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Whiplash Claims: Tips on Recovering Full Compensation
Whiplash injuries can be very serious and often lead to long-term problems for the victim. In addition, whiplash victims experience pain and suffer from many problems, including chronic pain, decreased mobility, and even Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Were you or someone you love injured in a car accident? If so, speak with experienced personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, as soon as possible. A qualified attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call) or use the contact form to schedule a free initial consultation. All confidential and sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Whiplash injuries are often sustained in minor accidents but can impact the victim's quality of life.
Many people don't realize how serious whiplash injuries can be, so they may not seek the medical attention they need. Unfortunately, it can lead to long-term health problems and losses, which you may be compensated for under the law.
Are you or someone you know suffering from a whiplash injury in an accident? If so, you must talk with our experienced whiplash injury lawyers. Our qualified law firm can help you understand your legal rights and options and may help you obtain the compensation you deserve through legal representation.
National Statistics on Whiplash Injuries
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 2.5 million people are injured in auto accidents in the United States annually. Out of these, nearly one-third suffer from a neck injury known as whiplash.
Data reveals that women are more likely to suffer from whiplash injuries than men. In addition, data shows that women have weaker neck muscles and are more prone to cervical spine damage.
Illinois Statistics on Whiplash Injuries
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were nearly 9,000 reported extreme cases of whiplash injuries in the state in 2018.
The IDOT also reports that most whiplash victims are between the ages of 20 and 44 that are involved in a rear-end collision.
How a Whiplash Car Accident Occurs
Many victims who experience whiplash in rear-end car accidents might have been caused by one or more parties or events, including:
- Drivers who get into fender benders and fail to stop. (74%)
- Drivers on cell phones while driving get distracted and might be texting, reaching for a drink or other activity, or choosing their music channels. (69%)
- Following too closely, or "tailgating." When the driver in front brakes, the following driver has no time to react and may rear-end the car in front. (27%)
- Speeding. Going too fast for conditions increases the chances of an accident. (4%)
- Careless drivers who run red lights or stop signs, make illegal turns or drive on the wrong side of the road. (less than 1%)
- Reckless drivers who drive aggressively. (less than 1%)
- Weather conditions include rain, snow, ice, and fog. (1%)
Adverse weather and a slippery surface leading to a car or motorcycle accident might not involve any other driver but result from natural causes.
After a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention even if you do not feel pain. Some whiplash injuries may not present themselves until later. Adrenaline in the bloodstream immediately after the vehicle crash could mask whiplash symptoms.
Common Whiplash Injuries
People in a car crash may be experiencing some of the common symptoms associated with whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury when the head and shoulders are suddenly jerked backward and forward.
Whiplash can cause damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck. While most people who suffer from whiplash will recover within a few weeks, there is always a risk of developing long-term problems.
If you are experiencing any of the following whiplash symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention:
- Neck pain: many whiplash injury victims experience excruciating neck pain that may radiate down into the shoulders and upper back
- Headache: a common symptom of whiplash is a headache, which may be throbbing and persistent
- Dizziness: often accompanied by a feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness
- Vision problems: blurry vision trouble, sensitivity to light, and double vision are common
- Nausea: many whiplash injury victims experience nausea and vomiting
- Soft tissue injury is a common occurrence in a whiplash car accident resulting in persistent discomfort and disability
By understanding the most common injuries associated with whiplash, you can take steps to protect yourself and ensure a faster healing process. For example, if you are involved in a car accident, seek medical attention even if you do not feel excruciating discomfort.
How Doctors Diagnose Whiplash
Doctors diagnose whiplash by looking for symptoms such as chronic neck pain, limited range of motion, headache, and dizziness. Treatment usually involves:
- Taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Using a cervical collar to support the neck
- Seeking medical care if discomfort isn't alleviated
Medical professionals recommend immediate medical treatment and usually prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen.
Your healthcare provider may also advise using a cervical collar to relieve pressure on the neck and reduce inflammation. In some severe cases, auto accident-related injuries require long-term therapy by a competent physical therapist.
Neck Injury Claims Process for Financial Compensation
There are a few things that injured people with whiplash-related injuries can do legally to overcome the damage and be compensated. First, seeking immediate medical attention and documenting your injuries is important, even if you don’t initially feel any discomfort.
Getting medical care will help build a stronger whiplash injury case for compensation. You can also collect evidence from the accident scene, such as eyewitness testimony, pictures of the damage done to the vehicles, and traffic camera footage.
If you decide to file an insurance claim for compensation, it is important to have a lawyer who specializes in neck injury cases. A competent whiplash lawyer can help to guide you through the process and advocate for your rights.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Do you have a serious whiplash injury? If so, it can be difficult to know what to do. To ensure you get the right treatment, you need experienced legal counsel to handle these injuries.
Your personal injury attorney will ensure you get fair compensation for your damages. A competent personal injury attorney will know how to handle these types of injuries.
Most insurance companies will use an insurance adjuster to speak with accident victims or their personal injury attorneys to resolve the case. However, within days the insurance company will want to settle the case long before the victim understands the extent of their injuries and medical bills.
Resolving the case too quickly might not be at the victims' advantage, especially if the accident caused only initial symptoms. Victims might need to undergo extensive treatment and rehabilitation that was not considered when the insurance company offered its quick settlement.
The insurance company’s goal is to minimize its losses, so it is important to have an advocate fighting for you and your best interests. That is why it is important to find personal injury lawyers who can handle your car accident case.
Whiplash Accident FAQs
Our personal injury attorneys understand that many families have unanswered questions regarding dealing with an insurance company about receiving compensation for their damages. A whiplash accident lawyer has answered some of those questions below.
Call us at (888) 424-5757 for additional information or schedule a free consultation.
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Specializing in Car and Sports Accidents
Were you injured in an accident and looking to file a whiplash injury claim? If so, our car accident lawyer at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, can help resolve your insurance company claim.
Let's discuss the legal process and all your options during a free case evaluation. Contact us at (888) 424-5757.
We accept every personal injury case on a contingency fee basis. This agreement ensures you'll pay no upfront fees until your whiplash lawyer resolves your claim through a fair settlement or jury award paid by the other party responsible for your damages.