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What Kinds of Accidents Can Cause Whiplash?

In the movies and on television, it seems like all accident victims have whiplash. You see the plaintiff walk into the courtroom wearing a neck brace. The next thing you know, they’re walking out hugging their lawyer and thanking them for getting a million-dollar settlement. In reality, it doesn’t work this way. Yes, whiplash is a common injury suffered in all sorts of Lake Charles car accidents. This includes motor vehicle accidents. But it can also be caused in other sorts of accidents. Any time your neck is forced beyond it’s normal limits, you can end up with whiplash.

The problem with whiplash is that it’s very hard to prove. There’s no test that’s going to show you have suffered whiplash. And, your doctor can’t even prove you have it. All they can do is state that you’re showing the signs and symptoms of someone who has suffered whiplash. This is why defense attorneys and the insurance companies are skeptical of plaintiffs who claim a whiplash injury.

Regardless of whether they think your injury is legitimate, the defendant will more than likely have to compensate you for this injury. As long as your Lake Charles car accident lawyer can prove your damages, you should be compensated.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury that occurs when your neck is stretched too far in any one direction. Whiplash is common with motor vehicle accidents. When your car is hit by an SUV or other vehicle, there will be a huge impact. Even if you’re not going that fast at the time of the crash, you’re still going to be jostled about the car. Whether you hit the dashboard or not, you can still suffer a neck injury.

When you go to the hospital, you’ll need to tell your doctor your pain and symptoms. Based on what you tell them, the doctor will diagnose you with whiplash. There really isn’t any specific treatment for this kind of injury. The doctor may issue you a prescription for muscle relaxers or pain medication. Or they’ll instruct you to wear a neck brace for a certain period of time. The good news is that whiplash almost always heals itself in a few days or weeks. Rarely does it cause any long-term injury.

You Can Suffer Whiplash in a Variety of Lake Charles Car Accidents

While the most common cause of whiplash is a car accident, it can also happen in other ways. If you suffer a slip and fall, you can end up with whiplash. When you fall, your neck may be strained. This can cause whiplash. In this kind of situation, the whiplash shouldn’t be as severe as it would be with a car accident.

You can also suffer whiplash in a construction accident. If you fall from scaffolding or a catwalk, you can definitely injure your neck. Although, in these types of accidents, you’ll probably end up with a more serious neck injury. Until you get to the emergency room, you won’t know for sure how bad the injury really is.

How Much is a Claim for Whiplash Worth?

If your only injury is whiplash, there’s a good chance the insurance company will simply pay your claim. Even serious cases of whiplash aren’t worth than a few thousand dollars. It would cost the insurance company more to fight your claim than it would be to just pay it. However, most cases involve more than a simple whiplash claim. If this is what you’re going through, your attorney will probably demand about $5,000 in damages for your whiplash injury.

Contact a Skilled Lawyer who Handles Lake Charles Car Accidents

If you or your loved one are injured in any sort of accident, you need to talk to a law firm in Lake Charles, Louisiana. They’ll review your case and let you know if you have a potential claim for damages. If your only injury is whiplash, don’t expect more than a few thousand dollars. However, if your claim involves more than just whiplash, your attorney will submit evidence showing all of your injuries.

Call today and schedule your free initial consultation. You can sit down with an experienced car accident lawyer who can answer any questions you may have. You can also tell them your story. Let them know what’s happened thus far. Tell them your injuries and show them any documentation you may have. They’ll give you an idea of how strong your case is. They can also give you an idea of what your case is worth.

The initial consultation is absolutely free and you don’t pay a dime until your case settles.

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