How does a whiplash injury impact your Austin car accident case?
Austin, Texas residents know all too well the dangers of car accidents and the injuries they can cause. One of the most common yet often overlooked injuries is whiplash, which occurs when a person’s neck snaps back and forth due to an impact from a collision.
Whiplash injuries can be painful and debilitating, leading to long-term physical damage if not properly treated. In addition to medical costs, victims may also face lost wages from missed work or disability claims. To help Austinites understand their rights after being injured in a car accident, this article will provide information on how to recognize signs of whiplash as well as how an Austin car accident lawyer can help you recover compensation with your insurance claim.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that results from a sudden, violent movement of the head. The motion typically occurs when a person's head is thrown forward, backward, or sideways in an abrupt manner. This force can cause damage to the soft tissues of the neck, including ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Symptoms of whiplash include:
- Sharp pain in the neck and shoulders
- Reduced range of motion in the neck and head
- Headaches
- Dizziness and fatigue.
Other symptoms may include tingling or numbness in the arms or hands, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, difficulty concentrating and/or memory problems.
When diagnosing whiplash injuries it is important to look at both physical and psychological symptoms as they can be intertwined. Physicians will often use imaging tests such as X-rays to rule out any fractures before making a diagnosis.
A doctor may also request an MRI scan or CT scan if further images are needed for diagnosis. In some cases where there have been more serious injuries sustained during an Austin car accident doctors may refer patients to specialists such as neurosurgeons or neurologists for more detailed treatment plans.
Whiplash is treatable with professional medical care. Common treatments include physical therapy (targeted exercises) to help regain strength and flexibility in the neck area; medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation; chiropractic adjustments; cervical collar; rest; massage therapy; heat/ice application; ultrasound therapy; electrical muscle stimulation (EMS); and surgery (in rare cases).
It’s important for Austin residents involved in Austin car accidents to seek medical attention immediately after an impact takes place so that any potential whiplash injuries can be identified and treated accordingly.
How do I prove whiplash from a car accident?
Medical evidence is essential for proving that a person sustained a whiplash injury in an Austin car accident. Common medical tests used to diagnose whiplash include X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans. These imaging tests can reveal abnormalities such as fractures, herniated discs, soft tissue damage, and nerve damage. It is also important to document the specifics of your Austin car accident as well as any symptoms you experienced after the incident.
This can include photos of the scene of the accident, witnesses statements, a police report (if available), medical reports from emergency personnel or doctors regarding your injuries, and a journal detailing how your pain has affected your daily life.
Furthermore, if you have seen more than one doctor for treatment you should keep all records for their examinations, treatments and diagnoses as these can be used to further prove that you sustained a whiplash injury in an Austin car accident.
What should I do if I have whiplash from a car accident
If you have sustained whiplash from an Austin car accident, then it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Whiplash can cause long-term nerve damage or even paralysis if left untreated, so it is essential to get a diagnosis from a doctor and start treatment right away.
After being involved in an Austin car accident, doctors may order X-rays or MRI scans to rule out any fractures before making a diagnosis. Depending on the severity of your whiplash injury, your physician might refer you to specialists such as neurosurgeons or neurologists for more detailed treatment plans.
Fletcher Law can help with your personal injury case
If you have sustained whiplash from an Austin car accident, then it is important to contact Fletcher Law for your personal injury case. Our expert Austin attorneys are highly knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with Austin car accident cases, particularly those involving whiplash.
We have a strong track record of getting successful results for our clients from Austin car accidents, and we understand the trauma and pain that they may be going through. At Fletcher Law, we will provide you with personalized attention and focus on each individual's unique needs.
Our team of dedicated lawyers will fight aggressively to ensure that their rights are upheld after being injured in Austin car accidents. We will do everything in our power to get you the justice and compensation you deserve for your whiplash injury claim after an Austin car accident.