What to Know About Whiplash Injury Compensation
If your neck is injured during a road accident, you may have a condition known as whiplash. Whiplash can be debilitating, and in severe cases, it can leave victims with long-term or chronic symptoms. But what is a whiplash injury, and how do you get compensation for your injuries? Let’s take a look.
What Is a Whiplash Injury?
A whiplash injury affects your neck. It occurs when your head moves forcibly backwards and forwards which puts strain on the neck structures. Common symptoms include:
- difficulty moving your head
- headaches
- neck pain and stiffness
- pain when moving your neck
- tenderness in the neck, upper back or arms
Can I Sue for a Whiplash Injury?
If you are injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligent or careless driving, then yes, it’s possible to sue the at-fault party for damages.
- First, you contact whiplash attorneys (within two years of the accident date) who will determine if you have a claim.
- If you have a claim for whiplash injury compensation, your attorney gathers the evidence and negotiates a settlement with the at-fault party.
- Often, whiplash claims settle out of court. However, if the settlement offer is too low, your injuries are very severe, or the at-fault party won’t take responsibility, then your attorney can file a formal lawsuit to start court proceedings.
- Should the defendant make a reasonable and fair offer to settle, it’s still possible to avoid a formal court hearing at this stage.
How Long Do Whiplash Injury Compensation Claims Take?
Straightforward whiplash claims can settle in a few months. If, however, we need to file a formal lawsuit against the other party, or there are complex issues involved, it could take a year or longer to resolve your case.
What Does Whiplash Injury Compensation Cover?
In whiplash injury compensation claims, damages are awarded to cover losses associated with the accident, including:
- loss of earning capacity
- lost income
- medical bills
- rehab and physiotherapy
Experienced whiplash injury lawyers can explain what compensation you may be entitled to, depending on the facts of your case.
How Much Will I Get for a Whiplash Injury?
Unfortunately there’s no “average” settlement for a whiplash injury – what you can claim is unique to your situation. After the whiplash injury attorneys at the Alexander Law Firm identify who is at fault for the accident and determine the extent of your injuries, they can give you a more accurate estimate of your potential settlement figure.
Whiplash Injury Lawyers in Houston, TX
Are you dealing with a whiplash injury and wondering if you can file a personal injury lawsuit? The whiplash attorneys at the Alexander Law Firm want to help. We offer free initial consultation to determine if you have a claim, and we never charge any fees unless we win your case.
Want to find out more? Contact us today to discuss your whiplash case.