A violent collision with a commercial truck can force your head and neck to snap back and forth like a whip, causing trauma to the tissues, muscles, and ligaments in your neck and upper back. This painful injury, known as whiplash, often leads to chronic pain, limited mobility, and a cascade of other health issues that can persist for months or even years after the initial trauma. If you suffered whiplash caused by a truck accident, you have grounds to pursue legal action. A Cincinnati truck accident attorney can help fight for the compensation you deserve after being in a crash caused by another party’s negligence.
Recognizing Signs of Whiplash After a Truck Accident
When an 80,000-pound truck strikes your vehicle, even at relatively low speeds, the sudden acceleration-deceleration force can cause significant damage to your neck’s soft tissues. While some people experience pain immediately, many whiplash victims notice their symptoms gradually intensify over the hours and days following the accident.
Common whiplash symptoms include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Upper back pain
- Limited range of motion
Documenting Your Whiplash Injury for Your Legal Claim
Victims of truck accidents in Cincinnati have the right to pursue legal action against those responsible for their collisions. When these claims involve whiplash, however, securing compensation can be a challenge. Insurers often try to minimize or deny these injuries because they cannot be seen on X-rays and other standard imaging tests, making them difficult to prove without proper documentation.
The moment you notice any neck pain or stiffness, visit a doctor immediately. In fact, you should always seek medical care after an accident. If you delay medical care, insurers may claim that your injuries are not serious or were not caused by the collision.
Your medical records help link your injuries to the accident, providing valuable evidence for your claim. When seeking care, tell your healthcare providers about all symptoms, including seemingly minor ones like occasional headaches. Keep a daily journal documenting your symptoms, limitations, and how the injury impacts your work and personal life. Finally, contact a Cincinnati motor vehicle accident lawyer who can help properly preserve and document all pieces of evidence early in the legal process.
Types of Compensation Available for Whiplash Victims
Whiplash can derail your life in countless ways, from preventing you from working to limiting your ability to enjoy everyday activities with family and friends. By filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the parties responsible for your truck accident, you can recover compensation to help pay for the losses that you have sustained.
You can recover two main forms of compensation in Cincinnati truck accident claims:
- Economic Damages: These cover tangible financial losses, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and any necessary modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate your injury.
- Non-Economic Damages: These compensate you for intangible losses such as physical pain, emotional suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and strain on personal relationships resulting from your whiplash injury.
Contact a Cincinnati Truck Accident Lawyer for Help with Your Case
If you suffered whiplash in a Cincinnati truck accident, trust Monge & Associates to fight for you. Since 1993, we have stood up for the injured and can help you hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us at (513) 224-5591 or toll-free at (888) 302-7176 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you recover from your whiplash injury.