The sudden, violent impact of a truck collision can leave lasting effects on the human body—and the neck is especially susceptible to damage. Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are forcefully thrown forward and backward, causing strain and injury to the muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues.
Whiplash is a painful condition that can disrupt your daily life and often requires extensive recovery time. If you developed this injury after a truck accident in Atlanta, you have the right to pursue a legal claim and recover compensation to help cope with these effects. Speaking with a truck accident attorney in Atlanta can help ensure you receive the assistance you need to secure compensation for your injuries.
How Does Whiplash Occur in Truck Accidents?
Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than the average motor vehicle. When trucks collide with passenger cars, the force generated can easily cause whiplash injuries. The mass of a fully loaded truck multiplies the impact, causing passengers’ heads to snap back and forth with exceptional violence. Higher-speed truck accidents generate more force and therefore lead to more severe cases.
Victims of rear-end truck accidents are at an especially high risk of developing whiplash. However, side-impact crashes and other collisions can force the head to rotate naturally, leading to this injury.
Recovering Compensation for Whiplash in Atlanta
Whiplash victims face many challenges beyond physical pain. Medical bills pile up quickly as they attend multiple doctor visits, physical therapy sessions, and specialized treatments. Many victims must take time off work to receive this treatment and recover from their injuries. The emotional toll can be equally devastating, as chronic pain from whiplash can easily affect sleep, mood, and overall quality of life.
Georgia law allows truck accident victims to pursue compensation for these damages. A successful insurance claim or lawsuit can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related costs. However, the victim will need to prove that the truck driver, their employer, or another party’s actions directly caused the accident and their subsequent injuries.
Documenting Your Whiplash for Truck Accident Claims
Whiplash is often described as an invisible injury. Symptoms can take hours or even days to develop, and these injuries do not often appear on traditional diagnostic tools like X-rays. Building a strong whiplash case requires careful documentation from the moment signs appear.
If you plan on pursuing a claim for whiplash after a truck accident, make sure to take the following steps:
- Visit an emergency room or doctor right away after a truck accident, even if you feel fine. Early medical records establish a clear link between the crash and your injury.
- Always follow your doctor’s orders. Attend all follow-up appointments, complete prescribed physical therapy, and take medications as directed.
- Continue to gather evidence. Keep all medical bills, prescription receipts, diagnostic reports, and treatment records. Document missed work days. Take photos of any visible injuries, bruising, or swelling.
Get Legal Help with Your Truck Accident Whiplash Case
After a truck accident, you deserve strong legal representation to prove your case and recover the compensation that you are entitled to. The Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Monge & Associates can fight for your rights every step of the way, from gathering evidence to fighting for your rights in court. Contact us at (678) 535-3938 or toll-free at (888) 653-0605 for a free, confidential consultation and learn more about your legal options.