies will start with a very low settlement offer. They know that most injury victims need money to cover their costs and may jump at the chance to take whatever they offer. If you accept the first offer, the insurance company can pay a fraction of what they should to end your claim. The first offer is almost never enough to recover for your losses.
Talk to a whiplash injury lawyer near Sandy Springs. Your lawyer can help by:
- Determining who was at fault
- Gathering evidence
- Standing up to the insurance company for you
- Negotiating a settlement you deserve
If someone else’s actions caused you injury, you more than likely have a strong case. But whiplash claims can be complicated. It’s best to contact an experienced lawyer today to protect your rights.
John Foy & Associates is here for you. We have been helping accident victims for over 20 years, and we’re not afraid to “strong-arm” the insurance companies. To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
What You Can Win in a Whiplash Case
The settlement you ultimately receive will depend on the details of your case. Liability, damages, and whether or not you have a lawyer are all factors to consider.
Common whiplash injury damages include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
More severe damages typically mean a higher settlement. If you were not at fault, you deserve full recovery for your losses.
If you were partially at fault, this can affect how much you recover. However, talk to your lawyer before assuming or admitting any fault.
Talk to a Sandy Springs Whiplash Injury Lawyer
An experienced attorney can make all the difference in a whiplash injury case. At John Foy & Associates, we can take care of you and your family’s legal needs while you focus on healing.
Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation. You don’t pay us a thing unless we win your case. To learn more, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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