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Filing a Claim for Whiplash Injuries After a Car Accident in California

| Sep 6, 2019 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

When it comes to personal injury lawsuits, whiplash is a condition that is seldom considered. Typically, when a person suffers from whiplash, he or she will discard the condition assuming it is not severe enough to receive monetary compensation for. Whiplash, however, is a serious medical ailment that can lead to lifelong grievances.

Understanding the Cause of Whiplash Injuries After Car Accidents

Whiplash is a medical condition that happens when a person’s body is intensely jolted in a singular direction. This will typically cause the person’s head to move forward and be suddenly pulled back with great intensity. Whiplash is a very common condition caused in car accidents, despite the degree of the collision. Even minor collisions can cause whiplash. When a person suffers from whiplash, he or she can experience torn ligaments and/or muscles in the neck area. Whiplash can cause intense discomfort and pain that can last an extended period of time.

According to studies and research conducted by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, common whiplash symptoms may include:

  • Neck stiffness
  • Dizziness
  • Soreness around the neck area
  • Back or shoulder pain
  • Headaches

In accordance to the same study, car accident victims can also experience cognitive and psychological problems such as nervousness, memory loss, and irritability. 

Whiplash After a California Car Accident

Unfortunately, whiplash is one of those medical conditions that do not present immediate symptoms. Common whiplash symptoms can appear a day after the vehicle accident occurred. Whiplash, along with many other medical conditions can take several days, if not weeks to become apparent. Due to the lack of feeling and awareness, it is important that those who have undergone a collision seek medical attention as soon as possible. Seeking medical attention can help prevent further damage to the injuries.

Seeking medical attention can be beneficial, not only in the treatment of the medical ailment, but it can also help the whiplash victim protect his or her rights after the car accident. Whiplash, along with other medical conditions can be costly. After a car accident injury, it is likely that the victim can file a claim against the negligent driver that caused the accident in an effort to obtain financial compensation for the injuries. By seeking medical attention, a medical record will be established, which is a vital part of the personal injury claim.

In fact, the failure to seek medical attention can have a negative effect in the case. If a claimant fails to seek medical attention, a court can determine that the petitioner’s medical condition does not exist, or that it was a result of some other incident. Additionally, a court can also determine that prolonging medical attention aggravated the medical condition. Either one of these scenarios makes it harder to establish a clear and convincing link between accident and injury.

The Bottom Line: Obtain Legal Support – San Diego Car Accident Attorneys

Whiplash is a serious medical condition that can cause pain, blurred vision, dizziness, headaches, and stiffness. If you have suffered a whiplash condition due to an incident caused by another party, it is important to know that there could be an opportunity to obtain monetary restitution to alleviate the costs of the injury. Seek the legal expertise of a qualified attorney that can guide you through the claims process. A qualified attorney can help you build a strong case against the negligent party.

The attorneys at Martinez & Schill LLP have extensive experience in handling car accident claims involving whiplash. They are dedicated to helping victims obtain financial compensation for injuries sustained as a result of a careless party. Personal injury claims are highly time-sensitive; seek legal support as soon as possible.

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