Summary
- Working with a whiplash lawyer after and accident can help you receive compensation for damages like medical bills and lost wages.
- Whiplash is an injury to the neck, back, or brain that can cause serious effects, some of them permanent.
- It can be difficult to recover compensation for your damages in a whiplash claim, especially if symptoms appear days or even months after the accident.
- Prompt medical attention gives you the best chance to make a full recovery.
Victims of car crashes and other high-intensity impacts sometimes walk away without a scratch, but wake up the next day with severe neck pain and other injuries. Whiplash is a complicated condition that’s often misunderstood or ignored, but the damage it can cause is all too real. As whiplash lawyers, our team understands this struggle.
If you’ve received a whiplash injury in an accident, you may be suffering from physical, emotional, and financial damage as a result. You deserve fair compensation. That’s where our skilled personal injury lawyers come in. At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we have a strong track record of securing fair compensation for victims of whiplash. You can contact us online or call us at (800) 320-4357.
What is Whiplash Injuries
The rapid back-and-forth movement of the head and neck in car crashes and other intense impacts can cause a range of conditions collectively referred to as whiplash. This harsh movement can cause injuries to the neck or back, nerve damage, and even traumatic brain injuries.
The most common causes of whiplash include car accidents, contact sports, and slip-and-fall accidents.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash
Within a few days of your injury, symptoms of whiplash may appear, including:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Shoulder and upper back pain
- Loss of range of motion
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Difficulty sleeping
These effects will usually, but not always, heal within a few weeks with basic medical treatment.
A Warning From Our Whiplash Lawyers: You May Not Notice the Signs Right Away
Adrenaline and other effects of the car accident can hide whiplash symptoms until hours or days after the impact. While your body may temporarily mask the pain, the injuries are still there and may worsen if left untreated.
It’s important to seek medical attention right away after any major impact, like a car accident, even if you don’t feel hurt. You may have injuries you’re unaware of, and prompt treatment gives you the best chance of making a full recovery. Having medical records can also create a crucial paper trail when you are dealing with the insurance company later.
Long-term Effects of Whiplash Injury
While most people with whiplash will recover without any permanent effects, there is a significant possibility of suffering long-term complications. Whiplash symptoms may linger long-term or even permanently, causing chronic pain and impairing you in everyday life.
These long-term effects can include:
- Chronic neck pain and stiffness
- Jaw pain
- Numbness or weakness in the extremities
- Blurred vision
- Tinnitus
- Memory problems
- Depression and anxiety
- And more
These long-term or chronic effects of whiplash still count as damages that you deserve to be compensated for, but at-fault parties or their insurance providers may question whether or not these lingering symptoms were truly caused by the initial accident.
For example, say you are filing a car accident claim for a whiplash injury after another car rear-ended you at an intersection. Working with a whiplash lawyer can help you connect the physical and cognitive effects of your whiplash injury to the car accident and hold the at-fault parties responsible for ongoing medical treatment and other damages.
What Damages Can I Pursue in a Whiplash Claim?
If you or a loved one received a whiplash injury in a car crash or other accident, you may be able to recover damages from the negligent party. This can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Property damage
- Disability settlements
- And more
The potential long-term effects of whiplash can interfere with your ability to maximize your compensation on your own. The best course of action is to hire an experienced whiplash attorney to determine what damages you may be owed and advocate for fair compensation for these costs.
How a WHG Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You
The aftermath of a major accident can be overwhelming. When you’re suffering from neck pain and other whiplash effects, missing work, and facing a pile of medical bills, pursuing a claim against those responsible for your situation may seem far away. Our team of whiplash attorneys at WHG can make it a reality.
A whiplash lawyer attorney can assist with:
- The initial consultation and case evaluation
- Investigation of the accident and collecting evidence to support your whiplash claim
- Negotiation with insurance companies for fair compensation for your damages
- Litigation for your personal injury lawsuit if necessary to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries
Having a skilled and knowledgeable lawyer by your side can make the legal challenges of a whiplash claim look a lot more manageable.
Reach Out to the Whiplash Lawyers of Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia For Expert Legal Assistance
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, our whiplash attorneys know what you’re going through. Filing a personal injury claim while recovering from a whiplash injury may seem like an inconvenience, but with the right team by your side, it can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Our clients trust us to put our considerable experience to work for them, and we consistently deliver. If you sustained a whiplash injury in a car crash or other type of accident, our team at WHG is prepared to help you secure a fair settlement. To get started, give us a call at (800) 320-4357 or contact us online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a whiplash injury claim?
Plaintiffs filing a personal injury claim have a two-year window to take action, or their claim may be invalidated under Florida law. This is where whiplash claims can become tricky, because you may not realize the extent of your injury until some time after the accident.
Can a whiplash lawyer still help me pursue a personal injury claim if the accident was partially my fault?
Yes. Even if the accident was your fault, you can still pursue a whiplash injury claim.
Many states, such as Florida, follow comparative fault rules. As long as you were less than 50% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages, even if you share the blame for the accident. Your financial award may vary depending on your percentage of fault.
Is whiplash a type of spinal cord injury?
Whiplash predominantly impacts the neck, but it can harm the top of the spine. Spinal cord injuries near the top of the spine are called cervical SCIs and they can result in paralysis of all four limbs. Typically, whiplash injuries are less severe than spinal cord injuries. The act of whiplash, however, can cause a spinal cord injury.
How much is Whiplash’s claim worth?
Determining the worth of a whiplash claim depends on various factors, including the severity of the injury, the impact on the individual’s daily life, medical expenses incurred, and the duration of recovery. Typically, compensation for whiplash injuries can range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of dollars. Minor cases, involving short-term discomfort and minimal medical treatment, might result in lower settlements. In contrast, more severe cases, which entail long-term pain, extensive medical interventions, and significant lifestyle disruptions, could warrant higher compensation. Additionally, factors like loss of earnings, future medical costs, and emotional distress are also considered when evaluating the claim’s value. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can provide a more precise estimate based on the specifics of the case.
