In more serious auto accidents, such force is created that whiplash becomes a major concern not only in the immediate aftermath of the incident but in the days, weeks and months following.
What is Whiplash?
According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is “a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip.” In auto accidents, it often occurs when a vehicle is hit from behind and causes the driver’s body to follow that same motion, quickly moving forward before moving back. Although many will have a full recovery, some whiplash cases cause long-term pain or other complications.
How Whiplash is Accounted for In Personal Injury Suits
In most whiplash cases, the actual injury doesn’t appear for several days or weeks, so the true extent of the physical damage takes time and official medical documentation to properly diagnose. There’s also a high potential the symptoms could heal on their own, which makes the proper diagnosis and timing all the more important.
Whiplash-Related Injuries Eligible for Compensation
Potentially the best opportunity to recover damages from your pain and suffering comes from longer-lasting symptoms and any neck or back issues that stem from those. If vertebrae, spine, or mobility issues are officially diagnosed, those are issues that could affect your quality of life and, thus, you’d need to be compensated to make up for the at-fault party’s negligence. In any case, your symptoms or ongoing issues should not be taken lightly, and you should seek medical care to ensure a full and proper recovery.
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident and are now suffering longer-term issues from whiplash, you should certainly consult a qualified personal injury attorney to explore options for recovering compensation. Neck and back issues can quickly become chronic, long-term conditions that require ongoing medical and therapeutic care and should not be taken lightly. The team at Rabb & Rabb, PLLC has plenty of experience guiding Arizona residents through the initial claim process and is ready to help you as well. Call (520) 888-6740 today to learn more and schedule a free consultation.
