What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck injury resulting from a rapid back-and-forth motion of the head, similar to the cracking of a whip. This sudden movement can cause damage to the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons, leading to a range of symptoms affecting daily activities and overall quality of life.

If you’ve experienced such an injury, consulting a whiplash accident lawyer in Colorado can help you understand your legal options. Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents, and at Boesen Law, we fight for fair compensation, handling everything from insurance negotiations to legal claims. Here, we’ll cover whiplash causes, symptoms, and the legal options for seeking compensation.

How Does Whiplash Happen?

Whiplash occurs when the neck experiences a forceful, rapid movement, causing the cervical spine to extend beyond its normal range of motion. This can result in overstretched or torn soft tissues, leading to pain and discomfort.

Common Causes of Whiplash

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden impacts from behind can thrust the head forward and then backward, straining neck structures.
• Truck accidents: The significant force involved in truck collisions can exacerbate whiplash injuries. It’s important to note that victims have a specific timeframe to claim compensation for injuries after motor vehicle accidents.
• Sports injuries: High-contact sports or activities with abrupt movements (like rugby, boxing, or gymnastics) can lead to neck hyperextension and whiplash.
• Falls and workplace accidents: Slipping on wet floors, tripping over uneven surfaces, or sudden jolts in construction and factory work can cause abrupt neck movements.
• Physical assaults: Direct blows or violent shaking often result in whiplash.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Whiplash

Whiplash symptoms can vary widely in severity, and some may not manifest immediately after the incident. Early diagnosis is vital to prevent chronic pain and long-term mobility issues.

Common Symptoms of Whiplash

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Shoulder, back, and jaw pain
• Dizziness and blurred vision
• Numbness or tingling in arms
• Cognitive issues like difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and fatigue

How is Whiplash Diagnosed?

Healthcare professionals employ several methods to diagnose whiplash, including:

• Physical examination: Assessing tenderness, range of motion, and muscle strength in the neck.
• Imaging tests: Utilizing X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to rule out fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue injuries.
• Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD): Classifying the injury from Grade 1 (mild) to Grade 4 (severe), based on the extent of symptoms and physical findings.

The Impact of Whiplash – Injury Statistics & Costs

Whiplash injuries affect thousands of individuals annually, leading to significant medical expenses and economic burdens. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 806,000 people sustain whiplash injuries in motor vehicle accidents each year. The associated economic and quality-of-life costs from these injuries exceed $9 billion annually.

Individuals who suffer whiplash due to someone else’s negligence may be entitled to compensation. A strong claim requires medical documentation and evidence of fault to prove liability. This can seem overwhelming, but a lawyer from Boesen Law can help determine the best legal options for financial recovery. 

What Proof Do You Need for a Whiplash Claim?

Insurance companies tend to scrutinize whiplash claims due to their subjective nature. To secure rightful compensation, we need to substantiate the severity of the injury with robust evidence:

• Medical documentation: Comprehensive records from healthcare providers detailing the diagnosis, treatment plans, and imaging results.
• Accident reports: Official police reports and witness statements that corroborate the circumstances leading to the injury.
• Lost wages evidence: Documentation from employers indicating time missed from work and any impact on earning capacity.
• Expert testimony: Insights from medical professionals or accident reconstruction experts attest to the injury’s impact and causation.

During a free consultation, a lawyer from our team can explain your legal rights after a car accident, your claim’s potential value, and how to strengthen your case with compelling evidence.

Treatment & Recovery for Whiplash

Recovery from whiplash varies among individuals: some may find relief within weeks, while others could experience symptoms for months or even years. Appropriate treatment is pivotal in expediting healing and mitigating complications.

Common Treatments for Whiplash

• Pain management: Utilizing over-the-counter analgesics, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate discomfort.
• Physical therapy: Engaging in tailored exercises aimed at restoring neck mobility and strengthening supportive muscles.
• Chiropractic adjustments: Applying manual manipulation techniques to enhance spinal alignment and reduce muscle tension.
• Heat and ice therapy: Alternating applications to decrease inflammation and ease stiffness.
• Massage therapy: Employing therapeutic massage to improve circulation, reduce muscle tightness, and promote relaxation.

What is a Whiplash Claim Worth?

The compensation you could get for a whiplash injury is contingent upon various factors. Depending on the severity of the incident, you can recover the following damages:

• Medical expenses: Costs incurred from hospital visits, diagnostic tests, rehabilitation sessions, medications, and ongoing therapy.
• Lost wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to inability to work during recovery, as well as future earning potential if the injury results in prolonged disability.
• Pain and suffering: Monetary acknowledgment for the physical discomfort and emotional distress endured.
• Long-term disability: Compensation if the whiplash leads to enduring impairments, such as chronic neck pain or neurological deficits.

When to Contact a Whiplash Injury Lawyer

If whiplash has disrupted your daily life or financial stability, seeking legal counsel will help secure the compensation you deserve. Consider reaching out to a lawyer in the following scenarios:

• Denied insurance claims: If your claim has been unjustly rejected or undervalued by insurers.
• Severe, long-lasting symptoms: When symptoms persist beyond the typical recovery period, indicating a more serious injury.
• Disputed liability: If there is contention regarding who is at fault for the incident.

Remember that Colorado law imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury claims. Acting promptly ensures your case is filed within the permissible timeframe and preserves your right to seek compensation.

How We Help – Contact a Whiplash Accident Lawyer Today

If someone else’s negligence caused your whiplash injury, seeking fair compensation is essential to protect both your health and financial stability. At Boesen Law, our experienced whiplash accident lawyers can provide the legal support you need.

With decades of experience helping the injured in Colorado, Boesen Law has recovered hundreds of millions on behalf of our clients. We have what it takes to build a strong case, negotiate effectively with insurers, or fight for your rights in court if necessary.