Whiplash: What You Need to Know about Kentucky Auto Accident Injuries
Whiplash is a common result from car accidents. In fact, experts have estimated that as many as 65% of all car insurance injury claims are for compensation for a whiplash injury. Despite being so common, insurers often attempt to thwart claims for whiplash injuries. Read below to learn more about whiplash injuries, and consult with a skilled personal injury lawyer for help recovering on your whiplash claim.
Whiplash basics: Whiplash is the informal term for the types of injuries that are often the result of what’s known as cervical acceleration-deceleration trauma. This term refers to the damage that occurs to the cervical spine when the body is swiftly whipped backward, then forward. This movement can result in tears and strains to the muscles and ligaments in the victim’s neck, and can also cause chips in the bones of the neck and spine, and even herniated discs in the spine.
When whiplash happens: Whiplash occurs most frequently in rear-end crashes. The crash itself need not be severe for a vehicle occupant to suffer the effects of whiplash injuries. Scientists have shown that whiplash can affect vehicle occupants in crashes occurring as slowly as 5 mph.
What whiplash feels like: Most often, symptoms of whiplash include:
- Tenderness and swelling in the neck and back
- Stiffness or a loss of range of motion in the neck
- Headaches, frequently emanating from the base of the skull
- Tingling or numbness in arms and hands
- Feelings of dizziness and fatigue
In very severe cases, symptoms associated with whiplash can include difficulty remembering things, mood swings and irritability, blurry vision, ringing in the ears, trouble sleeping, trouble concentrating, and depression. Untreated or improperly treated whiplash can also result in chronic pain in some instances.
Additionally, certain symptoms of whiplash can also be symptoms of more serious injuries such as a traumatic brain injury. For this and many other reasons, it is very important to see a doctor immediately after an accident.
Why you need a lawyer for a whiplash claim: Whiplash injuries are frequently associated with lower-value car accidents. Newer cars are designed to sustain substantial rear impact without showing damage, but often the same design that reduces visible damage will cause vehicle occupants to absorb more of the impact themselves. When an insurance company adjuster receives a claim for physical injuries resulting from an accident that did not cause substantial damage to the vehicle, they are often instructed to deny such claims under the theory that physical injuries in a low-value crash are impossible. A knowledgeable and skilled Kentucky personal injury attorney will use evidence such as scientific research and expert testimony to ensure that you get the full value of your claims for whiplash injuries.
For assistance determining if your Kentucky car accident may entitle you to money damages for your injuries, contact the seasoned and dedicated Richmond personal injury lawyers at Davis & Haymond for a consultation, at 859-624-3380, with additional offices in Irvine at 606-726-9991.