Car accidents result in various damages. If you have suffered whiplash because of an accident, you are not alone. Whiplash is one of the more common car crash injuries. Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that results from the head and neck being thrown back and forth in a whip-like motion from the impact.
However, there are several things that come into play when determining the value of your personal injury claim. No two accidents are the same, so the settlement values can vary significantly. Your personal injury attorney will review your case and help come up with the value of your claim.
Determining the Damages After Suffering Whiplash in a Car Accident
Only a single personal injury claim can be filed by you against the liable party in the accident. All your damages must be calculated and included in that single claim. You cannot go back and ask to be compensated for other damages later.
Common damages that result from a car crash include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damages, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, permanent scarring and disfigurement, and long-term disabilities. These are damages of both an economic and non-economic nature. Your attorney will help you come up with a value for these. Here are some documents to help support your claim:
- Medical bills
- Proof of missed work and lost wages
- Photos of damages and injuries
- Written repair estimate for property damages
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Accident report
Of course, more serious injuries are compensated more than a less serious injury. A whiplash claim will not be compensated like a traumatic brain injury because of course, the damage has different affects and will last different lengths of time.
Calculating the Claim Value
Your claim’s value is calculated using a basic system that has been used by attorneys for years. First, all your medical expenses will be added up. Those costs will then be multiplied by a figure ranging from 1.5 to 5. Usually, for whiplash the number used is about a 3. That total is then used to negotiate a settlement.
Your lost wages are added on top of that calculated figure. You will need a personal injury attorney to ensure your claim is treated fairly and that you are properly compensated for your economic and non-economic damages.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer If You Suffered Whiplash in a Car Accident
If you got whiplash after being in a car accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney licensed in the state where your accident took place. Accident injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses.
When you complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page, your details will be shared with a lawyer who can review your claim and help you get your claim filed in an efficient manner. Time is of the essence as a statute of limitations does apply.
