If you or a loved one suffered from a whiplash injury as a result of a car accident, determining the amount of compensation you may receive depends on many important factors related to your situation. Having a qualified attorney review your claim could give you a better idea of how much financial compensation you may be eligible for.
The car accident attorneys at Roden Law are available to listen to your situation in a free case review. We charge no upfront fees. If you have a valid claim, you may be able to pursue compensation to help cover medical costs, lost wages if you missed work, property loss, and other damages. Your free review is completely confidential, and you will not be obligated to retain our legal services.
What is Considered a Whiplash Injury?
Whiplash injuries cause a rapid, forceful movement of the head and neck to jerk back and forth quickly. While these soft tissue injuries are usually sustained in car accidents, they can also be the result of a slip and fall, sports injury, physical abuse, or other trauma.
Some common symptoms of whiplash injuries include:
- Pain or stiffness in the neck area
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Increased pain with neck movement
- Dizzy spells
- Fatigue
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Headaches, usually beginning in the base of the skull
Other symptoms may include:
- Inability to focus on certain tasks
- Blurry vision
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Difficulty remembering
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Depression
What is the Whiplash Grading System?
The whiplash grading system was first created in 1993. There are 4 grades of whiplash and they are as follows:
Grade 0 Whiplash:
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While victims in this category may not exhibit immediate symptoms or injuries, it’s important to remember that they could still be harmed.
Grade 1 Whiplash:
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May not present physical signs initially, but many individuals in this category experience neck pain weeks or months after the accident. It’s crucial to address these delayed symptoms.
Grade 2 Whiplash:
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Individuals in this grade are likely to encounter neck pains and show signs of musculoskeletal injury. Prompt attention to these symptoms is essential for proper care.
Grade 3 Whiplash:
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People with grade 3 whiplash commonly experience neck pains. Unlike grade 2, grade 3 are often physically impaired. Seeking medical assistance is crucial to address these more severe symptoms.
As mentioned above, sometimes whiplash injuries could be delayed and may not appear for several days or weeks. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above health issues after a car accident, we recommend seeking immediate medical attention, followed by speaking to a licensed attorney for help with your whiplash claim. The sooner you act, the better your recovery efforts may be.
How Are Damages Calculated?
Settlement amounts for a whiplash injury depend on many important factors. One is the severity of your injury and two is how long it is expected to last. Some whiplash injuries could be minor and may heal on their own within a few weeks or months, however, other more severe injuries could last years and may require extensive medical treatment. A good lawyer will be able to calculate how much compensation you may be eligible for.
Some of the ways you could be compensated include:
- Doctor visits
- Surgery costs
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitative services
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
- Lost wages if you missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Insomnia
- Mental trauma
- Depression
If you are still recovering from your whiplash injury, your lawyer will most likely advise you to wait until your condition has stabilized and a medical professional deems that there is no further possibility for improvement. This will help your lawyer determine a more accurate calculation of the full extent of your compensatory and punitive damages.
What is the Average Compensation Amount?
The typical compensation amount depends on how much you need to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage, and other personal losses.
Compensation amounts for mild to moderate whiplash injuries can usually range between $2,500 and $10,000. However, more severe whiplash injuries could result in a settlement of $30,000 or more.
Having an experienced attorney review your medical documentation can help ensure you get the maximum allowable compensation you may need for a full recovery.
Speak to a Licensed Attorney About Your Whiplash Injury
If you or a loved one suffered from a whiplash injury, you could be eligible for compensation. Having a licensed attorney at your side could have a significant impact on your recovery process.
The legal team at Roden Law understands that injury victims and their families may need financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If you have a viable claim, our attorneys can guide you throughout the claims process while protecting your best interests.
Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today. You will not have to pay any upfront fees and we do not bill you unless we help you win.