Whiplash Injuries in a Car Accident

Being involved in an automobile accident can result in a wide range of physical injuries. One of the most common injuries noticed by victims in the aftermath of a car crash is whiplash – an injury involving harm to the soft tissues of the neck or cervical spine (upper back). If you suffer whiplash in an auto accident, speak with a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles to find out if you may qualify for financial compensation for your medical costs and other losses from an at-fault party.

What Is a Whiplash Injury?

Whiplash is a neck injury that is typically caused by the back-and-forth “whipping” motion of the head and neck in a car accident. This is especially common in a rear-end car accident, where the victim’s body jerks rapidly forward and backward in quick succession, similar to the motion of a whip cracking. 

The sudden and forceful movement of the neck forward (hyperflexion) and then backward (hyperextension) can injure the soft tissues located there, such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. This can lead to neck strain or tears, which are generally referred to as “whiplash.”

Signs of Whiplash After a Car Accident

While not every victim experiences the same symptoms as a result of a whiplash or a neck injury after a car accident, many common signs are often shared.

You may have a whiplash injury if you notice any of the following:

• Pain and stiffness in your neck
• Trouble moving your head and neck
• Decreased range of motion in your neck
• Persistent headaches radiating from the base of your skull
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Blurred vision or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Pain in your shoulders, arms or upper back
• “Pins and needles” sensation in your arms or hands
• Trouble concentrating or focusing
• Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
• Depression, irritability or mood swings

Whiplash may be immediately noticeable after a car accident or it may take a few hours for you to realize that you hurt your neck. This is why spinal injury lawyers in Los Angeles suggest it’s important to see a doctor right away after a car crash for an official checkup.

How Much Is a Whiplash Injury Case Worth in California?

This is a question that only an attorney can accurately answer for you, as case outcomes can range from tens of thousands of dollars to multiple millions. As a general rule, serious to catastrophic neck injury cases will receive more compensation than minor injuries due to the level of harm suffered by the victim.

Medical treatments alone for a whiplash injury could cost thousands of dollars, with required medical interventions such as surgery, physical therapy, medications and rehabilitation. A serious neck injury could also interfere with a victim’s ability to work, either temporarily or permanently (in the case of long-term disability). 

The value of a whiplash personal injury claim in California will depend on the circumstances, such as the severity of the injury, your necessary medical costs and your prognosis for recovery. Work with a specialized Los Angeles personal injury attorney to ensure you receive a fair settlement offer from an insurance provider for not only whiplash, but all of your car accident injuries.

How to Seek Financial Compensation for Whiplash After a Car Accident

If you are diagnosed with a whiplash injury following a car crash in California, contact an attorney for assistance you can count on with the legal process. A lawyer will want you to receive the greatest amount possible in financial compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages – not minimize your payout like a car insurance company will. With an attorney representing you, you can maximize your financial recovery and make it easier to move forward from a whiplash injury. To start your case with a free consultation, call Rose, Klein & Marias LLP at (800) 362-7427.