Suffering any type of injury from a car accident can be traumatizing. When hit from behind, you can experience whiplash, which can result in complications that can affect you for the rest of your life. If you’ve been hit by another driver in Georgia and suffer from whiplash, you may be entitled to compensation.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash occurs due to a forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck, similar to the movement of a whip cracking. This type of injury is common in rear-end car accidents. While whiplash can heal within a few weeks, it may take longer for some people. It can also lead to long-lasting health issues that never completely resolve.  

Symptoms of whiplash can include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Poor range of motion in the neck
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Tinnitus
  • Irritability
  • Problems with focus
  • Depression

It’s crucial to seek medical treatment after any car accident to ensure no significant damage has occurred, especially if your accident was a rear-end collision — injuries from these types of accidents may not be as visible right away.

Receiving Compensation for Whiplash

In the state of Georgia, you have two years to file a claim if you’ve suffered from whiplash. Whiplash is considered a personal injury, and the statute of limitations allows for up to two years to file a claim if you’ve been injured.

When looking to make a claim for whiplash, you’ll need to provide certain documents to help strengthen your case. These records include:

  • Medical records and doctor’s visit records. These records will show that you sought medical assistance after your car accident. If the doctor diagnosed you with whiplash, you can use these documents as proof.
  • Medical records pre-accident. If you have medical records from before your car accident occurred, you can also submit this as a comparison to your records after the accident.
  • Diagnostic tests. These tests can also be done at a medical facility. These tests, including MRIs, X-rays, or other similar tests help confirm that you suffered from whiplash.
  • Prescription documents. If you have any documents showing what medications or treatments you received as a result of whiplash, these can be used as proof that you were treated by a medical professional.

Other relevant documentation such as receipts, documents showing you missed work, or pain journals can be submitted to enhance your claim. With the right documentation, you can receive compensation for the injuries you suffered after your car accident.

Who Will the Claim Be Filed Against?

If you go through with filing a claim, this will be done against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. After providing your documentation, the insurance company will compensate you for the damages depending on the severity of your injuries. Your compensation may increase significantly if the whiplash has caused lifelong problems.

Keep in mind that if the at-fault driver’s insurance company gets in touch with you, be sure to let them know a lawyer will contact them first. They may use whatever you say against you, which could prevent you from receiving compensation. Contacting legal representation is a wise decision after any car accident, and at Lamar Law Office, LLC, we can help.

Contact Georgia Legal Counsel After a Car Accident

If you suffer whiplash after a car accident, it can severely impact your daily life. Fortunately, you have legal options available that allow you to receive the compensation you deserve. While you focus on recovering, our team at Lamar Law Office, LLC can handle the rest.

As a top-rated law firm in Georgia, we provide legal representation to those who have been in car accidents. We are committed to providing you with high-quality legal assistance, and we’re prepared to address any concerns you have. Contact us today for more information.