Whiplash injuries can be mild to severe. In addition to neck and back pain, you can experience other symptoms for weeks to months.
Rear-end car accidents are a major cause of whiplash. The sudden impact can cause you and your passengers’ bodies to jerk forward. You may want a Long Beach whiplash lawyer if you are seeking compensation for your injuries.
The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC does not want you to suffer further damage from your injuries. If you are not at fault for an accident but paying for medical bills from the crash, you may be able to receive financial compensation. Call us at (844) 730-0233 and speak to one of our representatives about the next steps you should take.
Whiplash Lawsuits
California is an at-fault state, which means that someone will be responsible for a car accident. The injured party must prove negligence before your insurance or the other driver’s company can pay for losses. Negligence is when someone does not take reasonable efforts to prevent personal injury or property damage.
For example, a driver who is speeding or distracted on a hand-held phone does not take precautions to avoid an accident. Drivers who do not follow the rules of the road can be responsible for the consequences of their actions, including paying for:
- Medical bills.
- Medications.
- Car repairs.
- Pain and suffering.
- Legal fees.
Fault for a car collision may not be as simple as pointing the finger at the liable party. The state allows comparative fault that may place both parties partially to blame.
For instance, the driver who was speeding may be 70 percent to blame. The other motorist may be liable for 30 percent of financial losses if they made an improper lane change.
You have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the other driver, per Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) § 335.1. A Long Beach whiplash lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC can investigate your case to gather evidence against the defendant. You will need to prove the other driver’s negligence through evidence. Our team can work on your behalf while you recover from your injuries.
For a free legal consultation with a whiplash injury lawyer serving Long Beach, call (844) 730-0233
Compensation for Whiplash Injuries
Most rewards from car accidents come from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The state requires drivers to maintain the following minimum coverage:
- $15,000 for injuries or the death of a single person
- $30,000 for injuries or the deaths of more than one person
- $5,000 for property damage reimbursement
In the event of an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will cover the costs for injuries and repairs up to the policy’s limits. You typically do not need to deal with the other driver directly. This is why it is important to collect insurance information immediately following the crash.
The insurance company will attempt to not pay you or pay you the least amount possible. In an effort to keep their profits, the insurance company may claim one or both of the following:
- You are at fault or partially responsible for the incident
- Not enough evidence indicates the liable party
Negotiating with an insurance provider for reimbursement for losses you suffered from an accident can be frustrating. There can be a lot of back and forth between you and the business while your bills begin to stack up. It’s wise to leave negotiations to lawyers who have experience dealing with insurance companies. When you are offered a settlement, have a lawyer review it, and they will let you know whether it is adequate or not. If you deserve more compensation, a lawyer can fight for you.
Long Beach Whiplash Injury Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Evidence Used in Accidents that Cause Whiplash
Photos and videos following the collision can be beneficial when proving negligence and damage. The best images show the vehicles’ locations, physical damage, and the vehicles’ license plates.
You or the other driver must report a vehicle accident that caused an injury within 24 hours. Law enforcement will make a report about the incident. If the police were contacted immediately and arrived at the scene of the accident, they may have said who was the at-fault party or who is likely responsible.
You and your legal team will need to present documentation to match your claim. Bills for medical treatments and health care services are evidence of your financial cost. Make sure to include all expenses, including medication, mental health therapy, and medical equipment.
Likewise, you can show any repair or replacement costs for your vehicle through mechanic invoices. If the vehicle was completely totaled, you could use proof of its value as a baseline for reimbursement.
If the whiplash injury prevents you from working or returning to your normal job, you may seek reimbursement for lost wages. Past paychecks, medical records, and testimony from a medical professional can illustrate the extent of your injuries and the income lost.
Why You Should Get Legal Help
It takes time and resources to gather evidence for a car collision lawsuit. The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC works on a contingency-fee-basis. This means our fee comes from your claim’s reward. You do not have any upfront fees for requesting a Long Beach whiplash lawyer to look into your case.
If you are still recovering and cannot file physically, we can start the legal process. We can negotiate with the insurance company to fight for the money you need. We will try to get you the best amount, but you ultimately decide to accept the insurance company’s settlement amount.
Call us at (844) 730-0233 to learn more about seeking reimbursement for losses suffered following a car accident.
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