If you were involved in a car accident, especially a rear-end collision, there is a good chance you sustained a “whiplash” injury. Whiplash causes the neck to quickly move backward and forward, similar to the cracking of a whip.
This type of injury is a legitimate soft-tissue injury. A sudden, violent extension and retraction of your neck can result in serious physical problems that can impair your ability to function like you normally would.
The most common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Limited range of movement in the neck
- Shoulder pain
- Weakness in both arms
- Pain or soreness in the jaw
- Back pain or discomfort
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in ears
Whiplash injuries can be deceiving because you may not experience the symptoms immediately. They may appear anywhere from a few hours to even a few days after the crash. Seconds after a collision, adrenaline is being pumped into your bloodstream, masking your pain so your body can react to what the brain perceives as danger. Due to this numbing effect, you may believe you’re okay when you’re actually not.
To avoid jeopardizing your whiplash injury claim, it is imperative checked by a qualified medical professional immediately after the accident. Even if you barely feel any pain or discomfort, treating doctors understand the signs to look out for that the average person may not notice.
Additionally, seeking immediate medical treatment also helps to prevent insurance companies, as well as judge and juries, from being suspicious about the legitimacy of your claim. More often than not, whiplash claims are typically looked at with suspicion.
The following are pieces of evidence that can help prove the legitimacy of your claim:
- Bills and receipts of all medical expenses
- Photos of the accident scene
- Photos of your injuries
- X-Rays
- MRIs
- CT scans
- Documentation of all doctor office and hospital visits
- The police report from the accident
- Documentation of missed time from work
However, if the insurance company doesn’t agree with your doctor’s assessment, they may ask you to submit an Independent Medical Exam (IME). This is basically a medical evaluation conducted by a physician chosen by the insurance company. Be advised that the medical professional will look out for the best interests of the insurer, so it is wise not to agree to an IME.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Fort Worth, TX, contact the Law Office of James M. Stanley and request a free consultation with our experienced personal injury lawyer today.