Bellevue Whiplash Attorneys

Representing Bellevue Whiplash Injury Victims

Bellevue is only a 20-minute drive from a big city, and commuters will likely run into heavy traffic during morning and evening rush hours. The city of Bellevue itself has traffic issues on occasion. As an example, the temporary lane restrictions for road construction at the intersection of 25^th Street and Chandler Road in October 2023. Congested traffic can lead to rear-end collisions, particularly when drivers are distracted or impaired. Rear-end accidents and other types of traffic crashes are a leading cause of whiplash injuries.

Whiplash can have long-term consequences, and it is important to get proper treatment right away. If you have suffered whiplash in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, speak with an experienced Bellevue injury attorney about a claim for compensation. At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we do everything we can to ensure our clients get the best possible care and representation. Founding attorney Jason Bottlinger was awarded membership to the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums and named among the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.

Call us at (402) 505-8234 to find out how we can help with a free consultation.

What Are Whiplash Injuries?

Whiplash is a type of neck injury caused by a forceful, rapid, back-and-forth movement of the head and neck, similar to the cracking of a whip. It is a common injury in rear-end collisions, but it can also be caused by other types of motor vehicle accidents and lead to many injuries, such as slip-and-fall accidents. The injury usually involves the neck’s muscles, tendons, nerves, and discs. While many people with whiplash may improve in a few weeks or months by following a treatment plan of pain medications and exercise, others have chronic pain and long-lasting complications.

What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

Symptoms usually develop within days of a whiplash injury. They may include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Loss of range of motion in the neck
• Worsening of pain with movement
• Pain or tenderness in the shoulder, upper back, or arm
• Headaches, usually starting at the base of the skull
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Tingling or numbness in the arms

Additionally, some victims may experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears), blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, irritability, sleep disturbances, or depression.

How Is Whiplash Diagnosed and Treated?

Diagnosis of whiplash usually includes a discussion with your doctor about your symptoms and ability to perform everyday tasks, a physical examination, and imaging tests to rule out other conditions that could be making neck pain worse. MRIs can detect some soft tissue injuries, including damage to the ligaments, discs, or spinal cord. Treatment may involve any combination of the following:

• Rest
• Heat or cold applied to the neck
• Pain medications
• Muscle relaxants
• Injections of lidocaine to decrease pain
• Stretching and movement exercises
• Physical therapy
• Cervical collar (limited use)

What Are the Possible Long-Term Complications?

Some people who suffer whiplash continue to have pain for several months or years after the injury. Victims are more likely to have chronic pain if the first symptoms are intense, start rapidly, and cause a limited range of motion, severe neck pain, and pain that spreads to the arms. Risk factors linked to worse whiplash outcomes include:

• High-speed injury
• Existing neck or lower back pain
• Older age
• Having had whiplash before

Bellevue Injury Lawyers That Deliver Real Results for Real People

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we believe you shouldn’t have to pay for injuries caused by the negligence of another, and we work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Our Bellevue firm has recovered millions of dollars for our clients.

If you have suffered whiplash in an accident that was someone else’s fault, call us to schedule a free consultation at (402) 505-8234 today.