You never know exactly what it is until it happens to you. You didn't know about lesions like this except for some account of someone describing a clinical condition. However, if you have been in an accident that resulted in a whiplash injury, we are sure you now know a lot more about it because you have experienced it firsthand.
This type of injury is something we do not wish on anyone. They can be very upsetting, and in addition to the emotional burden of defending yourself in legal proceedings after an accident, it can be debilitating enough to make you depressed or feel that your path no longer makes sense.
Emotional swings around the event that triggered the pain can be frequent. Denial about reality or the desire to reverse everything with a magic wand. The truth is that life often brings challenges that cannot be reversed or resolved in seconds. What can happen is that you decide to surround yourself with professionals in the field who can guide you to repair part of the damage caused. How to achieve this?
At The Ward Law Group, we have years of experience obtaining results in favor of our clients in matters of personal injury, whiplash accidents, post-traumatic stress, and work-related injuries, among other specialties for specific cases.
Following a car accident in which someone else was at fault, you may experience confusion and be unsure of what to do. The Ward Law Group can support you while you file an insurance claim or navigate the court system. Additionally, if your whiplash injury pain is still present, our Long Island attorneys can assist you in your quest for justice.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury when the neck makes a forceful back-and-forth motion. Meanwhile, motor vehicle crashes (specifically rear-end collisions) are the most common cause of whiplash. Other causes include sports accidents and falls.
Because many whiplash injuries include damage to soft tissue that can’t be seen on X-rays, whiplash must often be diagnosed with an MRI or CT scan.
Doctors may prescribe pain medication and exercise to help patients recover from whiplash. Whiplash pain often goes away within a few weeks—but for some whiplash patients, there are long-lasting complications.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash
It’s helpful to know the symptoms of whiplash, especially if you’re trying to determine if you suffer from it. The symptoms of whiplash usually begin within a few days after the injury occurs.
Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Total loss or lowered range of motion in the neck
- Persistent headaches
- Tingling or numb feeling in the arms
- Dizziness
Those who have a more severe case of whiplash may experience more intense symptoms, such as:
- Blurred vision
- Tinnitus
- Sleeping issues
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of memory
It’s essential to see a doctor after a collision if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, whether they are mild or severe. A doctor can provide a treatment plan to help the injury heal faster. If your symptoms persist and you don’t see a doctor, you could develop life-changing complications.
How to Diagnose Whiplash After an Accident
Over the years, we have recorded various symptoms and initial signs that victims of this type of event develop. At the same time, we have identified the most effective methods to diagnose and detect this condition. If you have experienced a whiplash accident on Long Island, this information is sure to be helpful:
- Neck Pain and Stiffness: Persistent neck pain and stiffness are common symptoms following a collision, indicative of potential whiplash. Documenting these early signs in legal cases is crucial as they establish a direct connection between the accident and the subsequent injury.
- Headaches and Dizziness: Victims experiencing persistent headaches and dizziness post-collision may exhibit whiplash symptoms. Recognizing and addressing these issues is essential for both medical treatment and legal considerations.
- Shoulder and Back Pain: Whiplash can manifest as pain in the shoulders and back, areas often affected by the sudden and forceful movement typical of a car accident. This pain serves as tangible evidence of the injury's impact, supporting legal compensation claims.
- Radiating Pain and Tingling: Radiating pain or tingling sensations in the arms can signify nerve involvement, adding complexity to the whiplash injury. In legal contexts, these symptoms contribute to the severity of the case and the compensation sought.
- Cognitive Issues: Whiplash may lead to mental problems such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating. In legal proceedings, these issues underscore the broader impact of the injury, justifying claims for compensation related to mental and emotional distress.
- Diagnostic Procedures - MRI and CT Scans: Medical professionals utilize advanced imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans to diagnose soft tissue injuries in the neck. The results of these procedures provide concrete and objective evidence in legal cases, reinforcing the connection between the accident and the whiplash.
- Medical Documentation and Records: Comprehensive and detailed medical records, including diagnostic procedures and their outcomes, are a foundation for legal arguments. These documents substantiate the extent of the whiplash injury, aiding in the pursuit of fair compensation.
- Delayed Onset of Symptoms: Whiplash symptoms may not surface immediately after an accident. Recognizing and addressing delayed onset is crucial in legal cases, emphasizing the need for ongoing medical evaluation to establish a clear timeline of the injury's progression.
- Independent Medical Examinations (IME): Legal proceedings often involve IMEs, where a neutral medical professional assesses the whiplash symptoms. This independent evaluation adds credibility to the legal case by providing an unbiased perspective on the injury.
- Expert Witness Testimonies: Engaging medical experts who can testify about the correlation between observed symptoms, diagnostic findings, and the whiplash injury is paramount in legal proceedings. Their expertise strengthens the case by providing a nuanced understanding of the medical aspects.
Role of Long Island Whiplash Injury Lawyers in Insurance Claims
Our lawyers are professional negotiators. Thanks to their talent, we have closed settlements of 1 million dollars. Therefore, before starting a negotiation, we constantly evaluate all the key points and arguments we raise to defend the position that favors our clients.
