If you have suffered whiplash after a car accident and are wondering about your legal options, Bautista LeRoy LLC is ready to provide you with information. Our attorneys serve clients throughout Southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis area. We have been representing clients who have been severely injured and providing them with a personalized approach that can fully support whether their case is related to medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, personal injury, sexual abuse/assault or railroad crossing accidents.

This article will help you understand how one can get whiplash after a car accident, whether it can cause lasting damage and the legal options you may have.

How Do Car Accidents Cause Whiplash?

In a car accident, your body may be protected and stay steady due to wearing a seatbelt, but your head can move back and forth. This can cause whiplash because the sudden and quick movement can strain the muscles and ligaments of your neck. This type of injury often results from rear-end crashes, and even low-speed accidents can cause whiplash. 

Common causes include:

• Sudden stopping or impact
• Poor headrest position
• Caught off guard by the crash

Can Whiplash Cause Permanent Damage?

For minor cases, some individuals might get better from whiplash within weeks. However, in severe cases, a person might suffer from this injury for months and years, leading to permanent complications.

Potential lasting effects include:

• Chronic neck and shoulder pain
• Reduced mobility 
• Persistent stiffness
• Nerve irritation 
• Weakness in the arms
• Ongoing headaches
• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping

Can You File A Claim For A Whiplash Injury After An Accident?

Yes, in personal injury law, an injured victim can be compensated, especially if it's caused by a negligent party. Filing a claim with the guidance of an attorney can help you recover the losses you have suffered and can get you back on your feet physically and financially. Medical records and expert evaluations have a huge role in creating a solid claim.

Why Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney Is Beneficial?

If you want to collect damages for suffering from whiplash, you will need the assistance of a personal injury attorney. Legal matters can easily turn into a complicated process and need the expertise of a legal professional to prove your claim. An attorney brings many advantages:

Accurate valuation of claim 

• Protection from insurance tactics 
• Access to other professionals 
• Strategic negotiation
• Litigation readiness

When Is The Time To Hire An Attorney?

It is best to hire a personal injury attorney early in the process of a claim. If you bring them from the start, you give them enough time to evaluate the full scope of your injury. They can also protect you from insurers' tactics, and most importantly, help you file your claim within the statute of limitations. So hire an attorney if:

• Symptoms persist
• Injury disputes
• Delay of claims
• Pressured to give recorded statements
• Inadequate settlement offer

What Are The Criteria For Finding A Good Attorney?

You will need to consider several criteria or qualities to hire the right attorney. It is important to choose wisely because their guidance can have a huge impact on how your claim will proceed.

• Experience handling whiplash cases
• Clear and honest communication
• Willingness to answer questions
• A strong reputation for client care

Why Choose Bautista LeRoy LLC?

The Bautista LeRoy Law Firm has a legal team specialized in personal injury law and has experience in handling car accident claims. Whiplash is not easy to deal with and can interrupt daily tasks, which is why we work hard on behalf of our clients to recover damages. 

Our attorneys put great importance on communication to ensure the people we represent understand their options and know what to expect. For years, we have built a track record of successful case outcomes, such as securing favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients. We can work with other experts to document injuries to create a solid foundation for your claim.

Suggested Action Steps

Take these helpful actions to start your recovery from whiplash:

• Get medical care immediately
• Follow your doctor's treatment plan
• Keep records of bills and pain experienced
• Consult with a personal injury attorney

Car accidents are a rare but traumatic experience, and when someone gets injured, such as with whiplash, it can create a long-term impact. Taking early actions and hiring a personal injury attorney can both help to recover physically and financially. Contact us today at 833-381-6589 or send us an email on our Contact Page. Serving St. Louis and the surrounding areas of Boone County and Benton County.