If you were injured in a car accident, you might feel the effects of a whiplash injury right away. However, it might take days for the symptoms of whiplash to become clear.
The Cleveland Clinic reports the following signs and symptoms of whiplash:
- Neck pain
- Feeling tired or fatigued
- Muscle spasms
- Stiff neck muscles
- A decreased in the neck’s range of motion
- Headaches
Make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. Whether its onset is immediate or takes several days, Cleveland Clinic says that whiplash is primarily diagnosed by a thorough physical exam. In some cases, doctors might use an MRI or other imaging exam to see soft tissue damage.
Your health care team may be able to help you understand more about how long after an accident you can get whiplash and start to feel its symptoms. Then, a legal team may be able to help you understand the avenues you have available to pursue compensation for your damages after a car accident.
The Physical Impact of Whiplash
Whiplash might affect each of its sufferers in different ways. Cleveland Clinic reports that you might experience prolonged physical damage and complications of whiplash in the days and weeks following a car accident. Regardless, keep your health care team updated if you do not feel any relief of pain or symptoms.
Treatment for whiplash may involve medications, physical therapy, or steroid injections. While some people may be able to make a full recovery, others may experience chronic pain from whiplash.
The Financial Impact of Whiplash
When an injury like whiplash prevents you from functioning, it might also prevent you from immediately returning to your profession and may inhibit your personal and social life as well. Also, these types of damages may be available in a personal injury claim.
In general, California Civil Code (CIV) §1431.2 lets you request compensation for the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property loss or damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional trauma
Your personal injury team may be able to help you assess the financial expenses and losses you experienced after a car accident that caused whiplash.
Your Legal Team Can Help You Watch the Statutory Clock
You generally have two years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, according to the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1. Failing to comply with the statute of limitations might mean that your lawsuit gets dismissed without being heard.
With early involvement, your legal team might be able to ensure that your lawsuit is filed on time and that you do not lose your right to sue.
Obtain Copies of Your Car Accident Report and Medical Records
Your legal team can use the details in your car accident report to identify the cause of the accident. If you have any photos or videos from the scene of the accident, you can share them as well.
Your medical records may substantiate your injuries and indicate their current and future costs. The legal team representing you may also obtain copies of your medical records, test results, imaging exams, and other medical data that help prove you sustained whiplash due to the car accident.
Your legal team may also be able to hire accident reconstruction or medical experts to testify in your defense, if necessary.
Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices May Be Able to Help You
If you sustained whiplash in a car accident caused by someone else, they might be responsible for your accident-related damages. A Los Angeles car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices may be able to help you fight for compensation in an insurance claim or lawsuit.
When we work together on your case, Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices may be able to:
- Speak with all parties, including insurance company representatives, on your behalf
- Collect evidence of fault and liability
- Collect evidence of the extent of your damages
- Manage the paperwork and deadlines in your case
- Negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company for a settlement
- Go to trial and defend your rights in court, if necessary
To receive a free consultation on your case from a member of our car accident team, call Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices today at (866) 559-7223. We can discuss more details about your whiplash and other factors during this call.