Whiplash Injury Lawyer in Las Vegas, NV

Attorney
Attorney

Whiplash is a common car accident injury — and unlike many other injuries, its debilitating symptoms can take hours, days, or even longer to manifest. And because whiplash is most frequently associated with rear-end collisions, the victims who suffer these painful neck injuries often bear no responsibility for the crash that caused them.

Contrary to popular belief, whiplash is not always a minor injury. At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we have represented clients with chronic pain and long-term nerve damage due to whiplash. We know how much it can affect our clients’ lives. And we’re also used to insurance companies trying to minimize and deny whiplash claims. Our Las Vegas whiplash injury lawyers don’t accept that. We’ll fight for the financial compensation you deserve for your losses.

At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, you and your future always come first. Call us or contact our law firm online today for a free consultation with our experienced whiplash lawyers.

What Is Whiplash?

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), whiplash is a soft tissue injury that frequently results from motor vehicle accidents. Whiplash occurs when the head is violently thrown forward and backward, damaging the vertebrae, discs, nerves, and tendons of the neck and surrounding area. It’s also called a neck strain or sprain.

Common Signs of Whiplash

The signs and symptoms of whiplash may show up immediately after a car crash or take days to appear. Many people who think they’re fine immediately after an accident develop whiplash symptoms later. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, watch for these signs to know if you may have suffered whiplash:

  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Back pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Pain or numbness in arms and hands
  • Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
  • Sleeplessness
  • Blurred vision
  • Trouble concentrating

Because the signs of whiplash can be subtle, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention regardless of how you feel after the wreck. Seeing a doctor promptly also shows the insurance adjuster who reviews your claim that you took your health seriously after the crash.

Is Your Neck Injury Whiplash?

Doctors will perform diagnostic tests to determine whether you suffered a whiplash injury, starting with a physical examination to assess your range of motion. They may also order X-rays, MRI, and CT scans to examine your neck. These methods can provide detailed pictures of your spine and your soft tissues to help doctors understand the nature of your injury and its severity. While whiplash does not show up on imaging tests, it can help physicians rule out other types of neck injuries, such as fractures or herniated discs.

Whiplash Treatments

A wide range of treatments are available for whiplash injuries. Your physician may recommend:

  • Rest
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Neck collars to reduce pressure
  • Physical therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines
  • Application of ice and heat

Victims who suffer severe whiplash injuries may need more intensive treatment. Medical costs can get steep quickly and place a strain on a victim’s finances. If you’re in this position, it’s wise to contact a lawyer right away to determine whether you have a personal injury case.

How Long Does Whiplash Last?

There’s no single answer to this question. Whiplash symptoms can vary significantly and depend on the victim’s health and the severity of the motor vehicle accident. While most cases of whiplash resolve within three months, some accident victims live with chronic physical pain and a long-term reduction in range of motion. If that happens, speak with a doctor about your options for treatment. You should also reach out to a personal injury lawyer to discuss whether you have a valid legal claim.

Steps to Take After a Whiplash Injury

If you’ve suffered whiplash after an automobile accident in Las Vegas, taking the following steps can protect your health and rights to compensation:

  • Get medical treatment. The sooner you receive treatment following a crash, the quicker you can begin the recovery process.
    Follow your doctor’s advice. Not only is it essential for your health to follow your doctor’s treatment plan strictly, but it will also improve your chances of receiving fair compensation from the at-fault party.
  • Contact a whiplash accident injury lawyer. One of the most effective ways to protect yourself after an accident is by speaking with a whiplash attorney in Las Vegas. A whiplash lawyer can help you get the care you need, provide legal advice, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
  • Keep any medical records and bills related to your whiplash injury. Your medical records and receipts for medical services will form the foundation of your personal injury claim. Save them all to provide evidence of the financial hardships you suffered due to the auto accident.
  • Save any communications with your employer. Whiplash can mean time missed at work, which quickly turns into lost wages. Hold on to your pay stubs and any contact you had with your employer about your injury after the crash.
  • Stay off social media. Many people use social media to share updates about their lives. But mentioning the car accident online could cause problems for your whiplash claim. The statements you make are public and could be used against you.

What Damages Can You Recover for a Whiplash Injury in Las Vegas?

After an accident, you may be facing mountains of medical bills, severe pain, and limited income. But a whiplash accident injury attorney can help you seek compensation for your losses.

Compensation for a whiplash injury could include money for:

  • Past, current, and future medical bills
  • Lost income
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Temporary or permanent disability

In some cases, you may also seek punitive damages as part of a whiplash claim. Nevada law allows victims to recover punitive damages when someone’s conduct is so reckless that the court decides it’s in the public’s interest for them to suffer financial consequences above and beyond the losses they have caused.

Let’s say a truck company failed to inspect and repair its fleet and one of its tractor-trailers slammed into you due to brake failure. In that case, your whiplash lawyer may seek punitive damages from the truck company because it failed to perform routine maintenance as required by law.

Contact an Experienced Las Vegas Whiplash Injury Attorney

If you’ve suffered whiplash in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, get in touch with THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys now. You need an experienced Las Vegas whiplash injury attorney to fight aggressively for the money you deserve.

We know you need justice, and you need it now. That’s why we offer same-day appointments and can meet whenever is convenient for you. The sooner our attorneys get started on your case, the better chance you have of building a solid claim for maximum compensation. Call us 24/7 or contact us for a free case evaluation.