Learn when you may be entitled to compensation after a whiplash injury in Tampa and how to maximize your claim
Whiplash is often misunderstood and can be easily overlooked after a car accident in Tampa. This common neck injury may not show immediate symptoms but can develop later as pain, swelling, or stiffness in the neck, upper spine, or shoulders. Emergency responders often focus on visible or catastrophic injuries, leaving whiplash undiagnosed and untreated in the moment.
However, whiplash can lead to serious complications if not properly addressed. Seeking prompt medical treatment is crucial—not only for your recovery but also to strengthen your injury claim. Delays in treatment or misdiagnosis can complicate the claims process, and even your own insurance provider may challenge your claim if you delay seeking treatment after an accident.
To ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled effectively, reach out to the experienced Tampa auto accident lawyers at Lorenzo & Lorenzo for a free consultation.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth motion of the head, similar to the cracking of a whip. This most often occurs in rear-end collisions but is also common in other car accidents (like head-on crashes), as well as slip and fall accidents and sports accidents.
Whiplash may seem simple—just a bit of neck pain or discomfort—but it can turn into a serious injury when left undiagnosed or untreated.
How long does it take to realize you have whiplash?
Unlike broken bones, whiplash is an injury that may not present with any physical symptoms right away. Oftentimes, it can take hours or even days for inflammation to occur and pain to become noticeable, and this varies from person to person. Many people fail to report whiplash to their doctor because of this reason, and the symptoms may increase in severity as time goes by.
How do you check for whiplash?
To check for whiplash, a doctor will typically perform a physical exam and may order X-rays or other imaging scans to check for fractures or damage to soft tissues or nerves. They’ll also want to know about any symptoms you’re having.
Common whiplash symptoms include:
- Upper back and neck stiffness
- Headaches
- Muscle tenderness in shoulders
- Tingling or numbness in fingers and shoulders
Although less common than neck and shoulder pain or tenderness, other symptoms caused by whiplash can include:
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Memory issues
- Ear ringing
- Inability to concentrate
- Numbness in the arms or legs
If any of these symptoms occur, be sure to see a medical professional for treatment and to rule out the possibility of a more serious issue like a traumatic brain injury or serious spinal cord damage.
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Is whiplash damage permanent?
Whiplash damage is not usually permanent, but in some cases, it can lead to long-term or chronic issues. While this is not always the case, occasionally, prior health conditions can play a role in whether or not whiplash will become chronic.
Individuals with a history of skeletal or muscle problems have a higher risk of developing chronic whiplash pain. The same is true for individuals who suffer from generally poor health, most likely due to their body’s inability to recover.
While paralysis associated with a whiplash injury isn’t common, previous injuries to the skeletal region and extremities can be worsened following a whiplash injury.
Can I get compensation for whiplash in Florida?
It’s always important for accident victims to pursue insurance coverage for their injuries regardless of the type of injury they suffer. Unfortunately, whiplash cases can be difficult in some respects. Florida’s no-fault auto insurance laws only allow car accident victims to file a lawsuit if they meet Florida’s serious injury threshold, which requires proving significant or permanent injury.
Whiplash typically does not qualify as a serious injury under Florida law, so most whiplash claims are limited to the coverage provided by the injured person’s own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This can make it challenging for victims to receive full compensation, especially for long-term pain and suffering or ongoing medical expenses.
Insurance companies often downplay whiplash as a minor injury, making it even harder to secure fair compensation. Working with an experienced Florida whiplash injury attorney can help you prove the extent of your injuries, demonstrate their impact on your life, and recover maximum compensation.
Where can I find an experienced Tampa whiplash attorney to help with my claim?
Don’t let the complexities of a Florida whiplash injury claim leave you without the compensation you deserve. At Lorenzo & Lorenzo, we understand how challenging it can be to navigate Florida’s insurance laws and deal with insurers who may undervalue your injuries.
Our knowledgeable Tampa car accident lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the process—from building a strong case with the right evidence to negotiating with insurers on your behalf. If you’ve suffered a whiplash injury along with any other serious injuries after an accident in Tampa, Lorenzo & Lorenzo can help you get the full compensation you’re entitled to.
