Whiplash is a common injury resulting from car crashes. The hyperextending of the soft tissues, ligaments, and neck muscles caused by the crash impact may harm an accident victim more than they first realized. The long-term effects of whiplash can be severe, adversely affecting your life.
If you want to take legal action in your accident, you can work with a Bakersfield whiplash accident lawyer with Ben Crump Law, PLLC, who understands how this injury can affect your life. Our firm may be able to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
We work hard to fight for our client’s rights, and we work on contingency, so you pay no fees upfront. We get paid only if we win a financial award for you. Call (844) 730-0233 today for your free case evaluation.
Difficulties Proving Whiplash
Whiplash is typically one of the more difficult injuries to prove due to the lack of visible proof. Whiplash is mainly soft tissue injuries surrounding the spine and damaged ligaments, according to Healthline. This means that most associated injuries may not be visible in standard X-ray procedures.
If you or someone you know has experienced a vehicle collision resulting in whiplash, report to a doctor and get the injuries documented as soon as possible. A doctor’s testimony can help your case by proving your whiplash injury. Outside of following the doctor’s orders, make sure to keep documentation of how you feel and the progress of your healing and pain.
Without a doctor’s testimony and diagnosis, it could be challenging to prove this injury. Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help gather the proper documentation for your case, which will allow you time to rest and heal.
For a free legal consultation with a whiplash injury lawyer serving Bakersfield, call (844) 730-0233
Let Ben Crump, PLLC, Help You on Your Case
Getting the help of a Bakersfield whiplash accident lawyer can help you build your case. Whiplash can be hard to prove in some circumstances, and we know what you need to establish proof of your injuries. We want to make sure insurance adjusters treat you fairly, too. Some will try and negotiate the lowest compensation possible, often using the case that whiplash is not a real injury. However, we know differently, and we are not afraid to stand up against a defendant’s insurance company.
We are here to fight for your rights. We can also walk you through the process of proving negligence as well. Call us today to schedule a free consultation. We are ready to get to work for you.
Bakersfield Whiplash Injury Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Proving Negligence in a Bakersfield Whiplash Accident
To prove negligence in a whiplash injury, you will need to gather documentation from several areas, which we are here to help you accomplish while making sure you file your case on time.
The California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1 states the statute of limitations, or time limits, for filing a vehicle accident injury lawsuit in the state is two years. However, contacting a lawyer to help you file an insurance claim as soon as possible can help you keep up with the legal process and build the strongest case. Gathering the information within this time frame is vital to filing a lawsuit.
Information you can gather to help your case include:
- Accident scene photos, videos
- Medical documentation
- Police reports
- Witness testimony
- Crash report
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you must file a crash report within 10 days of the accident if damages exceed $1,000 or someone was injured or killed. However, it is always best to file a crash report in case the police overlook any pertinent details. Filing a report could also strengthen your case.
We caution that you may not want to discuss the accident with insurance adjusters before considering whether you want to hire a Bakersfield whiplash accident lawyer to represent you. Insurers could use your statement against you when filing your compensation claim.
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Understanding Whiplash Injuries
The injuries a whiplash victim could suffer varies from case to case. Most of the time, injuries are soft tissue injuries. However, in more severe cases, whiplash can affect several other areas of the head, shoulders, and neck, including the spinal cord and discs.
Side effects from whiplash may include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Muscle spasms
- Range of motion loss
- Blurred vision
It is essential to follow a doctor’s orders when diagnosed with a whiplash injury. Over time, these side effects can worsen for the patient, so it is important to follow up on the routine care that follows a whiplash injury.
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Compensation for Whiplash
California follows the pure comparative negligence law. This means the court will deduct the percentage each driver is responsible for negligence-wise from the total compensation they are entitled to. For example, if the negligent driver proves you were 15% at fault for the accident, the court will deduct it from the final amount awarded.
When it comes to the damages for a whiplash case, compensation may vary. Award amounts reflect the severity of the injury and what kind of economic and non-economic damages you suffer from.
Types of awards you could receive include:
- Medical bills
- Reduced income
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional distress
Get the Help You Need from a Bakersfield Whiplash Accident Lawyer
Whiplash injury recovery is never easy. If you or someone you know is suffering from a whiplash injury, a Bakersfield whiplash accident lawyer can work on your behalf and advocate for you while you focus on recovery.
Ben Crump, PLLC, has won more than $30 million for our clients and continue to work toward success. Call our office today at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation. We do not shy away from a tough case and are here for you when you are ready to file.
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