Whiplash is among the most common types of back injuries caused by car accidents. Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) are a range of injuries to the neck and back caused by a sudden jerking movement of the head. There are more than one million car accident back injuries reported every year. About 10% of such injuries lead to long-term disability.

What are the Causes of Whiplash Injury?

Whiplash injuries are mostly caused by a sudden and violent impact on the neck and/or the head. Such injuries are most common in rear-end collisions. The unexpected impact may cause the victim’s head to jerk forward and then backward. Ligaments in the neck area can stretch and even tear by the sudden movement. The victim may suffer major damage along the spine. Chances of injury are high if the neck muscles are relaxed, irrespective of whether the vehicle was moving fast or slow.

Whiplash Injury: What Damage can it Cause?

A whiplash injury can cause serious damage to:

• Joints
• Discs
• Muscles
• Nerves
• Ligaments
• Spinal cord

What are the Symptoms of Whiplash Injury?

Whiplash injury and its after effects may not be seen immediately. However, the early symptoms may be:

• Pain or stiffness in the neck and back
• Aching shoulders
• Sensory disturbance to the arms and legs
• Recurrent headaches
• Pain in spinal areas
• Back sprain
• Nighttime muscle spasms
• Sexual disorder
• Loss of bladder control
• Soreness of muscles
• Bowel dysfunction

Immediately after an accident, one should:

• Apply ice – Ice therapy involves wrapped ice in a towel and pressing it gently against the impacted area for about 20 minutes.
• Find a well informed and specialist lawyer - Compensation can vary between $50 and $500,000.
• Consult a good doctor – Do not compromise on the medical help you seek. The doctor may recommend stretching exercises.

On July, 8^, 2009, newspapers in Billings reported an accident that took place resulting in a person’s death and another is reported to be in critical condition and hospitalized at St. Vincent HealthCare. A semi truck hit a two-person motorcycle, killing the passenger instantly and seriously injuring the driver. The two victims were in their late fifties. The two vehicles were heading westbound but the accident happened in the eastbound lane.

Driving Errors by Truck Drivers

Like most drivers on the road, truckers too make driving errors, but their errors in judgment can lead to devastating, life-threatening results. Think about the news report that is mentioned above. A person died and the other person is in critical condition.

A few reasons why truck drivers are careless:

• They drive too many hours and pay little or no attention to federal or state regulations;
• Driver fatigue while driving across Montana’s highways or interstate; or
• Intoxication due to alcohol or drugs.

In some cases, a truck related accident arises out of the lack of proper supervision of trucking companies. There could be cases where a truck company let a defective truck function on the road despite, for example, inadequate lighting. Many times, trucking companies hire drivers without screening them properly or checking whether the drivers are well trained in adhering to safety procedures.

Personal Injury Claims for Negligence of Truck Drivers

For victims, it is important to establish the liability of the driver or the commercial trucking company that employed him. What is more critical is to have a prompt investigation so that you can find the evidence that will help you prove your case.

To maximize recovery for the personal injuries suffered by a victim, it is important to hire an attorney with a proven track record. The attorney should be well experienced in such cases and thereby competent to examine all the aspects of your case.

Contact an attorney who is known to secure the best results for clients who have been injured in major truck and commercial vehicle accidents. Claim your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Labels:Negligence of Truck Drivers,Claim your rights,Driving Errors ,Personal Injury Claim,truck related accident

Automobile accidents are almost becoming common today, with the number of accidents in the US increasing in leaps and bounds each year. Thousands die or are injured in car accidents each year and such accidents are certainly a cause for both civil and criminal liability for the driver.

Take the case of the freak accident on South Frontage Road, Billings, where three people were seriously injured. A small car collided with an SUV while heading west. The driver of the car, 18-year-old Jessica Umphrey, along with 19-year-old Matthew Nygard and an unnamed 8-year-old girl were rushed to the hospital. The accident happened when the car took a left hand turn near Zoo Drive and rammed into the oncoming vehicle, the driver of the SUV was unhurt.

What to do first?

So what should one do in such cases? Here are some steps to follow:

1. Write down the name, address and license number of the other driver involved in the accident.
2. Call the police.
3. Check your insurance policy status.
4. Gather documents/photographs of the scene.
5. Immediately get in touch with a car insurance lawyer.
6. Rush to the nearest hospital or get first aid.
7. Gather evidence in the form of medical reports.

Will I be compensated?

Accidents, regardless of whether they are big or small, and injuries, major or minor, you have the right to receive compensation. In a personal injury claim, the plaintiff will be compensated due to damage caused by the other party’s negligence. Claims can be filed against uninsured drivers, vehicle damage, medical expenses or injuries.

The case will be based on a circumstantial situation after examining the nature of the accident. For instance, whether the accident involved a roll over, side collision, rear end collision or a head-on collision needs to be ascertained.

A case can be presented to the insurance company, backed by ground evidence and substantial medical information to build the case. If caught driving without insurance, the fine can be up to $500 and/or 10 days in jail. Getting in touch with an attorney will make the claimant compensation process easier.

What does it cost?

The minimum auto insurance policy requirements for the state of Montana are as follows:

* $25,000 for bodily injury liability for each person
* $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
* $10,000 for property damage liability

Accidents and their after affects can be really stressful in terms of the financial and mental ordeal one goes through. Drive safe, but in case of an unfortunate event, an attorney’s help can accelerate your cleanup and repair process and also help you claim your rights.

Labels:Accident Cases in Montana,car insurance lawyer,personal injury claim,insurance policy requirements,compensation process

Date: June 29, 2009

Location: Lincoln

Type: ATV Accident

Raymond Board, 51, was riding his ATV with he tried to turn the vehicle and he lost control and rolled it. Board was not wearing a helmet, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities say speed was a factor but are unsure if drugs or alcohol were a factor.