You’re sitting at a red light, and bam, you’ve been rear-ended. The impact came out of nowhere, maybe your airbag went off, and you made sure everyone in the car was ok. People run over, ask how you’re feeling and you say, ‘Fine’.* And other than the shock, you do feel fine.
For now. Then you go home, and your neck and your back start to hurt. Your head starts to pound, and it becomes harder to stand up and walk around.
Whiplash might be the topic of many stand-up comedy routines, but it is real and it can affect your life.
Understanding Whiplash Injuries After a Car Accident
A swift, forceful movement of the neck, just like the action of a whip, is what causes whiplash. This type of injury often occurs in rear-end car accidents when the neck is suddenly jerked forward and then snapped back. The pain associated with whiplash may not be immediately noticeable due to the adrenaline and chaos of the accident.
The severity of whiplash can range from mild discomfort to significant neurological and cognitive symptoms caused by damage to the muscles, intervertebral joints, and discs in the neck. In severe cases, individuals may even experience fractures in the cervical spine, leading to numbness, memory loss, and anxiety.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
After an accident, it is common for symptoms such as neck pain, headaches, and limited range of motion to be delayed. When these symptoms do appear, it is important to seek a thorough evaluation from a medical professional.(This is why our office advises our clients to go immediately to an ER or an Urgent Care after an accident). Diagnostic tests like X-rays or MRIs may be necessary to fully understand the extent of the injury and rule out other potential causes of pain.
The Road to Recovery
Treatment for whiplash varies depending on its severity but can include over-the-counter medications, heat and cold therapy, physical therapy, or more intensive interventions such as prescription medications or injections for pain management. Those experiencing neurological or cognitive issues may require specialized care from a neurologist.
While many people recover from whiplash within a few weeks, a study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery suggests that a significant minority may experience long-term or permanent effects. An early onset of intense neck pain or restricted movement can indicate a longer recovery process.
Your Legal Rights and Options
Whiplash injury victims in Florida have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering in cases of permanent injury. Florida’s insurance requirements, including personal injury protection (PIP) and coverage through at-fault driver’s insurance, offer options for covering damages. However, severe cases may exceed the standard coverage limits, requiring a more comprehensive legal strategy to secure adequate compensation.
How Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti Can Help
Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact that a whiplash injury can have. Over the past 40 years in Miami-Dade and Broward as well as 25 years in the Florida Keys, our firm has represented thousands of accident victims, with the majority of our cases coming from referrals from our clients and other lawyers. If you have suffered a whiplash injury, their team is prepared to guide you through the complexities of your case and ensure you receive the support you need.
For anyone dealing with the aftermath of a car accident and the challenges of a whiplash injury, call us at 305-653-5555 24/7, text us at 305-653-1515 or email us at [email protected].
* Never, ever tell anyone that you are ‘Fine’ after an accident, not the other driver, not the police, and NEVER post ‘I’m Fine”- or anything else-on social media. Why? Read here.
