Whiplash Attorney in Charleston

Whiplash commonly results from the force of car accidents. The pain, stiffness, and neurological complications of a neck sprain or strain can harm your quality of life and ability to work. If another negligent party caused your whiplash, you might be entitled to compensation for your medical care, lost wages, and other accident-related losses. Trust the Charleston whiplash lawyers at Crantford Meehan to help you pursue it while you focus on healing.

We advocate for clients during negotiations, in the course of alternative dispute resolution, and at trial. Not only are our partners successful attorneys, but successful businessmen passionate about protecting the rights of Charleston-area residents. Our consultations are free, and you will never pay us anything unless we win your case. Call (843) 396-3833 to speak with one of our attorneys.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury to the neck muscles resulting from sudden backward or forward force. It earns its name from the forceful back-and-forth motion someone makes when cracking a whip.

More specifically, whiplash results from a sprain or strain to the neck. Sprains result from torn ligaments securing the neck joints, while strains result from pulled or torn neck muscles and tendons.

The symptoms of whiplash may include:

Tenderness, which worsens upon moving the neck
Stiffness
Limited range of motion, whether from forward to back or from side to side
Swollen or bruised neck
Dizziness
Headaches, which can spread
Tinnitus
Memory and concentration problems
Sleeping difficulties
“Referred” tenderness in the back, shoulders, or arms

Some people are at higher risk for whiplash than others, such as:

The elderly – The weakening of bone and muscle structure as we age makes us more prone to whiplash.
Women at any age – Women are at higher risk for whiplash due to differences in their muscular and spinal structure.
Drivers with improperly-adjusted seats – Ensure your car’s seats and headrests are at the proper height and position for your head and neck.

Someone with whiplash may not notice symptoms until hours or days have passed.

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Levels of Whiplash Severity

Doctors categorize whiplash into five degrees of severity, called “grades.” The grade a whiplash injury receives will depend on the symptoms the person experiences.

Grade 0

This is “normal.” If someone had a whiplash injury, they are considered recovered once they reach Grade 0.

Grade 1

This grade involves neck pain and tenderness, but there are no visible or physical signs of a neck injury.

Grade 2

This grade involves both pain and physical signs of injury. A case of whiplash also falls into Grade 2 if the patient feels pain spreading to areas other than their neck

Grade 3

This grade involves pain, physical signs of injury, and neurological symptoms. A patient may experience numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” in the neck or nearby areas. They may also have problems seeing, sleeping, concentrating, or keeping their balance.

Grade 4

This grade is the most severe, and an injury is classified here if it affects the cervical (upper) spine or spinal cord.

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How Is Whiplash Diagnosed?

Your general doctor or orthopedic specialist can diagnose a whiplash injury using the following tests and procedures:

Orthopedic exams – In this exam, a provider will evaluate the range of motion in your neck and shoulders. They’ll test your reflexes and pinpoint the specific places where you feel pain or tenderness.
Ultrasound exams – This imaging procedure uses sound waves to visualize tears in muscles and ligaments.
X-rays and CAT scans – Both X-rays and CAT scans can rule out fractures to the bones in the neck area.
MRIs – An MRI scan can reveal muscle, ligament, nerve, and neck tissue injuries.

Once your care team knows your symptoms and determines the extent of your injury, they can assign it to a grade and prescribe the proper treatment.

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How Is Whiplash Treated?

The treatment necessary for a whiplash injury will depend on its severity. For milder injuries, your doctor may recommend the “RICE” protocol. You’ll rest and stabilize your neck, using ice or hot packs to reduce inflammation, ease stiffness, and control pain.

Your doctor may recommend specific exercises to restore healthy neck motion, though they may also recommend physical therapy. If you see a chiropractor, they may be able to help through regular adjustments, so long as the injury does not affect the spine.

More severe injuries may warrant pain medications or prescription muscle relaxants. A physical therapist can also administer light electrical stimulation to soothe the nerves.

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How Can a Charleston Whiplash Attorney Help?

The Crantford Meehan team can help you pursue compensation by:

Investigating the accident – We can help gather information about your accident and determine who might be responsible. Our investigation will begin with the involved drivers. However, a vehicle manufacturer, parts manufacturer, mechanic, or retailer may also be liable to compensate you if their negligent behavior contributed to the crash.
Working with insurance companies – If your insurance plan has personal injury protection (PIP), it might cover a portion of your medical costs. We can help you file a PIP claim and pursue some immediate relief for you while your case resolves.
Negotiating with the liable party’s insurer – We will represent you in independent settlement negotiations or mediation before filing a lawsuit. You will not have to go to court if we obtain compensation through a settlement.
Representing you at trial – While many personal injury cases in Charleston do not go to court, we have the skills and experience to represent you skillfully at trial if necessary.

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“Helped me through the hardest time in my life “

Crantford Meehan has helped me extremely through the hardest time in my life and has gotten me such an AMAZING recovery after my accident. I highly recommend them to any and everyone I know. Even after my own mother got into an auto accident, they have helped us both successfully move forward with our lives...

Harleigh Tenio
My ‘go to’ for legal help.

Attorney William Crantford has been great! He is my “go to” for legal help.

David Childress
Mr. Meehan was very professional.

Mr. Meehan was very professional. He made sure to address all of the questions and concerns that I had while working with him. I would absolutely recommend Crantford Meehan to anyone looking for an attorney who works hard to get you the best possible outcome.

Nikki M.

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Time Limit to File a Whiplash Lawsuit in South Carolina

According to South Carolina’s statute of limitations, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury suit. If you miss this deadline, you will lose your right to demand compensation from the negligent parties through the court system. The earlier you secure a lawyer’s services, the better your chances of obtaining compensation or winning damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common symptoms of whiplash?

Whiplash symptoms commonly include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and limited range of motion. Many individuals also experience tenderness that worsens with movement, memory and concentration issues, and sleeping problems. Some symptoms may not appear immediately and can develop hours or days after the accident.
How is whiplash diagnosed?

Whiplash is diagnosed through orthopedic exams, where your doctor will test the range of motion and look for areas of pain or tenderness. Imaging procedures like X-rays, CAT scans, and MRIs are also used to rule out fractures and check for ligament, muscle, or nerve damage. An ultrasound may be performed to detect tears in muscles or ligaments.
What are the different severity grades for whiplash?

Whiplash severity is categorized into five grades. Grade 0 represents normal function with no signs of injury. Grades 1 to 3 indicate increasing levels of pain, physical signs, and neurological symptoms. Grade 4 is the most severe, involving damage to the cervical spine or spinal cord.
What treatments are available for whiplash injuries?

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. For mild cases, the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) can help ease pain and stiffness. More severe injuries may require pain medications, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, or chiropractic care. In certain cases, electrical stimulation may be used to relieve nerve pain and promote healing.
How can a Charleston whiplash attorney help with my claim?

A Charleston whiplash attorney can help by thoroughly investigating your accident, gathering necessary evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they can represent you in court. An experienced attorney will ensure you are compensated for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
How much does a Charleston whiplash attorney cost?

At Crantford Meehan, we work on a contingency-fee basis. This means you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case. We offer a free initial consultation to review the details of your claim and help you understand your legal options.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for whiplash in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit for a whiplash injury. Missing this deadline can bar you from seeking compensation through the court system. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure timely filing.