Whiplash is a very common injury associated with rear-end collisions and other types of motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, the sheer force that causes whiplash can lead to other serious conditions, including debilitating chronic pain. The validity of a whiplash claim often comes under question, but it is a real condition that many accident victims suffer. For any victim, it is important to understand the myths about whiplash and be educated on the facts.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash typically occurs in a rear-end car accident. When the vehicle pushes violently forward, the individual in the car will be pushed forward, creating a whipping motion. When the neck, shoulders, and torso are forced to move out of the ordinary range of motion, it leads to damage to the ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
What are the Common Whiplash Myths?
Symptoms of whiplash go away in just a few days. It is a common misconception that whiplash is a temporary condition, but it can take up to a month to recover from this injury. In some cases, victims will have chronic pain that lasts for up to a year. Whiplash can include difficulty in moving the affected area; muscle spasms and pain; and nausea, headaches, and other complications.
Attorneys make it easy for people to seek compensation. Many believe that the no-win-no-fee model used by personal injury lawyers will draw in people who will file frivolous claims. That is rarely the case, however. Instead, these attorneys provide a way for injured people to receive compensation by a qualified attorney who can represent them fairly.
Whiplash is impossible to diagnose, and a doctor’s testimony is not required for a personal injury claim. Traditional diagnostic imaging tools often do not show proof of injury, which causes some to question the condition. However, a medical professional can accurately diagnose whiplash by examining the patient’s symptoms and performing an assessment.
Injured people are better off dealing with insurance companies than attorneys. After an accident, a victim will be approached by an insurer. However, settling a claim without a personal injury attorney is never ideal. An attorney ensures that current and future medical expenses are addressed and that the compensation is fair for the victim’s injuries, pain, and suffering.
Whiplash is a controversial injury and juries do not believe victims. Whiplash claims cost billions each year, but rarely are those claims fictitious. In fact, whiplash claims are notorious for leading to chronic pain and disability. While a claimant may be painted as an insurance fraud, the reality is that whiplash is a real, very serious injury that has a life-long impact on the victim. Therefore, they have a right to collect compensation for that suffering.
Contact Ethan Vessels Today
As you can see, whiplash injuries can be controversial, which is one of the reasons that you need the services of a personal injury attorney. Ethan Vessels is a trial lawyer with experience in car accident claims. Contact us today at Fields, Dehmlow & Vessels for experienced legal representation. Call 740-374-5346 or fill out our contact form and we will get back with you very soon.