Whiplash

Helping car accident victims in Vancouver, Battle Ground, and throughout Washington

Our Vancouver, WA lawyers know how to prove how your car accident happened, that you suffered whiplash due to the accident, and who is responsible for your whiplash injury. We demand compensation for all your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and any other damages. While many cases of whiplash heal with proper treatment, many other victims live with chronic pain. Call us now to assert your right to compensation.

What is whiplash?

The Cleveland Clinic defines whiplash as a condition that occurs when “sudden movement changes force your neck (cervical spine) and upper spine to move in ways that cause injury.”  The result is a type of neck sprain. Extreme caution by first responders is necessary because the neck is involved. Older adults are prone to whiplash due to weakening of their muscles and bones. Women are also prone to whiplash injuries due to their height, spinal structure, and lack of muscle compared to men.

Furthermore:

Whiplash happens when inertia causes your head, neck, and body to move at different speeds. That forces your neck to compress or extend too quickly or in ways that push the muscles, ligaments, and bones of your spine beyond what they can tolerate. The sharper and stronger the movement, the greater the force on your neck. That’s why whiplash injuries can range from minor to severe. However, even weak levels of force can still cause moderate or severe whiplash. …At its worst, whiplash can break the vertebrae in your neck, creating a risk of damage to your spinal cord and its network of connected nerves.

What types of Vancouver, WA accidents cause whiplash?

Whiplash injuries are common when car accidents occur. The leading cause of whiplash injuries due to a car accident is a rear-end collision. Other types of accidents such as broadsides and head-on collisions can also cause whiplash. Other causes include slip and fall accidents, sports accidents, and roller-coaster rides.

Some of the common causes of rear-end collisions include speeding, driving while distracted, drunk driving, and tailgating.

Our Vancouver, WA whiplash lawyers file claims against all responsible parties including drivers, employers, car owners, and others. We can also file uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) claims if your car accident was caused by a hit-and-run driver.

What are the symptoms of whiplash?

The Cleveland Clinic states that the timing of symptoms varies. Some car accident victims experience whiplash symptoms immediately. For other victims; the symptoms may not appear for 12 hours, a full day, or several days. Experts use the Quebec Classification of Whiplash-Associated Disorders Scale to grade whiplash injuries.

• Grade 0. No pain or symptoms.
• Grade 1. Stiffness and tenderness when touching the injury site.
• Grade 2. The symptoms include:
  • Radiating pain to the face, head, shoulder, and back.
  • Muscle spasms that make it hard for an accident victim to turn their neck.
  • Bruises, swelling, and touch sensitivity at the injury site.
• Grade 3. This grade of whiplash involves neurological symptoms “because swelling or inflammation disrupts nerve signals traveling through the injured area on the way to or from your brain.” The symptoms include:
  • Muscle weakness, numbness in the neck, shoulders, upper back, and upper arms.
  • Tingling and a “pins and needles” sensation.
  • Headaches.
  • Vision difficulties.
  • Loss of voice and difficulty swallowing.
  • Vertigo (called cervical vertigo.)
• Grade 4. This grade of whiplash includes all the above symptoms – except that the symptoms are usually more severe. Severe neurological symptoms can indicate that the vertebra of the neck is fractured, shifting out of place, or out of alignment.

Whiplash injuries can make it difficult to sleep, stand, drive, and perform many other daily functions. Whiplash can cause traumatic brain injuries.

How is whiplash diagnosed in Vancouver, WA?

Generally, whiplash is diagnosed through “exclusion.” This means your doctors will normally conduct diagnostic tests to rule out bone breaks, nerve injuries, and other injuries. Your doctors should:

• Conduct an oral examination about how the accident happened
• A physical examination
• Diagnostic tests including X-rays, computerized tomography (CT scans). and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans

How is whiplash treated in Vancouver, WA?

Whiplash is generally treatable though there is no known cure. Treatment focuses on healing, minimizing symptoms, and supporting the healing process.

The treatments for whiplash include:

• Immobilization. Most car accident victims with whiplash in Vancouver, WA use a cervical collar (C-collar) or other forms of immobilization to help keep the head and neck in alignment, so the vertebrae “don’t press on the spinal cord.” A C-collar also helps keep a victim’s muscles from absorbing the weight of the head.
• Medications. Some of the medications used for whiplash include:
  • Painkillers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen or ibuprofen, and acetaminophen.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling from inflamed tissues.
  • Muscle relaxers
  • Nerve blocks
• Temperature therapy. This includes applying cold for the first 7-10 days and heat thereafter. The cold helps reduce inflammation and swelling. The heat helps promote the healing of damaged tissues.
• Physical therapy. This includes various exercises to strengthen the injured areas, reduce pain, and regain bodily function.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy. This therapy uses a mild current to help reduce nerve pain.
• Radiofrequency (RF) nerve ablation. This whiplash treatment helps to treat chronic pain by stopping the nerves from sending pain signals. RF therapy heats the targeted nerves.
• Spine surgery. In very severe cases, such as where the whiplash involves fracture or torn ligaments, spinal surgery may be necessary.

The time it takes to heal and whether the healing process will be partial or complete varies depending on the severity of the Vancouver car accident.

Cleveland Clinic recommends adjusting your vehicle seat, using headrests, and even orthopedic cushions to help prevent or limit whiplash. Another preventative measure includes using your seatbelt.

