A whiplash injury, otherwise referred to as whiplash-associated disorder (WAD), is a form of neck injury not only common but commonly associated with the immediate and powerful back-and-forth motion of the head and neck.
It commonly occurs because of rear-end car crashes but also by other sudden impact or movement that causes the neck to jerk abruptly. Such injuries cover whiplash and might result in pain, discomfort, and limited mobility of the neck and surrounding areas.
The symptoms could be neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and shoulder pain, amongst others. Such injuries differ from a slight case with mild discomfort to more serious cases causing longer duration of pain together with functional impairment. It's important to seek medical attention if you suspect you've sustained a whiplash injury, especially if it's the result of an accident caused by someone else's negligence.
We have talked before in other posts about how sensitive the human body can be to events of this nature. The best thing we can do to avoid this type of outcome is to take care of ourselves as much as possible. Take care of our environment, be attentive every time we move around the big city, in addition to maintaining a conscious behavior regarding our actions. Every act has a consequence, so we must prioritize our responsible actions in the city.
Respect the lanes designated for each vehicle, respect pedestrians, yield the right of way, and be aware that in the city, all kinds of people are at different paces. Maybe sometimes we can go very slowly, but we are surrounded by hurried and aggressive drivers.
In the face of this, remaining calm will always be our ally. This way, we will avoid unfortunate injuries that affect our lives. In addition to avoiding toxic emotions. Do you want to reach old age in good health? Avoid unnecessary stress, my friend. There are people who are not worth arguing with. Trust that you are on the right track. Doing good and helping your community in Queens to grow and be a better place to live every day.
At The Ward Law Group, we have many years of experience in handling these types of cases involving whiplash injuries as well as other types of injuries. We have seen clients recover beautifully after giving themselves the necessary time. What was the key to these clients' success? Patience, good humor, and leaving the legal issues in the hands of our firm's expert whiplash lawyer.
Being able to delegate the legal field to experts like us helped our clients in all cases to focus on their recovery, to slowly evaluate the best therapy for their case, and to find a solution to their problems over time.
We provide attention based on the vocation of service; we do not want to focus strictly on legal procedures, which sometimes can be tedious, but also on the human aspect and the bond that we form with each client who comes to our offices. We have been motivated by Christian values since we started many years ago in a small office. We have overcome the challenges of growing over time.
Always guided by our vocation to serve others and build a better community together. Over time we have seen the fruits of our labor.
"You will recognize them by their fruits." Says Matthew 7:16. We are confident that this magical bible verse represents the excellent reputation we have built over the years. Our fruits have been hundreds of happy families and many cases where justice has won over indifference. Together we can make it happen. Contact The Ward Law Group now for a free case evaluation!
Symptoms and Signs of Whiplash
Medical science is still debating the number or types of symptoms that can occur in this type of injury. However, after several years of analyzing this type of case, we have been able to receive several testimonies from patients affected by this type of injury, and they have manifested the following as the most common signs:
- Neck discomfort: Neck discomfort is among the most common signs of whiplash. From minor discomfort to intense, ongoing pain, this pain might vary. The upper back and shoulders may also experience a radiating or localized ache.
- Neck stiffness brought on by whiplash can make it difficult to move the head and neck freely. This rigidity may hinder daily tasks and impair movement.
- Headaches: Another typical sign of whiplash is a headache. Pain that originates at the base of the skull and spreads upward toward the forehead may accompany these headaches.
- Vertigo and Dizziness: Some people who suffer from whiplash may also feel dizzy or have a spinning sensation, which is referred to as vertigo. This may exacerbate an unbalanced or uncomfortable feeling.
- In addition to causing neck pain, whiplash can also result in discomfort in the shoulders and upper back. The muscles and soft tissues in these places may be impacted by the injury's effects.
- Limited Range of Motion: The neck and shoulders may have a limited range of motion as a result of whiplash. The inability to turn the head, tilt it to one side, or make other common movements may result from this.
- Tingling or Numbness: Due to nerve irritation brought on by the injury, some people may suffer tingling or numbness in their arms.
- Delayed Onset of Symptoms: It's crucial to keep in mind that whiplash symptoms may not appear right away following the collision. Sometimes it can take them hours or even days to appear. Accident victims may find it simple to underestimate the severity of their injuries due to this delayed start.
If you've been involved in a car accident and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Even if the symptoms appear minor at first, they can worsen over time if not properly addressed.
Consulting with a qualified whiplash car accident lawyer can also help you understand your rights and explore the possibility of seeking compensation for your injuries. Remember, the sooner you move forward with medical treatment and legal assistance, the better your chances of a full recovery.
Proving Whiplash Injuries in Legal Claims:
Proving whiplash injuries in legal claims requires a comprehensive approach that combines medical evidence, diagnostic tests, and expert testimony. Establishing the extent of the injuries is essential for seeking appropriate compensation. Here's how the process typically unfolds:
- Medical documents: When demonstrating whiplash injury, medical documents are essential. The initial medical evaluation, treatment strategies, and ongoing care are all documented in these records. They serve as a timeline of your wounds and the actions performed to treat them.
