Whiplash is an injury caused when the head is jerked forward and back. Whiplash injuries can occur after a car accident, sports injury, or physical abuse and often go diagnosed. If you have been in a car accident, even if you don’t feel injured, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of whiplash. Symptoms of whiplash may not appear until hours or days after the accident.
If you or a loved one are experiencing whiplash or another neck injury due to an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today for what steps to take next and whether or not you have the right to file a personal injury claim.
Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD)
There are numerous symptoms associated with whiplash, and they can vary in intensity. WAD is a term used to describe the range of symptoms that occur due to whiplash. WAD can cause significant disability and affect your ability to work or participate in your normal activities.
The most common symptom is neck pain or stiffness. Other symptoms may include:
- Worsening of pain with neck movement
- Ringing in the ears
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull
- Pain in neck muscles and stiffness
- Fatigue
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Dizziness
Some people experience more severe symptoms, including:
- Ringing in the ears
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Blurry vision
If you have been in an auto accident and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should seek medical treatment. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent further injury and improve your prognosis.
Whiplash and Neurological Disorders
Whiplash can cause neurological effects by injuring the nerves in your neck and shoulders. The most common effect is numbness or tingling in your arms and legs, but it may also cause weakness or loss of balance if not appropriately treated.
How Is Whiplash Diagnosed?
Whiplash injuries are often diagnosed through a physical examination and review of your medical history. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how long you have been experiencing them. They will also likely order imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.
Long-Term Complications of Whiplash
Whiplash is a serious injury, and if left untreated, it can lead to long-term complications. In the most severe whiplash injury cases, victims may experience chronic whiplash, which includes:
- Chronic pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Long-term bouts of dizziness
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Headaches
- Numbness or weakness in the hands
How is Whiplash Treated?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for neck injuries such as whiplash. The condition can vary from person to person, and treatment will vary depending on the severity of your injury, but early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for a full recovery. Surgery is rarely necessary for whiplash. However, many people find relief from symptoms through a combination of rest, ice packs, and physical therapy. Some people may also require medication to help with pain and inflammation.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of whiplash, it is important to see a doctor right away. Ignoring the signs can lead to more severe problems down the road. Early treatment is the best way to minimize neck pain and stiffness associated with whiplash.
Can I Sue for a Whiplash Injury?
You may be able to sue for a whiplash injury if the accident that caused your injury was someone else’s fault.
To determine whether you have a case, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who can review the facts of your situation and advise you on your best course of action. If you decide to file a lawsuit, your attorney will help you gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company for fair compensation.
What We Can Do For You
The Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a car accident, gathering the evidence needed to establish liability and negligence.
Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has achieved more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate.
Recovering Damages for a Whiplash Injury
Many factors go into determining the value of your claim. These include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys have experience evaluating cases just like yours to determine what they may be worth and will work hard to get you fair compensation for your injuries.
We Get You Results
For more than 50 years, the Washington DC lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have successfully represented individuals and families who have been injured or lost loved ones as the result of someone else’s negligence. Here is a small sample of some of our successful verdicts and settlements:
- $15 million for a woman who was permanently paralyzed from the neck down as a result of being struck by a stray bullet.
- $6 million on behalf of a man who suffered a brain injury as a result of a rear-end collision.
- $5 million medical malpractice settlement on behalf of a 14-year-old client who suffered a severe brain injury as a result of a doctor’s inappropriate use of a chemical product.
- $4.8 million on behalf of a severely injured man when his motorcycle struck a trailer being pulled by a minivan.
- $4.5 million for a woman who was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident after being struck from behind by a transit bus in a crosswalk.
See additional examples of our case victories and settlements on our “Case Results” page.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you are looking for the highest level representation available for your car accident claim, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.
We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve.