Dothan Whiplash Injury Lawyer
Whiplash is a common accident injury that can result in debilitating physical challenges and significant emotional and financial distress. If you suffered a whiplash injury, you may require extensive medical treatment and be unable to return to work.
Thankfully, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your whiplash and related losses through a personal injury claim against the party that hurt you. A Dothan whiplash injury attorney at Gartlan Injury Law can manage the claims process for you and help you move forward. Contact us today to discuss your situation in a free consultation.
Contents
- What Is Whiplash?
- What Are the Most Common Causes of Whiplash?
- How Is Whiplash Treated?
- How Do I Prove Someone Was to Blame for My Whiplash Injuries?
- Can I Receive Compensation for My Whiplash Injuries?
- How Long Do I Have to File a Whiplash Injury Lawsuit in Alabama?
- How Can a Lawyer Help with My Whiplash Injury Claim?
- Contact an Alabama Whiplash Injury Lawyer
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a type of injury that presents as painful symptoms in the neck, head, and upper back. This injury results from a forceful jerking of the head backward and forward. People with whiplash may experience various symptoms, including:
- Stiffness and pain in the neck
- Dizziness
- Shoulder pain
- Inability to move the neck
- Headaches
In some cases, these symptoms can lead to issues with range of motion. Whiplash can make it difficult to bend over, twist, or pick up and lift heavy objects.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Whiplash?
Whiplash can develop from various types of accidents. Some of the most common include:
- Rear-end car accidents – Although any car crash can cause rapid movement leading to whiplash, rear-end collisions are a leading cause of this type of injury. The point of impact is likely to cause the sudden acceleration and deceleration forces that whip the neck back and forth.
- Sports injuries – Contact sports like football can cause whiplash injuries, especially when players experience abrupt impacts or tackles.
- Work-related accidents – Jobs that involve sudden movements, heavy lifting, or exposure to potential falls can also lead to whiplash injuries if the neck is forcefully extended or flexed beyond its normal range of motion.
- Slip and fall accidents – Falling backward and hitting the head or neck on the ground can result in whiplash, especially if the impact suddenly causes the head to jerk.
How Is Whiplash Treated?
Several treatment options can help alleviate the symptoms of whiplash. You must take a comprehensive approach to reduce pain and promote recovery. One of the first things doctors will recommend is resting. Ideally, limiting motion and use of your neck should allow the injured tissues to heal. In some cases, cold and heat therapy may help reduce some symptoms.
Doctors also prescribe medication to help patients manage pain. This can include over-the-counter medication or prescription drugs to ease pain and discomfort while reducing the inflammation from the injuries.
For some, physical therapy can strengthen the muscles, restore neck mobility, and improve overall function. Other therapies that can help include massage therapy and chiropractic care.
Injections with steroids or numbing medications may reduce pain and inflammation for severe whiplash. In some rare cases, surgery may help address complications from whiplash injuries.
Unfortunately, treatment for whiplash can be lengthy and time-consuming. It can also be quite expensive and may leave victims with significant medical expenses that make it difficult for them to get the care they need. After suffering this type of personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, victims can file a legal claim against those responsible.
How Do I Prove Someone Was to Blame for My Whiplash Injuries?
Proving that another party is at fault for your whiplash injuries can be challenging. These injuries often lack visible evidence in imaging studies, such as MRIs and X-rays. As a result, it is common for insurance companies to dispute claims for whiplash injuries. Insurance companies often cite the lack of concrete diagnostic findings when trying to deny compensation for medical care and other losses.
However, proving fault is still possible. Medical evidence, documentation, and expert testimony can strengthen your claim. Additional evidence, such as accident reconstruction reports and witness statements, can also help establish the connection between the accident and your whiplash injuries.
Can I Receive Compensation for My Whiplash Injuries?
Victims of whiplash resulting from another party’s negligence can seek maximum compensation by filing a personal injury claim. Some of the recoverable damages include:
- Medical expenses, including all treatments, tests, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages from taking time off work
- Pain and suffering
- Lower quality of life
How Long Do I Have to File a Whiplash Injury Lawsuit in Alabama?
Generally, Alabama law gives victims up to two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim for whiplash compensation. However, the statute of limitations may vary based on specific circumstances. You must seek assistance from a Dothan whiplash injury lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your right to the compensation you deserve.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My Whiplash Injury Claim?
An attorney can be valuable when pursuing a claim for compensation after suffering a whiplash injury. Your attorney will help with various aspects of your case to protect your rights. Some of the ways your personal injury attorney will help include:
- Investigating the accident leading to your injuries
- Gathering evidence that shows negligence and your resulting injuries
- Negotiating with the insurance company for fair compensation
- Working with experts to help prove fault and the extent of your injuries
- Representing you in court
Hiring an attorney early on can give you the best chance of protecting your rights and seeking the maximum compensation.
Contact an Alabama Whiplash Injury Lawyer
The whiplash injury attorneys at Gartlan Injury Law have extensive experience helping people in Dothan and across Alabama get justice after accidents. We provide personalized service and help maximize results for our clients. Trust our experienced team to be your voice in the courtroom and fight relentlessly for the compensation you deserve.
Our team is genuinely passionate about helping injured victims through challenging situations and advocating for their legal rights and best interests at every step. If you are dealing with a painful whiplash injury, rely on our team to fight for justice on your behalf. Contact a whiplash injury attorney today for a free consultation so we can discuss your rights and the available legal options.