An accident victim’s guide to whiplash statistics, causes, and signs to watch for
Whiplash is an often misunderstood injury. It isn’t always detected at first, but may manifest later with swelling and significant pain in the neck, upper spine, or shoulder areas. Many times, whiplash goes untreated by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) because other injured victims need attention for more apparent and urgent injuries.
But make no mistake, whiplash can be diagnosed as very serious after being properly evaluated. Additionally, more problems can develop when a previous whiplash injury has been suffered and wasn’t diagnosed properly.
It’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible when a whiplash injury occurs because the timeline could be an issue when claiming an injury. Even your own insurance provider can be difficult when claims are filed late after waiting to pursue medical attention. Whiplash injury claims can be complicated because of late attention and misdiagnosis. It is always vital to have an experienced Tampa auto accident attorney representing your claim.
Whiplash causes and examples
Whiplash usually occurs due to a violent whipping motion of the head after being struck by another vehicle. The injury can occur either by being hit from the rear or from the front, although rear-end collisions are the most common causes. Injury symptoms usually differ based on how the vehicle is struck, with rear-end collisions resulting in a backwards whipping motion and forward impacts usually resulting in a forward whipping motion injury.
Head-on collision injuries can be very serious and often include other medical issues. However, this doesn’t diminish the problems associated with a rear-end collision accident. Broken bones and cartilage damage can occur and additional injuries to ligaments, muscles and the shoulder area can result as well as skeletal problems.
All of these whiplash symptoms can become lingering medical issues and establish need for extended medical treatment.
Common symptoms of whiplash injuries
All whiplash injuries are unique in some aspects, and many times the damage will not be noticed in the neck area first. The entire upper back can be affected.
Common symptoms include:
- Upper back and neck stiffness
- Headaches
- Muscle tenderness in shoulders
- Tingling or numbness in fingers and shoulders
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Extenuating medical conditions
Each whiplash case can include indications of other underlying medical issues. This is why it is so important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as unnoticed damage along the spine can result in additional serious medical complications.
While paralysis associated with a whiplash injury isn’t common, previous injuries to the skeletal region and body extremities can be worsened following a whiplash injury. Not only is whiplash the most common injury in Florida car accident claims, it is a much more serious medical condition than most insurance carriers want to admit.
Whiplash insurance coverage
It’s always important for accident victims to pursue insurance coverage for their injuries regardless of the type of injury. Whiplash cases can be difficult in some respects. Florida’s recent transition to no-fault auto insurance has helped some motorists who have been injured in an accident, but it has been troublesome for others who have injuries that can’t qualify them for further compensation pursuit.
The primary issue with Florida no-fault insurance is that there is no allowance for pain-and-suffering for ongoing medical conditions associated with the injury. Whiplash has been long recognized as having long-term damage potential, but being properly compensated still requires solid representation from an aggressive Florida whiplash injury attorney.
Contact an experienced Tampa whiplash injury attorney
Always remember that the attorney you choose to handle your whiplash injury case is crucial to the final outcome of your claim. It is a complicated injury that usually yields a complicated financial recovery process. Never attempt handling a seemingly simple claim for whiplash personally because it is rarely a simple process. Those who are pursuing whole damages should always retain an attorney who understands how the process could play out.
Have you been injured in an accident in Florida? Tampa’s attorneys at Lorenzo & Lorenzo are prepared to help you understand your options and seek the types of compensation you deserve.
