August 2, 2021
Every year, there are thousands of car crashes that result in thousands of cases of whiplash injuries. An injured person could have the most debilitating injury and undergo years of physical therapy, but if it cannot be proven, he or she will receive no compensation in any court in Illinois.
What is a whiplash injury?
Not all injuries that are related to car accidents qualify as whiplash. A whiplash injury is caused by a sudden trauma that damages the part of the neck that causes extension. The result is pain, stiffness and immobility that makes it difficult to stretch, turn or rotate your head. A whiplash-associated disorder may occur, causing chronic pain, sensory disturbances and moderate-to-severe disability.
Which medical reports do you need?
Most of the damage from a whiplash injury occurs to underlying nerves, muscles and tissues that are not visible to the eye. An X-ray, MRI or CT scan is needed to show damages to the bones, tissues and organs. Medical imaging show doctors exactly where the source of the pain is so they can apply the right treatment.
After diagnosing whiplash, the doctor creates a medical record that provides more details. Anyone who is hospitalized after a car accident or visits a doctor’s office or physical therapist needs to request the document with the specific diagnosis. This is the best form of proof for an accident-related whiplash injury.
What happens next?
After a car crash, you have injuries, medical bills and lost wages that are piling up. You need financial compensation right away, or you’ll risk bankruptcy, foreclosure or unnecessary pain and suffering. The first step is proving that your injury exists and was caused by your accident. When you’re ready to file a lawsuit, contacting a personal injury lawyer is the next big step to take.
