What is Whiplash & How to File a Whiplash Injury Claim?

Whiplash, also known as neck hyperextension, is one of the most common injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents caused primarily by being hit from behind. Seeking compensation for whiplash is possible as long as you can show evidence of your injuries caused in the accident. Many victims get confused about how to make a whiplash injury claim. This article will help you understand what whiplash is and how to file a whiplash injury claim to boost your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.

What exactly is whiplash, and how serious is it?

Whiplash is a neck injury also mentioned as neck sprain or neck strain. It occurs due to rapid back-and-forth snapping movement of the neck in a motor vehicle accident. It's a common injury for drivers or passengers involved in rear-end collisions on the road. Even a low-speed crash - between 5 to 10 mph can cause a whiplash injury. Many accident victims do not seek medical attention presuming that injuries are not severe. Even insurance companies do not take whiplash as a critical injury. However, whiplash is indeed a grave injury and may take months to heal. If left untreated, a minor-looking whiplash can result in severe damage to our spinal cord or brain, altering the victim’s ability to function or leaving them in pain for life.

• Delayed Whiplash Symptoms

Whiplash signs and symptoms may not necessarily manifest right after the accident. Sometimes, symptoms may take days, weeks, or even months to develop. We advise victims to get their injuries evaluated by doctors immediately after an accident, even if they experience no obvious injury symptoms. It will not only help prevent the symptoms from worsening but also assist with your personal injury claim. Typical whiplash symptoms after a car accident include:

• Neck stiffness and pain
• Difficulty in moving neck
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Pain in shoulder and arms
• Tingling/Numbness in arms
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Sleep Disturbances

In addition, ringing in the ears or impaired vision, symptoms such as memory and concentration issues, sleep abnormalities, and anxiety disorders are common delayed signs of major whiplash injuries.

Filing a Whiplash Injury Claim in Virginia

Personal injury claims are time-sensitive, always better to file them as soon as possible. If you have suffered whiplash in an accident due to someone else's fault, you may be eligible to file a compensation claim. Your compensation settlement may be able to help you in covering the costs of time off work, medical care, and any additional financial or emotional effects on you and your family.

Obtaining prompt legal assistance from a skilled attorney is as critical as seeking immediate medical attention for building a sturdy case. Kalfus & Nachman'sseasoned car accident lawyers in Virginia know the overwhelming stress of claiming compensation for whiplash injury. We have an established track record of winning substantial amounts of damages for whiplash injury victims.

5 Steps to Take After a Whiplash Injury

Filing a whiplash injury claim or a lawsuit in Virginia, following a few basic steps can maximize your odds of obtaining a fair personal injury compensation. Here are five steps victims can take to support a whiplash injury claim after an accident:

1. Seek Medical Care Immediately

2. Follow Your Treatment Plan

3. Document Your Losses and Expenses

4. Start the Claim Process ASAP

5. Seek Legal Assistance

If you or a loved one sustained a whiplash injury in a Virginia auto accident, our nationally recognized top trial attorney Paul R. Hernandez advises you on what you can do to protect your legal rights.

Safety Tips for Reducing the Effects of Whiplash in a Crash

The effects of a car collision on the body might be quite varied. It's nearly hard to rule out any harm, no matter how little. Here are some common tips you can follow to lower your risk of whiplash and related injuries:

• Buckle up - Wearing seat belts lowers your risk of injury by fifty percent in a crash. The seat belt's function is to protect the spine from serious harm in the event of a crash. Without a seat belt, a person risks becoming a projectile or suffering forceful spinal injuries.

• Adjust headrests correctly - Head restraints or headrests integrated into the top of each seat limit the backward movement of the head and neck in a car crash. A well-adjusted headrest aid in minimizing whiplash injury. Position it as high as your head and with the least possible gap in between.

• Don't lean or recline on the seat - Avoid leaning or reclining in your car seat, and avoid sitting too close to the steering wheel's airbag. Always sit upright and sit facing forward.

• Avoid tailgating - Tailgating is unsafe driving behavior and can cause accidents that result in whiplash and other serious injuries. Do not follow too close. Maintain a safe gap between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Why Should I Choose Kalfus & Nachman for My Whiplash Claim

Competent personal injury attorneys at Kalfus & Nachman providing powerful legal advocacy to injured victims for more than four decades. Because of our extensive experience and knowledge, we can swiftly tell if you have grounds for a whiplash injury claim and discuss the risks and outcomes of submitting a claim in detail to you.

There are no up-front costs to pay when you choose us to claim on your behalf. Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only get paid if we successfully win compensation for you.