Rear-end and side-impact car accidents are a primary cause of whiplash injuries. If you or a loved one suffered from whiplash following a car accident, you may be eligible to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage to your vehicle, and more. A Seattle whiplash injury lawyer can assess your situation, determine if you have a valid claim, and help you build a case.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC handles personal injury claims, including those for whiplash injury, on a contingent fee basis. You will not have to pay any upfront or out-of-pocket fees for us to take your case, and we only get paid if you receive compensation for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation, call our team today at (844) 730-0233.
Defining Whiplash
The Mayo Clinic defines whiplash as an injury to the soft tissue of the neck that occurs when something causes a forceful, sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck. Rear-end car accidents often result in whiplash injuries—especially for drivers and passengers of the first car as the other vehicle strikes them from behind. However, falls, contact sports injuries, and physical abuse also can lead to whiplash in some circumstances.
Although many people who suffer from whiplash recover fully from their injuries after a few weeks of rest and pain medication, some people develop severe complications from whiplash. These individuals may continue to indefinitely suffer from chronic neck pain, arm pain, a limited range of motion, and related problems. Furthermore, whiplash injuries often accompany a host of other accident-related injuries, including concussions, memory loss, debilitating back pain, and/or a fractured skull.
For a free legal consultation with a whiplash injury lawyer serving Seattle, call (844) 730-0233
Medical Treatment for Whiplash Injuries
Individuals who suffer whiplash injuries typically need medical care, which may include doctor visits, medical equipment (such as soft cervical collars), physical therapy, and chiropractic care. In some cases, you may have hospital bills, surgical costs, and other medical expenses.
Although medical treatment can be costly, delaying or failing to seek medical treatment for your whiplash injuries can result in worsening pain and further deterioration of the muscles and tendons in your neck and upper spine. Do not deny yourself the medical care you need. A Seattle whiplash injury lawyer can help you sufficiently document all your medical expenses as you fight for compensation.
Seattle Whiplash Injury Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side
If another driver caused the accident that led to your whiplash injuries, you are likely to quickly hear from that driver’s insurance company. The person from the insurance company who contacts you, however, is not on your side. The goal of the insurance company is to pay you as little as possible, not fully compensate you for your injuries.
You are not required to give the insurance company a recorded statement or sign a release for your medical records. In fact, the less you say to the insurance company, the better. They may try to use your words and previous medical history against you to avoid giving you the full amount of compensation for your claim. Instead, protect yourself by letting a Seattle whiplash injury lawyer handle all interactions with the insurance company. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today to learn how we can fight for you.
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Compensation for Whiplash Injuries
In addition to medical expenses, whiplash injury victims can seek many other types of compensation through personal injury claims. Economic damages may include loss of wages and benefits while you are unable to work. If your injuries prevent you from returning work permanently, you can ask for damages related to your loss of future income and earning capacity.
Other damages that may be available in whiplash injury claims include things that money cannot remedy but may help you through the recovery process. Although this type of non-economic compensation is often difficult to value, you still can seek compensation for items such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of quality of life
Financial compensation will not cure your injuries or allow you to return to your regular way of life. However, compensation can help you get the continuing medical treatment you need for your injuries, eliminating some of the financial worries that will likely arise.
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Statute of Limitations
All states have deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Under Revised Code of Washington § 4.16.080, injury victims in Washington generally have three years to file a personal injury claim against the responsible parties. There are rare exceptions—but if you fail to file your claim within this timeframe, you will likely forfeit your right to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit and collect nothing from those who are responsible for your injuries.
Even if you still have plenty of time to file your claim, filing your claim sooner rather than later is likely to be beneficial to you. Over time, the memory of witnesses begins to fade, and evidence may become unavailable. Starting the process of pursuing a claim earlier is typically more efficient and productive than waiting until years have passed since you suffered your injuries.
Let Us Help You Fight for Compensation
Although whiplash is a common injury after a car accident, insurance companies often attempt to minimize the seriousness of whiplash and require documentation to show its potentially debilitating nature. A Seattle whiplash injury lawyer can help you document and support your claim for compensation against the parties responsible for your accident.
At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, we are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones through this challenging time in your life. We can help remove some of the burden from your shoulders, so you can focus on your recovery. Call our team today at (844) 730-0233 for a free case review.
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