Dealing with a whiplash injury after a car accident can disrupt your life in an instant. The pain, medical bills, and lost wages can quickly become overwhelming. Many injury victims face pressure from insurance companies to settle personal injury claims for far less than they deserve. Without the right legal representation, you may find yourself struggling to handle the challenging legal system and secure the fair compensation you need.
At Recovery Law Center, our Honolulu whiplash injury lawyers are here to help. As experienced Hawaii personal injury attorneys, we understand the challenges that come with personal injury cases. Our law firm is dedicated to guiding you through the legal process, handling the challenges of your case, and fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with a serious injury from a car accident, medical malpractice, or other accidents, our injury lawyers have the legal knowledge to support you every step of the way.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options. With a track record of success in personal injury litigation and a commitment to our clients, Recovery Law Center stands as a trusted partner in the Hawaii legal community. Let us fight for you so you can focus on healing and reclaiming your life.
Types of Neck Injuries
Neck injuries can vary in severity and type, affecting different structures such as muscles, ligaments, nerves, vertebrae, and discs. Here’s an overview of common types of neck injuries:
- Neck Strain: Involves the muscles or tendons in the neck, typically caused by overuse, poor posture, or sudden movements.
- Neck Sprain: Involves the ligaments, often resulting from a sudden force or twist, similar to what occurs in a whiplash injury.
- Whiplash: A common injury often resulting from rear-end car accidents, where the head is forcefully and rapidly thrown backward and then forward, causing damage to the soft tissues in the neck (muscles, ligaments, and nerves).
- Herniated Disc: When a disc in the cervical spine (neck) ruptures or bulges, it can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, and arms.
- Cervical Vertebrae Fractures: Breaks in one or more of the vertebrae in the neck. Common causes include high-impact trauma such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Severe fractures can damage the spinal cord, leading to paralysis.
- Cervical Radiculopathy: Also known as a “pinched nerve,” this occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. Symptoms include sharp pain, tingling, or numbness radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
What Happens If You Sustain a Whiplash Injury
A whiplash injury occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backward and then forward, causing the neck to hyperextend and then hyperflex. This type of injury is common in rear-end car accidents but can also occur during sports, falls, or other trauma. Here’s what happens when you sustain a whiplash injury:
Immediate Effects
- Neck Pain and Stiffness: This is the most common symptom. The pain might be immediate, but it often takes hours or days to develop fully.
- Reduced Range of Motion: The neck may become stiff, making it difficult to turn or move.
- Headaches: These often start at the base of the skull and can radiate to the forehead.
- Shoulder and Upper Back Pain: The muscles in the shoulders and upper back may become tender or painful.
Delayed Symptoms
Some symptoms may not appear until days after the injury:
- Dizziness
- Blurred Vision
- Fatigue
- Difficulty Concentrating or Memory Problems
- Tingling or Numbness in the Arms
Treatment
- Rest and Immobilization: A cervical collar might be used initially to immobilize the neck, but prolonged use is discouraged.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain medications, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage pain.
- Physical Therapy: Gentle exercises to improve range of motion and strength are crucial for recovery. Physical therapy can help prevent long-term stiffness.
- Ice/Heat Therapy: Ice can reduce inflammation in the first 48 hours, followed by heat to relax muscles.
Is Whiplash Injury Common in Accident Victims?
Whiplash injury is indeed common among accident victims, especially those involved in rear-end collisions. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then snapped backward, leading to injuries in the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This type of injury is most commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents but can also occur in other scenarios, such as sports injuries or falls.
Key Statistics:
- Whiplash is one of the most common injuries reported in car accidents. Studies show that between 85% of people involved in rear-end collisions suffer from whiplash injuries.
- Rear-end collisions account for about 29% of all car accidents, making them the most common cause of whiplash.
- While many whiplash injuries resolve within a few weeks, individuals may develop chronic symptoms that can last for months or even years.
- In the United States, it is estimated that about 1 million cases of whiplash are reported annually, resulting in significant healthcare costs and time lost from work.
- The financial burden of whiplash injuries in the U.S. is substantial, with costs estimated to be around $29 billion per year, considering medical treatment, lost productivity, and legal expenses.
What Should You Do After Sustaining a Whiplash Injury From an Auto Accident?
If you’ve suffered a whiplash injury from a car accident, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your health and legal rights. Whiplash injuries can be serious, leading to long-term pain and complications. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injury seems minor, get a thorough medical evaluation. Whiplash symptoms may not appear right away, and untreated injuries can worsen over time.
- Document Everything: Keep records of your medical visits, treatments, and any symptoms you experience. This documentation is crucial for your personal injury claim.
- Consult a Hawaii Personal Injury Lawyer: Whether you’re dealing with whiplash, a brain injury, or other injuries caused by an accident, consulting a Hawaii personal injury attorney is essential. Personal injury lawyers, such as those at the Recovery Law Center, can help you navigate the legal process, handle the insurance companies, and ensure you seek maximum compensation.
- Understand Your Legal Rights: A skilled Honolulu whiplash injury lawyer can explain your rights and guide you through personal injury litigation. With the right legal representation, you can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Free Consultation: Many Hawaii personal injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation, allowing you to discuss your case without financial obligation. This can make all the difference when deciding your next steps.
- Act Quickly: Personal injury cases have time limits. The sooner you reach out to a personal injury attorney, the better your chances of securing a fair settlement.
Let Our Honolulu Whiplash Injury Lawyers Help You
Most people will be in some sort of car accident during their lifetimes. Whether it’s a single-car crash, minor fender bender, or serious collision, considerable expenses are reasonable to expect.
The stakes are even higher if you or a loved one has been injured. Even a mild neck injury takes time to heal and may require wearing a neck brace, physical therapy, and costly painkillers. People with more serious injuries may not be able to return to their jobs or work at the same level they did before, resulting in lost wages and reduced ability to earn a meaningful household income.
In Hawaii, these kinds of costs can be recouped with a successful car accident claim. You can also receive compensation for non-monetary losses such as pain and suffering. However, the first thing you need to do is talk to a reliable and skilled attorney.
Schedule a free consultation with the Recovery Law Center today. We will investigate your case and collect the evidence necessary to build a solid compensation claim.
