Rear-end Accidents and Whiplash in Omaha: Our Attorneys Discuss
Rear-end accidents can happen anywhere at any time on the roadways throughout greater Omaha. One moment you could be stopped at a red light. The next moment, you could be hit from behind by an inattentive driver.
If you were struck in a rear-end accident, you may have whiplash
Whiplash is the most common injury caused by rear-end auto accidents. The impact can cause a crash victim's head to move in a quick forward and backward motion. Even mild whiplash can cause strain to the muscles, ligaments, and vertebra in the neck and spine.
The symptoms of whiplash commonly include, but are not limited to:
- Stiffness and low range of motion in the neck
- Spasms in the neck, upper back, and shoulders
- Headaches and head tension
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Disorientation
- Difficulty chewing and/or swallowing
- Blurry vision
- Sleep complications
- Irritability and depression
- Tingling or burning in limbs
These symptoms can set in immediately after a rear-end accident. Sometimes, it can take days or weeks for crash victims to experience discomfort.
At higher impact, symptoms of whiplash can be severe and more difficult to recover from. Tears in the connective tissue surrounding the spine, or damage to the vertebra, can result in complications that can take months, and possibly years, to recover from. Some symptoms may even be permanent, especially if your condition is left untreated.
What to do after a rear-end auto accident
It's always crucial to seek immediate medical attention after being struck in a rear-end auto accident. Not only can this help you in the recovery process, but also your doctor may find an additional injury caused by your rear-end crash during a medical evaluation.
Recovering from whiplash can be expensive. The X-rays, CT scans, physical therapy, and pain medication can rack up your medical bills. Even worse, your job duties could make your condition worse or prevent you from recovering. This means time spent away from work, unable to collect a paycheck.
Don't count on the other driver's insurance company to foot the bill. They have only one goal in mind: keeping their costs down. And they'll do it at your expense. Additionally, Nebraska's comparative negligence law can make your auto accident claim more complex. This means, if the insurance companies are able to find you partially at-fault, compensation can be reduced.
That's why you should never go it alone after a rear-end accident. Let an experienced attorney at Ausman Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O. handle your claim. We know how to gather the evidence needed to support your claim and negotiate with insurance companies.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.