Can Medical Evidence Prove a Whiplash Injury After a Car Accident?

Can Medical Evidence Prove a Whiplash Injury After a Car Accident?

Whiplash is a common injury sustained in car accidents, but it is also one of the most difficult to prove in a personal injury claim because it frequently doesn’t present immediate symptoms. Emergency rooms often do not diagnose whiplash. It’s usually diagnosed by physical therapists and chiropractors after the collision during follow up care. Follow up care is important because (1) that’s how you’re going to improve your symptoms; and (2) without follow up care, an insurance company is empowered to assert that you just weren’t hurt that badly. Without follow up care, your case may lack sufficient evidence to prove your injury.

Understanding Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when a person’s head is thrown violently forward and quickly snapped back. The symptoms of whiplash can take several hours or even days to develop and may include neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. In severe cases, whiplash can also lead to memory problems, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.

The Importance of a Prompt Medical Evaluation: The first step in proving a whiplash injury is to seek prompt medical attention. This is important for two reasons. First, an immediate medical evaluation can help diagnose and treat your injuries, ensuring that you receive the necessary medical care to help you recover. Second, you’ll receive valuable medical evidence to support your personal injury claim.

Your medical records will provide a detailed account of your injury and the treatment you received. They also provide evidence of the impact of your injury on your daily life, including any limitations you may have and any ongoing medical treatment you may require.

As your attorney, Donovan Dodrill will acquire medical records from every healthcare provider involved in your care, including physicians, chiropractors, and physical therapists, to ensure that your medical records are as complete as possible and to maximize the value of your claim.

The Role of Doctor’s Reports: In addition to medical records, doctor’s reports can also be valuable in proving a whiplash injury as they provide an expert evaluation of your injury and its impact on your life. They can also estimate the future costs of your medical treatment, including any rehabilitation or physical therapy you may need.

The Role of Imaging and Tests: In addition to a medical evaluation, imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans can also help prove a whiplash injury. These tests can help diagnose the extent of your injuries and provide valuable evidence to support your personal injury claim.

The Importance of Documentation: Be sure to keep detailed records of all your medical appointments, treatments, and symptoms during your recovery because they will help explain the full extent of your injuries.

The Role of Witness Statements: Witness statements can provide a first-hand account of the car accident that caused your injuries, including the impact it had on you and the symptoms you experienced.

Even if you see the police officer who responded to the scene of your accident talking with witnesses, you should not assume that that officer is collecting the witness’s name and contact information. You should also approach witnesses to your collision and get their names and telephone numbers as well.

In some cases, obtaining additional witness statements from your doctor or physical therapist may be necessary. Expert witnesses can provide a professional opinion on the extent of your injuries and how they were caused by the car accident, the impact of your injury on your ability to perform daily activities, and any limitations you may have as a result.

The Importance of Working with an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been in a car accident and have suffered a whiplash injury, it is important to seek prompt medical attention, keep detailed records of your medical appointments, and contact Plaza Injury Law as soon as possible. Case consultations are always free and confidential. Call Donovan Dodrill today at (816) 945-4409.