Golden Whiplash Injury Lawyer

Have you or a loved one been involved in a car accident in Golden, CO recently?  Did you suffer a whiplash injury? Trying to deal with all of your extensive emergency room visits, CT scans, MRIs, x-rays, and other resulting medical costs can become overwhelming. On top of these mounting bills, you may be faced with the reality of lost pay and intense pain and trauma.

It is important that you know that you aren’t alone. You do have someone who will listen to you, discuss your options and advise you which way to go. And, if necessary to get you the settlement you deserve, they will litigate on your behalf. So, if the accident was not your fault, you may receive compensation. You need to investigate your options.

A whiplash injury has many various side effects and different accident victims experience this injury in different ways. It can lead to pain, dizziness, and other debilitating symptoms that interfere with your daily routine. Many people need to take time off from work to heal, resulting in lost income. You shouldn’t suffer the consequences of someone else’s mistakes. We’re ready to work tirelessly to help you hold the at-fault driver responsible for the injuries you suffered.

Your team at the Olson Law Firm, LLC is here to help. We will listen to you, we will discuss your options based upon your specific injuries and circumstances and we will help you determine the best course of action to follow, including possibly taking your case to trial.  You are completely in charge of your case. We are here to help you navigate the ship and the complex legal system. If you want to learn more about how we can help, please contact the Olson Law Firm, LLC for a confidential consultation with a knowledgeable and compassionate Golden whiplash injury attorney. We can be reached via our online form on our website – or you can call us at 303-586-7297.

What Is a Whiplash Injury?

A whiplash injury occurs when the victim’s head moves quickly or violently backward and forward, like the cracking of a whip. This force can cause the spine, ligaments, muscles, and other structures in the neck to move beyond a normal range of motion.

Some people believe whiplash is just a minor injury that will heal over time. However, there are many times when it can lead to long-term or permanent damage.

Statistics related to whiplash injuries show that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of whiplash. Specifically, the force of rear-end collisions and T-bone crashes can cause the head to move in various directions, resulting in damage to the neck. Even if someone wears a seatbelt, they can’t prevent certain injuries from happening.

Common Signs of Whiplash

Signs and symptoms of whiplash can range from minor to severe. Some appear immediately following a car crash, while others might not develop until days or even weeks later.

What are the symptoms of whiplash? Knowing this could be highly beneficial for you. You can determine if the injury is likely to heal on its own or if you should seek a medical evaluation of your condition. Of course, the best option to be safe is always to visit the emergency room after an accident, even if your injuries seem minor at first.

The most common whiplash symptoms that develop within the first few days of the injury are:

Some people also experience additional symptoms, such as:

If you were in a car accident, you should seek immediate medical care. A doctor will need to evaluate your physical and mental condition to determine if the whiplash injury requires ongoing treatment to heal. They will also need to rule out other issues, such as fractured bones or damage to the head or brain.

Is Your Neck Injury Whiplash?

Diagnosing whiplash requires a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. Be sure to inform the doctor of all the symptoms you’re experiencing, so they have all the information they need to make an accurate diagnosis. They may touch and move the affected area and parts of the body nearby, such as your arms and head.

They may also ask that you complete specific movements to gauge your physical functioning and range of motion. For example, they might test the sensation in your limbs and the direction of neck movement that causes the pain.

Imaging tests usually aren’t helpful in the diagnosis of a whiplash injury. However, your physician might recommend an MRI, X-ray, or CT just in case there’s an underlying medical condition causing your symptoms.

How Long Do the Symptoms of Whiplash Last?

The duration of your symptoms will depend on the severity of the injury and whether other structures, such as nerves or tendons, have been affected. Many people begin to notice the signs of whiplash within 24 hours of a car crash. The initial shock of what just happened could minimize how serious your injuries seem, preventing you from feeling any pain until days or even weeks later.