- Diagnostic tests: Diagnostic tests, like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, can show the injuries visually. Soft tissue injury, fractures, and other anomalies that would not be obvious on a physical examination alone can be found with these tests.
- Expert Medical Opinions: Based on the patient's medical records and diagnostic tests, medical professionals with experience in whiplash injuries can provide expert medical opinions. Their observations can help establish a clear connection between the incident and the wounds you have received.
- Accident reconstructionists: They may be used in cases that are more complicated. They recreate the accident's circumstances using scientific principles, helping to show how the force of the impact caused whiplash injuries.
- Experts in the field of forensic science can examine the damage done by accidents involving automobiles. They can reveal important details regarding the severity of the collision and the likelihood of whiplash by looking at the impact and damage patterns.
- Eyewitness Testimonies: Accounts from eyewitnesses can offer firsthand details of the accident. Their observations can support the chronology of what happened and the force of the collision, which can support the existence of whiplash injuries.
- Documentation of Pain and Suffering: Documenting your pain and suffering can be crucial in demonstrating the severity of your injuries. Whiplash's effects can be fully understood by keeping a journal of your symptoms, pain levels, and how they affect your daily life.
- Long-Term Prognosis: The long-term prognosis of your whiplash injuries can also be discussed by professional medical advice. This is essential for assessing the likelihood of ongoing discomfort, the need for treatment, and the effect on your quality of life.
As we can see, the injuries that can be used as arguments to obtain compensation through a legal process can be several. However, we must evaluate each of them to see which one fits precisely to your case, in addition to gathering the necessary evidence that demonstrates the condition that has been generated in your body or in your emotional state after the accident.
That way, we will have evidence that will support our arguments in court. This is very positive for the goal of obtaining the compensation you deserve. Contact us now, don't waste any more time. Let's get started with the investigation, and let's fight this battle together.
Preventing Whiplash Injuries
Prevention is everyone's job. In addition to being an element of utmost importance to build together a better community and reduce the number of accidents of this type in Queens, we believe that preventing unfortunate events is a habit that we must reinforce through our daily lives. Taking the right measures, living a life consistent with those measures, and in this way contributing to the place where we live. May this be a safer and more civilized place for our children, for those who are here now, and for those to come. Here are some recommendations so that you can incorporate them into your daily life in Queens:
- Car Seat Headrest Adjustment: It's important to adjust the car seat headrests properly. Make sure the headrest is aligned with the back of your head and is at the proper height. Your head will be supported by this during a collision and will not move too far backward.
- Keeping a good posture while driving can help to lessen the effects of collisions. Adjust your seat and steering wheel so that you can comfortably reach the controls without using your arms excessively while seated upright with your back against the seat.
- Correct Seat Belt Use: In a collision, seat belts are your first line of defense. Make sure the shoulder belt crosses your chest and shoulder snugly, and the lap belt rests across your hips.
- Drive Defensively: By improving your defensive driving skills, you can foresee and avert potential collisions. Be careful at intersections, maintain a safe following distance, and follow all traffic regulations.
- Avoid tailgating by keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you so you have time to react if the driver brakes suddenly.
- Limit Distractions: Refrain from using your phone or eating while driving. You can respond quickly to shifting traffic conditions by maintaining your attention on the road.
- Respect Speed Limits: Keeping to the posted speed limit not only helps to prevent accidents, but it also lessens the force of an impact should one occur.
- Apply the brakes gradually and smoothly to avoid sudden jolts and lower the likelihood of collisions.
- Stay Informed: Stay current on safety advice and features of vehicles intended to reduce the risk of whiplash. Advanced safety systems in some contemporary vehicles can identify potential collisions and change seat positions accordingly.
- Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Keeping your car in good condition lowers the risk of unexpected problems that could cause mishaps. Pay close attention to your suspension system, tires, and brakes.
- Practice Proper Seating: Even on short trips, practice good seating habits by adjusting your headrest and keeping a straight posture.
- Strengthen Neck Muscles: By doing exercises to make your neck muscles stronger, you can better protect your head from impacts.
Remember, taking proactive steps to minimize the risk of whiplash is essential for your safety and the safety of others on the road. By adopting safe driving habits and being mindful of proper seating and headrest adjustments, you can significantly reduce the potential for whiplash injuries in the event of an accident.
Contacting a lawyer for whiplash injuries will give you calm. Let our experts accompany you in this process. We will be ready to turn this bad time into an opportunity to find the justice that should always prevail in our Queens community. Do not be afraid. You are not alone in this situation.
We will be with you from beginning to end. Trust. Let us guide you through this process. In the end, we are sure you will find the peace you are looking for. When the time comes for you to receive the compensation you are due. There will be time to smile after such an experience.