Denver Whiplash Injury Lawyer
All accident-related injuries can potentially upend a person’s life. However, some types of injuries are more disruptive than others. Suffering a whiplash injury can cause excruciating pain, muscle weakness, and loss of mobility. Depending on its severity, whiplash can also prevent an accident victim from going to work, performing household chores, attending social events, and even getting a good night’s sleep. If someone else’s negligence is the cause of your injuries, you may be eligible to demand significant compensation.
If a neck injury has turned your life upside down, a Denver whiplash injury lawyer at The Wilhite Law Firm can help you seek maximum compensation for your losses. Our team has been helping Coloradans seek justice in personal injury cases since 1977, and we are ready to put our knowledge and skills to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you.
What Is Whiplash?
According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful, back-and-forth movement of the head when the body sustains an impact. The name of the injury comes from the fact that this motion mimics the cracking of a whip. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries resulting from car crashes, causing multiple adverse symptoms and complications.
While many people notice an improvement in their whiplash symptoms within a few weeks, others have lingering pain, weakness, and mobility issues that last for months or years. As such, personal injury victims should take whiplash seriously.
What Is the Main Cause of Denver Whiplash Injuries?
Rear-end car accidents are the primary cause of whiplash injuries. This is because when a vehicle occupant is subject to an unexpected collision from behind, their head suddenly moves forward. When their seatbelt and the vehicle’s brakes engage, their head quickly moves backward. As this all occurs before the victim is aware it is happening, the neck’s muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones are all subject to an unhealthy degree of force.
What Are Other Common Causes of Whiplash?
While rear-end collisions are the leading cause of whiplash injuries, this type of injury can also occur in other accident scenarios. For example:
- Side-impact crashes, where the victim’s head is jerked sideways
- Rollover crashes, where the head is whipped in multiple directions
- Slip-and-fall accidents, especially falls down stairs where the head snaps back suddenly
- Physical assaults involving forceful shaking or blows to the head and neck
- Sports collisions, like those occurring in football, hockey, and boxing
Essentially, any situation in which the head and neck are subjected to a sudden, uncontrolled motion can cause whiplash and its associated symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of a Whiplash Injury?
Whiplash symptoms can vary significantly in severity but commonly include:
- Neck pain, stiffness, and tenderness
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- Pain or numbness radiating down one or both arms
- Reduced range of motion when turning or tilting the head
- Popping or clicking sounds from the neck
- Dizziness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, or nausea
- Fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and memory issues
- Back pain between the shoulder blades
- Jaw pain or toothaches
The onset of these symptoms may be immediate or delayed by hours, days, or even weeks following the initial injury. Victims should not assume they avoided injury just because symptoms are not present immediately after the accident.
Should I See a Doctor for My Whiplash?
It is highly recommended that anyone experiencing whiplash symptoms promptly consult a physician. A doctor can perform exams and tests to determine if the spinal vertebrae, discs, or nerves have been damaged. They may order imaging scans like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs for confirmation.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to reducing the chances of whiplash injuries causing long-term complications. Doctors may recommend rest, ice or heat application, pain relievers, muscle relaxers, neck braces, physical therapy, or chiropractic care. Prompt medical attention provides the best opportunity for a full recovery.
Ignoring symptoms and delaying treatment often leads to worsened pain, reduced mobility, nerve damage, and chronic conditions like disc degeneration or arthritis. Be sure to inform your doctor if any symptoms fail to improve or worsen over time. Also, make sure to follow all recommended treatment plans.
What Compensation Can I Pursue for Whiplash?
After sustaining a whiplash injury due to another party’s negligence, you may be eligible to demand compensation for the following losses:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, doctor appointments, scans, medications, physical therapy, surgeries, and assistive devices
- Lost income from missed time at work
- Physical and psychological pain and suffering
While the amount of your compensation will depend on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life, consulting with a knowledgeable Denver whiplash injury attorney can give you an informed estimate of your claim’s worth.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Claim in Colorado?
Colorado’s personal injury statute of limitations stipulates that injury victims must initiate legal proceedings against the at-fault party within two years of sustaining the injury. This period is extended to three years if the injury involved a motor vehicle.
If you do not file a lawsuit within this timeframe, the court will likely dismiss your case. Consulting with a skilled personal injury lawyer as soon as possible can ensure that you do not miss this deadline. Retaining legal counsel early on will also allow your lawyer to collect crucial evidence before it disappears and interview eyewitnesses while their memories are still fresh.
Contact a Denver Whiplash Injury Lawyer
The compassionate legal team at The Wilhite Law Firm understands how overwhelming life can feel after suffering whiplash. Our lawyers are dedicated to helping injury victims seek the compensation and justice they deserve. Call us today for a free case review to learn more about how we can maximize your claim.
