The rain was coming down in sheets as a client drove down Verot School Road in Lafayette. Traffic was slow, and he was cautiously following the car in front of them. Suddenly, the car slammed on its brakes, and our client’s truck skidded on the wet pavement, rear-ending the car. While the impact didn’t seem severe, our client felt a jolt in his neck and upper back.
In the days following the accident, our client’s neck pain worsened, accompanied by headaches and stiffness. He had whiplash, a common injury after car accidents, especially rear-end collisions.
At Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers, we’ve been helping car accident victims in Lafayette for over 30 years. We understand the pain and disruption that whiplash injuries can cause. Our promise is to be with you every step of the way, providing compassionate legal guidance and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. This motion can strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms.
Causes of Whiplash
Whiplash is most commonly caused by rear-end car accidents. However, it can also result from:
- Side-impact collisions
- Sports injuries
- Physical assault
- Falls
Symptoms of Whiplash
Whiplash symptoms may not appear immediately after the accident. They can take hours or even days to develop. Common symptoms include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches 1
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Shoulder or back pain
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
Whiplash Statistics
- Prevalence: Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries, affecting millions of people each year.
- Gender: Women are more likely to experience whiplash than men, possibly due to differences in neck anatomy and musculature.
- Delayed Symptoms: Many people don’t realize they have whiplash until days or weeks after the accident.
- Chronic Pain: In some cases, whiplash can lead to chronic neck pain and other long-term complications.
Diagnosing Whiplash
If you suspect you have whiplash, it’s important to seek medical attention. A doctor will typically:
- Conduct a physical exam: Check your neck’s range of motion and assess for tenderness or pain.
- Review your medical history: Ask about the accident and your symptoms.
- Order imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to rule out other injuries or identify damage to the soft tissues in your neck.
Treating Whiplash
Treatment for whiplash typically includes:
- Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications may be used to manage pain.
- Muscle relaxants: These can help relieve muscle spasms and stiffness.
- Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches can help improve range of motion and strengthen neck muscles.
- Chiropractic care: Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the spine and reduce pain.
- Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve suffered whiplash in a car accident, a lawyer can help you:
- Investigate the accident: Gather evidence to determine liability.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Seek fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- File a lawsuit: If necessary, file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers: Your Lafayette Whiplash Injury Attorneys
At Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience representing clients with whiplash injuries. We understand the challenges you’re facing and are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
- 30 Years of Experience: Our 30 years of experience in Louisiana give us a deep understanding of the state’s laws and legal system.
- Local Expertise: We have strong ties to the Lafayette community and understand the unique challenges faced by accident victims in the area.
- No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
Don’t Face This Alone
If you’ve suffered whiplash in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers. We’ll fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Remember, you don’t have to navigate this difficult journey alone. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