For some, symptoms go away after a week or two. Others can experience late whiplash syndrome. This occurs when symptoms last at least two years. If you’re still experiencing pain or other symptoms after 10 weeks, it could indicate an accompanying injury, such as:

Whether your injury is minor or severe, it’s crucial that you seek prompt treatment after leaving the accident scene. It’s better to be safe than sorry and begin a prescription regimen or chiropractic care to prevent ongoing pain and possible complications in the future.

Whiplash Treatments

The treatment for a whiplash injury will depend on how severe it is. Typically, a doctor will recommend an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin or Tylenol. If you’re experiencing more severe symptoms, a prescription painkiller and muscle relaxant might be necessary.

Applying ice or heat to the affected area and completing certain exercises could also be beneficial. If you have trouble with mobility, physical therapy could improve your flexibility and build strength in your neck.

Other treatments that could manage pain and improve range of motion are:

• Electronic nerve stimulation
• Chiropractic treatments
• Acupuncture
• Massage

Your doctor will monitor your progress and determine when medical intervention is no longer needed.

Steps to Take After a Whiplash Injury

The Olson Law Firm, LLC knows how to effectively pursue an injury claim for a whiplash injury. You should contact us immediately after the car accident so we can begin working on your case.

We will need to investigate and determine who was at fault. It’s also crucial that we obtain relevant evidence to prove someone else should be held liable for your injuries and resulting expenses. That requires experience and resources most people don’t have. If you try to pursue legal action without the help of a Golden whiplash lawyer, you may receive much less compensation than you deserve.

It’s also vital that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible after you sustain an injury. Insurance companies look out for their own interests over the interests of injured victims. If you delay an initial medical evaluation, the insurance representative might assume it’s because your injury isn’t serious. They could use that information to justify offering a low settlement amount.

After leaving the scene of the crash, go to the hospital or schedule an appointment with your doctor. If they recommend a specific treatment plan, you should follow their orders. Don’t allow too much time to pass in between your appointments, either. Continue seeing your medical providers until they release you from their care.

In addition, gather any and all documentation and information related to the accident and your injuries. This may include medical records and bills, prescription receipts, photos and videos of the accident scene, pay stubs, vehicle repair estimates, and more.

Finally, be sure to refrain from posting updates on social media while your case is ongoing. Information and images you post could be taken out of context and used to discredit your case.

What Compensation Can You Recover for a Whiplash Injury In Colorado?

Colorado is a fault state, meaning whoever causes the crash can be held financially responsible for the victim’s injuries and expenses. All vehicle owners must purchase auto insurance with minimum liability limits of $25,000 for bodily injury to any one person, up to $50,000 for bodily injury to all persons in the accident, and $15,000 for property damage.

When we file a liability insurance claim, we can pursue compensation for the losses you suffered up to the limits listed on the policy. These losses could include:

What is the average settlement payout for a whiplash injury? The value of your case will depend on various factors, such as the extent and seriousness of your injury, the time you must miss from work, the circumstances of the accident itself, and the amount of insurance coverage available. We are prepared to investigate your case carefully to both establish fault and to calculate the extent of the losses you suffered.

Every case is unique, and the amount of compensation one client is eligible for may not be the same as that of another client. However, we will explore every available avenue for financial recovery in your case.

Contact an Experienced Golden Whiplash Injury Attorney

Olson Law Firm, LLC has been representing injured clients in Golden and across Colorado since 2012. We have the experience and resources to take on your whiplash injury claim and seek the maximum financial award you need to get your life back in order.

If someone else is at fault in an automobile accident, you should never have to pay for any of your medical or any other expenses you incur as a result of that accident. It is our commitment to you to provide the personalized attention, exceptional service, and clear guidance you need to get through this overwhelming time in your life.

If another driver caused your painful and debilitating whiplash injury, we are here for you. Contact your team at the Olson Law Firm, LLC to learn about your legal options and how to get your life back. An experienced Golden whiplash injury attorney is ready to discuss your case during a free confidential consultation. We are compassionate to everyone’s feelings and will gladly accommodate your preferences. If you would prefer to conduct your consultation virtually or over the phone versus coming into our office we are happy to make that happen. We look forward to working with you.