Whiplash occurs when the head and neck snap violently back and forth, causing damage to tendons, ligaments, neck muscles, and the upper spine. It is one of the most common injuries associated with car accidents. Even minor cases can lead to thousands of dollars in medical treatment, lost income from time missed at work, and lower quality of life. More severe cases can require extensive treatment with long-term consequences.

Some people don’t get treatment for minor whiplash because they are worried about the cost and hope the painful injury will heal on its own. However, this could lead to lasting damage that leaves them susceptible to future back and spine injuries.

If you suffered a neck injury in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to cover these medical expenses on your own. Contact Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC today for a free consultation with an experienced Lawrenceville whiplash injury lawyer. Find out how we can help you demand the full and fair compensation you deserve.

What Are the Most Common Whiplash Injury Symptoms After a Car Accident?

Whiplash can present with a variety of symptoms. While people may experience the injury differently, some of the most common symptoms of whiplash include the following:

  • Neck, shoulder, and back pain or stiffness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea

Someone who’s sustained whiplash in a car accident may not notice any symptoms until several hours after the collision. You should seek medical treatment as soon as you notice any new symptoms, even if you have already visited a doctor after the accident. Some of these symptoms could also be a sign of a separate injury aside from whiplash.

How Is a Whiplash Diagnosed?

A doctor may be able to diagnose whiplash by asking you questions about the accident, your symptoms, and how the symptoms are impacting your life. They may also feel your neck and head and ask you to perform basic movements to test your pain levels, strength, flexibility, and reflexes.

While an MRI, X-ray, or CT scan cannot typically diagnose whiplash, your doctor may use these diagnostic tests to rule out other potential injuries.

How Is a Whiplash Injury Treated?

The treatment options for a whiplash injury can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury and other factors, including your personal medical history. In minor cases, taking over-the-counter pain medication and applying heat or cold compresses may be enough to ease the pain while your body recovers on its own.

More serious cases may require treatments such as the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Massages
  • Chiropractic treatments
  • Stabilizing braces
  • Prescription pain medication
  • Injections
  • Electrical current treatments
  • Surgery

A wide range of treatments also means a wide range of medical costs. Whether your treatment is several hundred dollars for chiropractic care or several thousand dollars for surgeries and physical therapy, the person who caused the accident should be held financially responsible for the damage they caused.

How Long Do I Have to File a Whiplash Injury Claim in Georgia?

In general, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Georgia is two years from the date of the injury. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. A whiplash attorney can help you understand how much time you have to file a claim.

You should file a whiplash claim as soon as possible after a car accident. Not only does this avoid any time crunches with deadlines, but it is also easier to gather strong evidence immediately after an accident than it is weeks or months later. The sooner you get started on your claim, the sooner it can be resolved.

How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Whiplash Injury?

It’s difficult to say how much compensation you could recover without specific information regarding the accident and your injuries. However, you may be owed compensation for:

  • Current and future medical bills
  • Physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, or other rehabilitation
  • Medications
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

Sometimes, people hesitate to involve an attorney because they feel their case is too small. Many people don’t realize that the case’s value often includes more than just medical bills. Our whiplash injury attorneys can take a detailed look at your situation and help you gain some perspective on what your case may be worth during the initial consultation.

Contact Our Whiplash Injury Law Firm to Get the Compensation You Deserve

You have a lot on your mind in the days, weeks, and months following a car accident. While managing physical pain may be your primary focus, many people suffer from anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges following an accident. As the medical bills begin to roll in, the financial impact can leave you more stressed than before.

At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, we understand the physical and emotional challenges you are going through and are here to support you during this difficult time. Attorney David Brauns has been recognized for his excellence by national and local organizations, including Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers Association. We have the experience to handle any personal injury case, no matter how big or small. But as a small law firm, we can deliver a level of personalized customer service that larger firms simply cannot.

Find out what we can do for you by contacting Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC today for a free consultation with an experienced whiplash lawyer.