Whiplash Injuries and Legal Action

Whiplash is a type of injury that occurs when the neck suddenly moves forward and back, often as a result of car accidents. It results in injuries to the cervical spine—the part of the spine present in your neck—and nearby tissues. This strain or sprain happens when ligaments and muscles are forced past their normal range. Rear-end collisions are unfortunately one of the most frequent types of car accidents and account for at least 30%of all trauma resulting from automobile disasters across America alone.

Over the years, millions of whiplash claims have been submitted. Though many are moderate and simply last a few weeks, our personal injury attorney welcomes any accident victim to reach out for assistance. Even if you feel your case is minor or won’t result in long-term effects or extensive medical treatment, it’s still wise to get checked by a skilled professional since various whiplash incidents can cause injuries that may not appear until days post-collision.

The Severity of Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash usually subsides in a few weeks, and can sometimes be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and exercise. For some people though, the symptoms may linger or worsen due to additional underlying injuries that were not initially detected. Such after-effects of whiplash are generally referred to as ‘Whiplash Associated Disorder’ (WAD) or Cervical Spine Syndrome, manifesting through common signs such as:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Pain when moving the neck, loss of range of motion
  • Headaches
  • Shoulder, arm, and upper back pain
  • Numbness, or tingling of the face, arms
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Cognitive and emotional symptoms (irritability, trouble concentrating)

If you were involved in a car accident, are suffering from considerable discomfort, or find it hard to move your neck freely; it is quite possible that you have experienced a severe whiplash injury. The ordinary settlement for such an injury can differ substantially and must be determined by an accomplished personal injury lawyer. Though some demographics may be more vulnerable to sustaining greater distress due to this type of trauma – like individuals with prior injuries concerning their back/neck region or elderly citizens – the potential reimbursements could possibly escalate significantly when accounting for all the pain and hardship endured by these high-risk victims.

Grades Of Whiplash Injuries (Grades 1-4)

When it comes to whiplash injuries, they can range in severity and symptoms. These grades of injury are as follows:

  • Grade 0 Whiplash – No visible signs of injury, no medical treatment needed.
  • Grade 1 Whiplash – Although you may experience no visible signs of injury, tenderness, and discomfort can still arise. It’s highly recommended that you seek professional medical assistance; however, under most circumstances, symptoms will pass in a few days without any intervention.
  • Grade 2 Whiplash – Chronic pain can be unbearable and debilitating, preventing you from getting through your daily routine without difficulty. Depending on the level of discomfort, medication may be necessary to alleviate some of these burdensome symptoms.
  • Grade 3 Whiplash – Grade 3 Whiplash is a debilitating injury that requires rapid medical care and follow-up checkups. Victims experience stinging pain in their neck, shoulders, and head as well as restricted mobility. Furthermore, the victim can undergo difficulty sleeping or face long absences from work because of it – making Grade 3 Whiplash an especially agonizing ordeal to deal with.
  • Grade 4 Whiplash – Grade 4 whiplash is the most severe form of whiplash, typically necessitating operations and long-term management with chiropractic treatment and physical therapy. As these are serious injuries, they often lead to significant financial compensation.

 

Injured? Call Klink Law, PLLC

 

What Is The Average Whiplash Settlement Amount?

From the severity of your whiplash trauma to how it has impacted your daily life, multiple issues will influence the amount you can receive in a compensation settlement. As an illustration, if you have endured a paralyzing back or neck injury that keeps you from earning paychecks or causes lasting modifications to other aspects of your existence, then consider yourself entitled to higher sums.

When determining the compensation for a car accident, several factors come into play. If one of the drivers is found to have committed complete negligence while driving – meaning they neglected safety measures and caused harm as a result – this can be used as strong evidence of personal injury. To receive settlement amounts for whiplash damage, it will be necessary to present proof that not only highlights pain and suffering but also how this has impacted life afterward. On average, settlements for whiplash injuries factor in:

  • $10,000 to $100,000 for minor neck and back injuries
  • $1 million to $5 million or more for life-altering whiplash injuries or permanent disability

If you’ve been a victim of whiplash, you may be asking yourself how much compensation your claim is worth. It’s hard to tell without being aware of the details behind your case, but an experienced personal injury attorney in Phoenix can provide further insight into what to anticipate in terms of remuneration.

Whiplash Claims & Red Flags From Insurance Companies

Seeking medical attention promptly after an accident is critical. Not only will a doctor’s diagnosis be necessary to build your claim, but the insurance company or opposing attorney might contest it in court – even with confirmation of whiplash by a qualified physician. Whiplash is a type of injury that can be difficult to detect due to its range of subtle symptoms. As fraud remains prevalent in the United States, insurance companies are liable to investigate whiplash cases more thoroughly than other auto accident injuries for this reason.

Despite the fact that whiplash tests are generally accepted in medical circles, insurance companies aren’t always so willing to accept them without question. The trustworthiness of these tests relies on an honest response from patients regarding their pain and mobility level; although this may be unjustified, those seeking reimbursement for whiplash-related injuries should nevertheless anticipate facing many hard questions right away. If it ends up going to court, then they can expect even harsher interrogation tactics meant to undermine their credibility.

Contact Our Maricopa County Whiplash Injury Attorney Today

While whiplash injuries can be hard to quantify for the purpose of a settlement, it’s valuable to begin by researching average award amounts associated with your level of injury. If you’re uncertain of how to calculate the expected settlement for your car accident injury, refer to payments made in cases with similar gravity and use it as a guide when developing your demand letter. Additionally, consulting an experienced car accident lawyer can provide excellent advice while assessing the worth of your claim. For more information on whiplash injury settlements, get in touch with Klink Law, PLLC now – initial consultations are free!