Ringing in Ears (Tinnitus) After Car Accident: Legal Action

Posted on Tue Apr 13, 2021

You have found yourself a victim of a car accident and are experiencing not only the emotional effects but the physical effects as well. Back, neck, and head injuries are common. It is best to see a doctor at the emergency room or urgent care to check you over for any issues resulting from the car accident.

However, one injury caused by a car accident that is not normally discussed is tinnitus. In short, tinnitus or ringing in the ears is not only a nuisance but can become debilitating. Read more to learn about ringing in the ears after a car accident.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is usually described as having a ringing in the ears that is not caused by an actual external sound. It does not necessarily have to be a ringing noise. It can be described as buzzing, hissing, clicking or humming. The sounds that someone with tinnitus experiences can vary in pitch and loudness. The Mayo Clinic even writes that it can vary from "a low roar to a high squeal."

Tinnitus can either be constant or can come and go. The ringing in the ears can get so loud that it may even make it difficult to hear conversations or any other outside noises. As tinnitus persists—interrupting daily activities—it can cause a person much grief.

Why Do I Have Ringing in My Ears After a Car Accident?

Countless people have reported having tinnitus or even hearing loss after a car accident.

You may be wondering how being involved in an accident would affect your ears. Many victims of car accidents who experience ringing in their ears are surprised to find that the cause can be due to either a head injury or after an airbag has been deployed. 

Whiplash is a main factor when a victim gets tinnitus after a car accident. When in a crash, your head and neck can be jerked from front to back or from side to side. This causes damage to the nerves, ligaments and even the intervertebral cartilage. It is a serious injury. 

Not only can whiplash cause tinnitus, but it can also cause hearing loss after a car accident. When whiplash is severe, it can produce hearing loss because the inner ear becomes damaged. 

How to Receive Compensation for Tinnitus After a Car Accident

If you find yourself suffering from tinnitus or ringing in the ears after a car accident, you are entitled to compensation by seeking personal injury damages. The first and most important step in receiving compensation from the responsible party is to see a doctor immediately. You may begin by seeing a family doctor, but it is better to be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist. The specialist can assess your symptoms and document that you did not experience them before the accident. 

By seeing a doctor, you are making a record of the ringing in your ears or hearing loss most likely caused by whiplash. Having medical documentation will provide your attorney with evidence to support your claim. Sometimes tinnitus can be a difficult condition to prove because there are no concrete tests to diagnose it. This is why hiring a capable attorney to represent you is important. With their help, you can gather all of the information regarding your injuries induced by the car accident, including the ringing in your ears.

Start the Legal Process to Obtain Your Compensation 

Being involved in a car accident is a serious matter. If you experience the symptoms of whiplash and tinnitus, you will need legal representation. The partners at Warren and Simpson are here to take you step by step through the process of obtaining the compensation you deserve. 

With over 2,000 cases won, we have the knowledge and experience to help you during this difficult and stressful time. Because we only take on a few clients at a time, we are able to give your case the full attention it deserves.

To get legal help, contact us today.