Filing a Whiplash Claim After a Car Wreck

Vehicle accidents are the most common causes of whiplash injuries. Oftentimes, these whiplash injuries occur due to the sudden back-and-forth flexion of your neck that occurs on impact in a wreck. However, whiplash can occur after any type of accident that causes your head to abruptly jerk forward and back, which damages the muscles and tendons in your neck. 

Furthermore, whiplash can appear immediately after an accident or take several days, or sometimes weeks, to develop. That is why it’s vital to seek medical attention immediately after an accident, even if you are not yet experiencing whiplash symptoms. And medical records, accident investigation reports, and other information from the scene are essential when you are filing your injury claim for whiplash.

To learn more about how to file an injury claim for whiplash, contact our Phoenix personal injury attorneys at ELG Law. Our team of personal injury lawyers is here to help you today with a free, no-hassle consultation.

Identify Your Symptoms

First, identify your symptoms and seek medical attention immediately in the aftermath of an accident. Even if you don’t feel hurt, you should see a doctor. Seeking medical attention means that your injuries, whether you initially notice them or not, can be explored and documented. This improves your chance of a successful claim. The most common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain that intensifies with movement, neck stiffness, headaches, and abnormal sensations such as burning or prickling, also called paresthesias.

Whiplash can also cause more serious injuries. These critical symptoms include memory loss, fatigue, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and depression. 

If you suspect that you’ve suffered whiplash in an accident, your doctor will examine your neck’s soft tissues. Medical professionals utilize imaging tests, like CT scans, MRIs or X-rays to identify the source of your pain and rule out other injuries.

To diagnose whiplash, your physician may ask that you perform basic tasks moving your neck, shoulders, and arms. Your doctor will then see the range of motion in your neck and shoulders, as well as the strength of your reflexes and limbs.

Filing Your Claim and Seeking Compensation

Once you’ve sought medical treatment and organized the facts of your case, contact your lawyer. Your lawyer will file a claim on your behalf to seek compensation for your injuries. And you may be able to secure compensation for medical bills and treatment, lost wages, and any future treatment.

However, you must list a monetary value to cover your damages so that the court can compensate for your loss. And in Arizona, the statute of limitations for filing a claim is two years. Keep in mind that you then have two years from the date of your injury to file with your lawyer.

Personal Injury Attorneys in Phoenix

The financial impact of car accidents can be devastating, especially those involving whiplash injuries. If you’ve sustained whiplash injuries from an accident due to another party’s negligence, you can secure compensation for your damages. After you’ve sought treatment, seek the help of a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Contact our personal injury lawyers at ELG Law at (623) 877-3600 for a free consultation. We are here to help you with your case every step of the way.