Typically, whiplash develops when the head is subjected to a sudden and violent backward and forward movement. This usually takes place in a car accident, a fall, or a sporting injury. If you have sustained a whiplash injury and want to pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit, you should be aware of the factors that can influence your possible settlement amount. These factors include the seriousness of the injury, the way fault is determined, the impact of the injury on your everyday life, and the medical expenses you incur during treatment. To ensure you get the maximum settlement you deserve, hire a car accident lawyer in Natomas to handle your case.
What to Expect from a Lawyer
Every case is different and your compensation amount depends on factors such as the seriousness of your whiplash injury and any accompanying injuries. If you suffer from a whiplash injury or experience other related symptoms, you may be entitled to compensation. A car accident attorney can help you get started with a case. Keep in mind that you donโt pay any upfront or legal fees and they only get paid once you win your case.
What to Know About Whiplash Claims
Whiplash takes place when your upper spine or neck is moved forcefully, leading to injury. Such a form of neck strain includes small microtears in the muscles and ligaments of your neck. Whiplash impacts the spineโs cervical area and can be quite painful. Other symptoms include stiffness and swelling. Aside from your neck, whiplash can affect your back, shoulder, and head. Typically, it results from car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. It can usually take days or weeks to recover from this injury, but more serious and chronic issues can last months or even years.
Whiplash Symptoms
Common symptoms of a whiplash injury include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, limited range of neck movements, tingling, blurred vision, memory issues, dizziness, and shoulder pain. Remember that severe injuries usually present as minor symptoms like headaches, mild discomfort, and neck stiffness. Such minor symptoms may indicate more serious conditions that might develop eventually. You should seek immediate medical attention after a whiplash injury. A doctor can offer a comprehensive exam, so you can get proper and complete treatment.
Variables that Impact Your Claim Amount
When you determine a whiplash claimโs value, every factor below must be assessed to make sure you get a fair settlement:
- The seriousness and duration of your whiplash. whiplash differs by person, depending on how it happened. Typically, the extent of your injury is correlated with your treatmentโs duration. The more serious your injury, the higher the related medical treatment, which results in higher settlements. More serious whiplash is usually related to other injuries such as concussions, back injuries, shoulder injuries, and soft tissue damage.ย
- Medical expenses. Whiplash treatment may include taking pain medication, visits to a pain doctor, physical therapy, surgery, or immobilization, depending on how serious the injury is. If your pain persists, your doctor must assess whether your injury may have resulted in damage to back or neck nerves. Symptoms of this damage include tingling, arm and leg weakness, issues with walking or sitting, and numbness.ย
- Lost wages. If you have to miss work or minimize your work hours due to your whiplash, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages following a car accident. Such a claim can include income loss (past and future) and lost earning capacity. This can include the possible loss of raises, promotions, and career opportunities that your injury hindered. To claim lost wages, give documentation from your employer that details the income you lost.ย
- Pain and suffering. The effect of whiplash on your everyday life is a huge part of your claim. Pain and suffering refer to the experiences you lost or the burdens you accrued because of the at-fault partyโs negligence.ย
