Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the neck or head moves forcibly backward, then forward suddenly or vice versa. It is one of the most common injuries caused by a rear-end car accident.
You can also suffer whiplash from other types of car crashes or activities where a hard fall or heavy blows to the head or neck happen. The injury causes damage when the neck muscles and ligaments extend past their usual range of motion.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the injury is highly misunderstood, especially in the media. It is frequently regarded as a non-serious injury since it is often faked by motorists looking for easy compensation.
Whiplash is often far more severe than accident victims think, leading to chronic pain and long-term suffering. If you suffer a whiplash injury from a collision, contact the established and skilled New York car accident lawyers at Catalano Law immediately to start working on your case.
Symptoms of Whiplash
There are three million whiplash injuries in the United States every year, many caused by road accidents. If you’re involved in a vehicle crash, you may experience symptoms of whiplash within 24 hours. In some cases, symptoms don’t develop for several days. While many patients recover quickly, others can experience acute pain, stiffness, and other symptoms for months or even years.
After an auto accident, it’s critical to see a doctor immediately to diagnose any potential injuries, like whiplash. Your visit ensures you receive fast and effective treatment and provides you with a professional medical report that can help in a legal case.
Common whiplash symptoms include:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Persistent headaches
- Dizzy spells
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
Complications From Whiplash
Many whiplash sufferers experience chronic pain and symptoms for many years following their accident. A 2016 study published in the National Library of Medicine reported that whiplash casualties experience a reduced quality of life than those with minor injuries five years after their injury. There is often no medical explanation for this.
Symptoms of chronic whiplash include:
- Reduced cognitive functionality
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Sleep issues
- Mood swings
- Chronic pain and discomfort in the neck
Preparing a Lawsuit for a Whiplash Case
If you develop whiplash due to an accident, you may be eligible for compensation. You deserve fair monetary recovery of your expenses and emotional trauma from your crash. You will need to file a claim against insurance companies to claim your damages. Depending on the outcome, you may also need to file a lawsuit to recover the total compensation for your injury.
Working with an experienced whiplash injury attorney is essential to your case. Your lawyer investigates the details of your accident and brings in experts to help calculate your current and future accident-related expenses. Your car accident lawyer represents your interests throughout the entire legal process.
New York has no-fault insurance, meaning an insurance company can reimburse you for medical expenses, property damage, emotional distress, and other losses regardless of who was at fault for the accident. You will first need to file a claim with your car insurance provider.
In New York, all drivers must carry liability insurance with coverage of at least:
- $25,000 for injury of one person
- $50,000 for the death of one person in an accident
- $10,000 for damage to property
- $50,00 for the physical injuries of two or more individuals
- $100,000 for two or more deaths in an accident
If you suffer a catastrophic injury that results in the loss of body functionality and your expenses exceed your insurance coverage, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver.
A personal injury suit is a civil claim that involves significant litigation, including filing a complaint, pre-trial and discovery, and a potential trial. Although most cases settle outside of the courtroom, you will need professional representation to maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with Catalano Law
If you experience symptoms of whiplash from an accident, don’t suffer in silence. You may be entitled to damages for your injuries. Hire an experienced New York accident lawyer from Catalano Law. We can help you calculate the actual cost of your injuries and pursue total compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
As skilled negotiators, we will fight on your behalf with insurance adjusters and opposition lawyers to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. We offer a free case evaluation to clients in Syracuse, Binghamton, Utica, Watertown, and the surrounding areas. Get help by contacting Catalano Law today.