If you’ve ever been in a fender bender, you probably noticed a soreness in your neck afterward. You might have shrugged it off as a minor inconvenience and then forgot about it.
But the reality is that any soreness in your neck after a car accident is a potential symptom of a whiplash injury. Even if you don’t feel like you’re in a lot of pain, that soreness might be the sign of a serious injury that can lead to repercussions down the road.
In the state of Louisiana, car accident victims can recover damages for whiplash injuries. From Jones Law Partners, read on to learn everything you need to know about whiplash and car accidents.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the head is forcefully jerked back and forth. It’s called “whiplash” because this jerking back and forth mimics the motion of a cracking whip.
This violent movement can damage the muscles, discs, nerves, and tendons in the neck, leading to intense pain and discomfort. Car accidents are a common scenario that can cause whiplash, even in seemingly minor accidents.
It’s crucial to understand that whiplash may not always be immediately obvious; symptoms can surface hours or days after the accident.
Any time you’re involved in a car accident, no matter how small, you should see a doctor to check for injuries such as whiplash.
Common symptoms of whiplash
While every accident and every injury is different, there are common threads associated with whiplash injuries. Some of the most common symptoms our personal injury attorneys see with whiplash include:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Shoulder pain
- Low back pain
- Dizziness
- Pain in your arm or hand
- Numbness in your arm or hand
- Ringing in your ears
- Blurred vision
- Concentration or memory problems
- Irritability
- Sleeplessness
- Tiredness
What damages can you receive for a whiplash injury in a Louisiana car accident case?
While whiplash might seem like a minor injury, the reality is that, untreated, it can lead to serious pain, discomfort, and restriction of movement. A serious whiplash injury might make it hard to sleep, or prevent you from going in to work.
The good news is that in the state of Louisiana, car accident victims are entitled to compensation for any damages they incur as a result of an injury like whiplash. These include some of the following:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for all medical bills related to the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of the whiplash injury.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for past and future income lost due to the inability to work during recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the whiplash injury.
- Property Damage: Coverage for repair or replacement of damaged property, such as the victim’s vehicle.
After seeing a doctor, the most important thing you can do if you have whiplash is to contact a personal injury lawyer.
Contact Jones Law Partners today
If you or a loved one has suffered a whiplash injury in a car accident, it’s crucial to seek legal representation to navigate the legal complexities and secure a fair settlement. The experienced Louisiana car accident lawyers at Jones Law Partners are dedicated to advocating for the rights of victims and helping them on their journey to recovery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