The best prevention is when Vancouver drivers drive safely.

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After a car crash, everything changes. Pain, stress, missed work. Then the insurance company starts calling. Acting helpful, but protecting their bottom line. Navigating the aftermath of a car crash is scary. We treat you like a person, not a case number.

Pat ReeceAttorney

How much is my whiplash injury claim worth in Washington state?

At Philbrook Law, we demand compensation for all your financial and personal damages, including your current and future:

• Medical care including ER care, surgeries, hospitalizations, doctor visits, rehabilitative therapy, medications, and assistive devices
• Physical pain and emotional suffering
• Loss of income and benefits
• Property damage including car damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life’s pleasures
• Loss of bodily function
• Loss of consortium

Do you have a whiplash lawyer near me?

Philbrook Law maintains three office locations for your convenience:

• 300 W. 39th Street in Vancouver, WA
• 107 SE Washington St., Suite 520 in Portland, OR

If you are too injured, we can meet you at a healthcare center or your home. We also discuss cases with clients by phone and online.

We can explain your rights, answer all your questions, and guide you through the claims process.

Speak with our experienced Vancouver, WA whiplash lawyers now

Whiplash injuries are preventable. At Philbrook Law, we hold drivers accountable when they fail to put your health and safety first. In most cases, a rear-end accident is caused by the carelessness of the driver behind. We demand full compensation from irresponsible drivers. We file UM/UIM claims if a rear-end driver strikes your car and then drives away. Call our whiplash lawyers in Vancouver and Battle Ground, WA now or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. Our car accident lawyers also represent clients in the greater Portland area and throughout Oregon.

Rated 5 Stars by Our Clients

Read firsthand accounts from the clients our personal injury attorneys have represented in complex personal injury claims.

“You will not be disappointed. After my first meeting with Matthew I felt confident they were the team for my case. Tiffany provided great communication and assistance during the info gathering phase and also throughout the settlement phase. Thank you so much for going the extra mile.”

“They were able to find his insurance. I highly recommend hiring Matt and Tiffany. They took all of the insurance stress off my shoulders so I could concentrate on helping my son who had many broken bones and surgeries.”

“I reached out to them and within minutes, we had a great conversation. You can tell how much they care about their clients. They also went above and beyond to get the best results for my situation. Would highly recommend. You won't find anyone better!”

“Amanda especially was such a huge help. They handled two back-to-back car accident settlements for me, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. The entire team was professional, responsive, and made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate their hard work and highly recommend them!”

“Not our fault! The other driver turned left in front of as after he was waved on by another driver. We both had minor to moderate injuries. Our Ford F150 Lightning became undriveable. We went to urgent care! One year later, we were having difficulty in reaching a settlement with the other drivers insurance company after they gave us a low offer. We felt we needed legal advice or assistance. We met with Tiffany Henson, who reviewed our case. She gave us the advice we needed to negotiate with the other insurance, rather than try to take it to court. Tiffany offered to review our letter and gave us further advise. After the insurance company reviewed our letter and statements they doubled the settlement amount and made all of the stipulations we had requested! We can not thank Tiffany enough for her caring personable attitude toward us. Her advise was right on and saved us from more anxiety and stress. If you have an injury accident do not hesitate to contact Philbrook attorneys. They will treat you right.”

“That’s how great these people are. Driving home one night in my shiny new car I was suddenly sandwiched inbetween 2 much larger vehicles. The damage didn’t seem like much at first, but ended up being four years of treatment & life long conservative care. I wasn’t a case that was easy to get treatment for and I felt very lost before I was recommended the Philbrook law team. I actually fired an attorney who had left me with more questions than answers and hired this office. It was the best choice I could have made for myself. They stood by me every step of the way. Thousands of questions and appointments all the way to discovery and settlements. I have recommended them to hundreds of people and will continue to at any given chance. Not once in 4 years did I question if I was in good hands. They really go above and beyond for their clients and I can’t thank them enough. I truly miss hearing from them. I’m sure not everyone can say that about their attorneys. Give them a call, you won’t regret it.”

“I had never needed to hire a lawyer for anything so I didn't know what to expect and I was nervous. Matt and his team were awesome. They helped me throughout the whole process with every question and concern. They were timely, knowledgeable, patient and courteous. I appreciate the hard work everyone contributed to my case and getting me a fair settlement.”

“They did everything to get what I deserved, They work for the best of my interest, and I really have the best experience with her, everyone in there is very polite and respectful. I hope that I will never have the need to hired them again but if I have to I will. If you're reading this review and you're looking a lawyer to represent you in a car accident matter, then don't look any further, they are the best.”

“My recovery treatment took well over a year and took up a lot of time outside of other life stuff. Once they took over my case, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders and they took on all the burden from there on out. My insurance tried to settle for an absurdly low offer and Philbrook law got a settlement beyond my imagination. And they made it so quick and easy. I would recommend Philbrook law to anyone needing an accident lawyer. They were so efficient and stayed in touch through the whole process. Their whole team works hard to ensure people get the justice they deserve. Couldn't be happy with my settlement outcome!”

“It was very thoughtful, kind and helpful to have good advice, especially after asking another local firm and them not knowing what to do! I will definitely use this law firm in the future. Thank you!”

~ D. Pierce

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