Whiplash is very common after car accidents. It’s a soft tissue injury that most people assume is minor, but it can sometimes be severe enough to cause long-term pain and stiffness. If you have suffered whiplash in a collision, knowing what your next steps should be can be difficult. Can you begin a claim for whiplash in Florida? Learn more about your options.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash occurs when your head moves forcefully and rapidly backward and forward, leading your neck muscles to strain. It often occurs in rear-end crashes, but any collision could cause it.
The symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain
- Stiffness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Tenderness in the shoulders, upper back, or arms
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Headaches
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
In more serious cases, you can also experience:
- Trouble concentrating
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Memory issues
- Depression
For the most part, people who experience severe symptoms from the start tend to have them for a longer period. In many instances, those who are older or who were in speeding accidents are more likely to suffer long-term whiplash symptoms.
What to Do When Symptoms Begin
One challenge whiplash poses is that symptoms don’t often begin immediately after the accident. You may feel fine for a day or two and then start experiencing pain and stiffness. That could complicate claims, since you may not declare any kind of injury.
The most important thing you can do once you have symptoms is to consult a medical professional for assessment. They will be able to give you a better idea of the severity of the injury and what type of treatment you will need.
Additionally, getting immediate medical care when your symptoms begin allows you to start a record of what you’ve suffered. It can also help to keep a journal of how much the injury impacts your daily life. You can use all of this information when you file a claim.
Legal Steps After Suffering Whiplash in a Car Accident
Florida has no-fault laws for collisions. In the majority of accidents that result in minor losses, you file a claim against your personal injury protection insurance, which covers medical expenses and lost wages up to your policy limit. For mild whiplash, this would likely be your option.
If the whiplash you suffered causes debilitating pain and impacts your quality of life, however, you may be able to argue that it’s a serious injury. This would allow you to step outside of Florida’s no-fault laws and file a claim against the other party.
Pursuing a personal injury claim is never simple, but it can be especially challenging to demonstrate that whiplash has impacted your life severely. That’s why it’s essential to have representation assisting you. Lawyers will know how to present the necessary evidence to demonstrate that you deserve compensation via a personal injury claim.
Keep in mind that you need to act quickly. Florida only grants you two years to file a claim. If you miss that deadline, you will not be able to recover losses.
Contact the Miami Car Accident Attorneys at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Today
Whiplash may not appear to be a serious injury, but it can make everyday tasks difficult and could even impact your mood. If you have suffered whiplash in a car accident, speaking with an attorney gives you the chance to understand what your rights are and what legal options you can pursue.
If you’re dealing with whiplash after a crash, don’t wait to get help. The legal process can be complex, and acting quickly gives you the best chance to recover what you’ve lost. Contact Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation with a Miami car accident lawyer. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
For more information, please contact the experienced Miami personal injury lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve Miami-Dade County and its surrounding areas:
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys
169 E Flagler St Suite 1639, Miami, FL 33131
Phone: (305) 916-6455
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 25.7745507, -80.1906096
