Car accidents happen every day, even with safety measures put in place to curb how often they happen. These collisions are often caused by negligent or reckless drivers, and if everyone drove responsibly, fatalities and injuries from such accidents would plummet. Unfortunately, motorists continue to drive negligently. Even a seemingly minor accident can cause devastating damage to the victims, lowering the quality of their health and lives in the process.
Whiplash is among the most common injuries that stem from vehicle collisions. Unlike other objective injuries (bone fractures, brain bleed, etc.) where filing a claim is straightforward, many whiplash injury victims are unsure of whether filing a lawsuit for neck injuries is viable. To help you understand the possible legal options available, our Pearland whiplash attorneys at Lone Star Injury Attorneys are here to help. Our experienced auto wreck lawyers may make it easier for you to understand how such injuries may affect your general life, and how to go about filing a claim.
Whiplash is a very common injury suffered in many different types of motor vehicle accidents. In addition to car crashes, individuals can sustain severe neck injuries in motorcycle accidents, bicycle wrecks, and truck collisions. A whiplash injury occurs when the neck is strained in a forward and backward thrust, as your head is jerked due to impact. Every year, over 800,000 people suffer whiplash injuries in the United States.
Based on reports from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, severe neck injuries account for at least a third of injury claims recorded by insurance companies. And while whiplash injuries seem to be minor compared to other injuries such as head trauma, they may create permanent pain and suffering for those who deal with them. Apart from injuries suffered in the neck tendons and muscles, whiplash may cause damage to spinal discs in the neck as well as the ligaments. Worse still, fractures in the vertebrae can cause severe nerve damage. Due to the severity of this type of neck injury, it is best to reach out to a lawyer for help pursuing a claim.
Normally, car accident victims are expected to seek immediate medical attention if they feel any pain following the collision. Obviously, some injuries may not show themselves immediately after the accident happens, but it may present some symptoms days later. Our local whiplash attorneys have experience working with expert medical professionals who can help explain to a jury about these neck injuries. According to claims by Mayo Clinic, whiplash injuries may take hours or even days to be felt, and the effects may last for weeks, months, or in worst cases, permanently. Some of the symptoms to watch out for include:
As our lawyers will tell you, every injury suffered in any type of accident is worth seeking compensatory claims for. No matter the extent of your harm, you need to hold the responsible party accountable for the damage caused. Again, your attorney will advise you accordingly on the best party to sue for your whiplash injury and how to go about it. Remember, not all personal injury cases need to go to trial, and many are resolved before filing a lawsuit with the court. A majority of claims are resolved out of court through negotiations with the proper insurance company or the party at fault.
Settlement values for whiplash injuries vary from case to case depending on several factors, such as the severity of harm caused and how much treatment is necessary. Most minor cases are valued at between $2,500 and $15,000. However, some more serious cases which require extensive physical therapy and pain management may lead to the recovery of compensation worth $30,000 or higher, depending on the injuries. No matter the scenario, you are entitled to compensation for:
A diligent lawyer could properly value your whiplash injury claim to help you obtain compensation for all your damages.
The success of your case is largely dependent on how best your claims are articulated. If you are struggling with whiplash related injuries, please consult with our Pearland whiplash lawyer about your legal options for compensation. A good lawyer will always advise you beforehand on your chances of obtaining a settlement for your neck injuries. At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we can help review your case for free. Please schedule a consultation session online or call our office to speak to a legal professional.