Collierville Whiplash Lawyer

Whiplash is often short-lived and treatable, but even a slow-speed car accident can lead to complications and chronic pain. If you suffer a complication, you will experience pain for months and years, but with proper care, you can manage your condition. If your whiplash symptoms persist, you will need ongoing medical attention, and the negligent party who caused your initial injury must be held responsible. 

The insurance company will often deny your pain from the accident and refuse to pay, which is why you need an attorney for help. The Collierville personal injury lawyer at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi PLC will gather evidence that supports your claim and garner compensation for your losses. 

Diagnostic Testing for Whiplash

Your cervical spine is susceptible to injury and paralysis. When your neck moves in a way it was not intended to move, it can lead to a neck sprain. When first responders get to the scene, they treat whiplash and neck injuries as emergency conditions and place a collar on your neck. 

They will confirm, treat and stabilize your injury. First responders will also attempt to rule out other injuries. However, for an accurate diagnosis, you must be transported to the nearest emergency room for diagnostic testing. 

When you arrive in the closest emergency department, the medical team will run a series of tests like x-rays, MRIs, and CTs to diagnose your whiplash or other injuries. They often use a rule-out method since many neck injuries have similar symptoms. 

If you’re being treated outside the emergency department, your doctor will also order these tests and set up a treatment plan. Whether you get an immediate diagnosis or wait to see your primary doctor, you must speak with a whiplash lawyer in Collierville, TN, for your legal options. 

Symptoms of a Whiplash Injury

The greater the hyperextension of your neck, the greater the injury. You can experience symptoms within 12 to 24 hours of the impact, making it challenging to diagnose in some cases. When you work with GKBM, we encourage you to complain about every symptom or ailment you suffer when speaking to your doctors. 

Minor whiplash can result in pain, stiffness when moving your neck, and tenderness to touch. If your condition worsens, you will also experience pain radiating to your head, shoulder, back, or face and muscle spasms. Physical whiplash signs include bruising, swelling, and sensitivity to touch. 

Severe cases of whiplash involve neurological symptoms and worse physical ailments such as muscle weakness and numbness in your neck, upper arms, shoulders, and upper back. You will also have vision problems, headaches, trouble swallowing, vertigo, or tingling sensations in your neck. In severe cases, when symptoms don’t subside, it can indicate a neck vertebra fracture or your neck is out of alignment. That can lead to nerve damage and other debilitating and permanent injuries. 

Managing Your Whiplash

You can treat whiplash and the sooner you begin treatment, the better your outcome. You must follow every instruction and avoid certain activities like sports and driving while getting care. While there is no cure, treatment will reduce your symptoms and allow the injury to heal independently. 

If you suffer from chronic whiplash symptoms, your treatment will go on for years and can lead to invasive procedures. Whiplash injury treatment is most helpful right after an injury as this can help prevent long-term or chronic symptoms. Treatment options for whiplash include:

• Medications 
• Immobilization 
• Ice and heat application 
• Radiofrequency nerve ablation 
• Exercise and physical therapy are overseen by a professional 
• TENS therapy 
• Neck injections
• Spine surgery 

You must reduce the swelling and give yourself time to heal. Many victims will return to daily activities. Prolonging the healing process by returning to daily activities can also harm your recovery claim because the insurance company can argue that you are disobeying doctor’s orders. Our whiplash attorneys in Collierville will work diligently with you and your medical team to ensure you have the tools to focus on recovery. At the same time, we hold negligent parties responsible for your injuries. 

Prevention and Living with Whiplash 

When driving, you can take several actions to reduce the likelihood of whiplash, but there is no surefire way to prevent these injuries since they happen in a matter of seconds. When in a vehicle, adjust your seat and wear your seatbelt correctly. You should be comfortable but also safe. 

Make sure your head is in the proper position in alignment with your headrest, and you drive safely. When playing contact sports, wear a helmet and other protective equipment. Lastly, before visiting a theme park and riding a roller coaster, talk to your medical team about any precautions you can take. 

You Need Legal Representation

Millions of people will suffer from whiplash yearly, but the prevalence of these injuries does not diminish their severity. While many injuries will resolve within a month, some leave lasting impacts. You will need a Collierville whiplash lawyer to review your medical documents, insurance policies, and future prognosis to determine your claim’s best negotiation and legal strategy. 

The insurance company will attempt to diminish your injuries and losses or blame them on something else entirely. In Tennessee, we must prove who is at fault for your damages so you can recover compensation. Our whiplash injury lawyers will do everything in our power to get you a fair settlement. 

You need someone in your corner with legal experience and a team ready to fight for justice. 

Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi PLC Is Here to Help Clients with Whiplash Injuries 

Motor vehicle accidents, contact sports, slip-and-falls, and physical abuse are prevalent causes of whiplash, and you must seek medical attention and legal representation. When you suffer an injury, someone must answer for the actions leading to the injury. That involves hiring a Collierville whiplash attorney from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi PLC to find the best legal strategy for you. 

We will determine which type of personal injury claim to submit and how we can garner a fair settlement. We offer free case reviews so you can get an idea of the next steps in your claim. Call our office today to schedule your free case review.