Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that can occur following any severe impact. Specifically, this injury occurs when a person’s head whips back and forth, straining or tearing the soft tissue surrounding the spinal column. While there are many situations that can lead to this injury, whiplash commonly occurs in motor vehicle accidents.
For some people, whiplash will heal on its own in a matter of days or weeks. Unfortunately, this injury can have permanent consequences in other cases. According to the Mayo Clinic, this could include permanent spinal or nerve damage.
Whiplash could reduce your quality of life and change the way you conduct daily activities such as working and taking care of your family. If you suffered a whiplash injury due to the negligence of another motorist, the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC is ready to help. Call (844) 730-0233 to schedule a free consultation with an El Paso whiplash accident lawyer as soon as you are able.
Whiplash Statistics
Whiplash is a common injury. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), there are more than 3 million whiplash injuries each year in the United States. More than half of those injuries result in some form of chronic injury. In addition to the health consequences of whiplash, this injury also can inflame other pre-existing conditions. Injury victims suffering from arthritis are likely to see that condition worsen following a whiplash accident.
Whiplash can impact you in ways other than your physical health. For example, this injury can also have a detrimental effect on your ability to earn a living. According to a study conducted by the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, as many as 7% of people suffering from whiplash never return to work following their injury. Others could miss substantial time at their job due to their recovery.
If your injury occurred at the hands of someone else, you are entitled to pursue legal action against them. An El Paso whiplash accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can assist you in building a strong case to support your claim.
For a free legal consultation with a whiplash injury lawyer serving El Paso, call (844) 730-0233
Whiplash Symptoms
People suffering from whiplash can experience an array of symptoms. Some of the most common examples include pain and stiffness in the upper back, neck, and shoulders. Depending on the severity of the tissue damage, the pain from whiplash can last for months.
In some cases, there are more severe symptoms stemming from a whiplash injury. These include nerve damage, spinal injuries, and broken bones. Any of these injuries could result in lifelong challenges.
The symptoms of whiplash will not necessarily appear moments after the accident. In some cases, it could take multiple days before you experience the consequences of the injury. Because of this delayed response, it is vital never to assume that your injuries are minor.
Always seek medical care following any type of neck injury. If you are feeling soreness or stiffness in the neck following an accident, delaying medical treatment is never in your best interest. Once you have addressed your medical needs, you can then see to your legal needs as well.
El Paso Whiplash Injury Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
How an Attorney Can Help
Your attorney will have a hand in every aspect of your injury claim following a whiplash accident. In fact, few decisions you make will have the impact that your choice of injury attorney will. With that in mind, it is vital that you seek out legal counsel that has extensive experience pursuing compensation for whiplash injuries. Some of the ways your attorney could benefit your claim include:
Identifying Defendants
In some cases, the at-fault party is not hard to spot. In others, it may not be immediately obvious who is responsible for your whiplash injuries. Your attorney can carefully review your case and identify every party that is partially to blame for your neck injury. If multiple parties are at fault, your attorney can pursue legal action against each of them.
Developing a Theory of Negligence
After identifying the potential defendants in an injury claim, your attorney should next develop a theory regarding liability. To recover the compensation you need following your whiplash accident, you and your attorney must first establish that the at-fault party acted negligently.
Negligence comes in many forms. In auto accidents, it could include anything from speeding to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If your attorney can build a strong case for negligence, the other side may agree to resolve your claim with a monetary settlement.
Developing Evidence
Building a strong case starts with identifying the evidence that strengthens your claim. This includes evidence of liability as well as proof of your damages. Some of the evidence your attorney could collect on your behalf includes:
- Police reports
- Video of the crash
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Pay stubs
- Vehicle repair estimates
The more evidence your attorney can provide, the more likely you are to obtain fair compensation for your injuries.
Advocate on Your Behalf
One of the most important services your attorney can provide is serving as your advocate. This advocacy allows you to avoid dealing with other parties like insurance companies regarding your injury claim.
This is more than just a helpful convenience. Insurance companies and will work to twist your words against you. It is not unusual for an insurance adjuster to misconstrue something an injury victim says and use it as justification to deny their claim. With an attorney advocating on your behalf, you can avoid those risks entirely.
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You Could Recover Compensation for Your Whiplash Injury
Even minor whiplash can be painful. When these injuries are severe, treating them can require a significant amount of both time and money. A civil lawsuit could represent your best chance at recovering compensation for that expense.
An El Paso whiplash accident lawyer can review your case and assist you in pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver. Call (844) 730-0233 to schedule a free consultation with a team member at Ben Crump Law, PLLC today.
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