In parallel, we will handle with you internally every step taken during the negotiation with the insurance company. Some other very important activities in which a professional from The Ward Law Group can provide you with professional assistance and expertise are the following:
- Legal Consultation: Initiate a legal consultation to gain insights into your whiplash injury case. Expertise in personal injury law ensures a comprehensive understanding of the legal aspects related to your injury.
- Claim Evaluation: Meticulously evaluate your whiplash injury claim, considering medical records, accident details, and applicable laws. This assessment helps determine the strength of your case and potential compensation.
- Effective Communication: Excel in communication with insurance companies, presenting your case accurately and preventing any attempts to minimize the impact of your whiplash injury.
- Thorough Documentation of Damages: Assist in documenting all damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs. Thorough documentation strengthens your claim for fair compensation.
- Negotiation Expertise: Benefit from negotiation skills that advocate for fair whiplash injury settlement, considering both immediate and potential long-term consequences of your whiplash injury.
- Legal Representation in Court: A whiplash injury attorney provides robust legal representation if negotiations with insurance companies are insufficient. Navigate legal proceedings, present compelling evidence, and argue your case effectively.
- Witness Statements Collected: Gather statements from witnesses, reinforcing the circumstances of the accident and the resulting whiplash injury. Witness accounts contribute to the credibility of your claim.
- Deep Understanding of Insurance Policies: Possess a profound understanding of insurance policies to identify coverage areas and potential sources of compensation, maximizing the recovery amount.
- Timely Filing of Claims: Ensure the timely filing of insurance claims, preserving your right to seek compensation and avoiding potential claim denials due to missed deadlines.
- Skillful Handling of Legal Documentation: Adeptly manage preparing and submitting all required documentation for your insurance claim. This includes completing forms, providing evidence, and meeting procedural requirements.
- Clear Explanation of Legal Options: Provide clear explanations of your legal options, guiding you through potential courses of action, including the possibility of pursuing a lawsuit if negotiations prove unsuccessful.
- Mediation and ADR Expertise: Engage in mediation or alternative dispute resolution processes to expedite dispute resolution. These methods align with the commitment to achieving a fair settlement outside court.
- Advising on Recorded Statements: Offer guidance on providing recorded statements to insurance companies, ensuring statements align with legal strategies and do not inadvertently compromise your case.
- Thorough Review of Insurance Settlement Offers: Scrutinize settlement offers, ensuring they comprehensively cover all damages after a car crash or an auto accident. Our advice empowers you to accept an offer or pursue further negotiations.
- Contingency Fee Arrangements: These often operate on a contingency fee basis, emphasizing a commitment to your case's success. This ensures payment only if you receive compensation that aligns with your interests.
- Navigating Legal Complexity: We will guide you through the legal complexities of insurance claims, minimizing the risk of oversights or procedural errors. Our expertise ensures clear and confident navigation of the process.
Calculating Damages in Long Island Whiplash Injury Cases
Our personal injury attorneys understand that you have any questions regarding the estimated amounts you may be able to access after pursuing a legal process due to a motor vehicle accident and seeking adequate compensation.
Part of the compensation obtained if you suffered a whiplash injury is based on covering the following points:
- Medical Expenses: Thorough documentation of all medical costs associated with the whiplash injury, including hospital bills, diagnostic tests, and rehabilitation expenses, will be crucial. Estimations of whiplash injury treatment (e.g., physical therapy) will be tailored to each case's unique characteristics.
- Lost Wages: Gathering evidence of income lost due to the injury, such as sick leave and disruptions in compensation, is essential. Our attorneys will work to estimate these losses based on individual circumstances.
- Future Medical Costs: Our comprehensive approach includes anticipating future medical bills, including ongoing treatments and therapy. Estimations will be made considering each case's specific needs.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic factors like pain and suffering will be assessed to ensure compensation reflects the injury's impact on daily life. Estimations will be case-specific.
- Loss of Consortium: Quantifying damages under loss of consortium, addressing the impact on relationships, will be tailored to individual circumstances. This includes companionship, support, and intimacy.
- Property Damage: The case assessment will include accounting for property damage costs, such as vehicle repairs and alternative transportation, and adjusting estimations to each situation.
- Legal Fees and Expenses: Transparent communication regarding legal fees and expenses associated with pursuing the case, adjusted to individual circumstances, is a priority.
- Emotional Distress: Quantifying emotional distress caused by the accident and injury will be a consideration, with estimations based on each case's unique emotional toll.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The impact on the ability to enjoy activities and hobbies will be assessed according to individual lifestyle changes, and estimations will be adjusted accordingly.
- Scarring or Disfigurement: Accounting for visible scarring or disfigurement and quantifying its impact on overall well-being will be case-specific. Estimations will reflect the unique characteristics of each situation.
CONTACT A WHIPLASH INJURY ATTORNEY on Long Island
Even seemingly minor whiplash injuries can have significant repercussions, impacting your daily life and well-being. However, these injuries can be challenging to prove, mainly when symptoms manifest later.
That's why it's essential to enlist the support of a Long Island whiplash injury lawyer from The Ward Law Group. Our team is well-versed in New York's legal landscape and possesses the expertise to handle your case with precision and care.
We are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve for your damages, providing peace of mind during this challenging time.
Contact The Ward Law Group if you have been involved in a similar case as the one described in this post. Remember that we offer legal advice entirely in English and Spanish.