When vehicles are merging into traffic or switching lanes, the drivers must be attentive and use extreme caution. Just one wrong move could lead to a serious crash that leaves several people with injuries and costly property damages. Drivers must be able to determine vehicle speed and the space between cars so they can fit in between and travel with the flow. Drivers who are traveling on the through-way must be able to properly judge the actions of merging vehicles and not accelerate to keep them from entering the lane of traffic. Signaling is also important to let other drivers know your intentions. If you have suffered whiplash caused by a merging accident, you might be able to pursue a personal injury claim to recover the costs of your damages.
The Cost Of Treating Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury that individuals suffer in accidents. The forceful and rapid back and forth movement of the neck causes whiplash. The injury results from the back and forth “whip-like” movement. It is a kind of neck strain that causes damage to the tendons, which are the tissue bands that connect bones and muscles, or damage to the muscles themselves. Whiplash can require ongoing care depending on the severity of your injury. Severe cases of whiplash can affect you for months and may require intensive therapy. You will also need time off work.
Whiplash requires physician care and follow-up visits with a chiropractor and/or a physical therapist. You might require a neck brace and prescription medication. Your costs for treating whiplash could add up to thousands of dollars rather quickly. Your time away from work could add up to hundreds – or thousands – of dollars depending on your time off from work. Your losses can be upward of $10,000 before you realize it.
Pursuing A Personal Injury Claim For Whiplash After A Merging Accident
An auto accident that causes whiplash can lead to a variety of damages. When you file your personal injury claim for a merging accident that caused you to suffer whiplash, you will need to itemize all your damages and include a dollar value for each loss. You will then come up with a total at the end. Be willing to negotiate from the dollar amount that you ask for to cover your damages. Here are damages that you may suffer in a merging crash:
- Past and future lost wages
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Mental anguish
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Supporting documentation is necessary to ensure your claim’s success.
Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney
If a merging accident has left you with whiplash, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent driver who caused the injuries. You should consult with a personal injury lawyer in your area who handles auto accident injury claims. With the help of a personal injury lawyer, your claim is much more likely to be successful. Get your free case review today!
