How Do I Get Compensation for Whiplash?

Now that you know that you have whiplash and possibly other medical conditions like pain caused by the accident, it is time to file an insurance claim. This can be an overwhelming prospect for people who have been diagnosed with whiplash or other injuries from their accident because they might be concerned about saying or doing the wrong thing. It is very important that you file a whiplash injury claim as soon as possible, and that you provide clear information to your insurance carrier.

How to Communicate With the Insurance Carrier 

It is recommended that you stick only to the facts rather than giving opinions or speculating.

Provide details about the place, date, and time of the accident and make it clear to the insurance carrier that you are receiving medical treatment. Do not provide information about the fault of the accident How much pain you're suffering or the severity of your injuries. You may unintentionally harm your chances of obtaining compensation by discussing these issues with your insurance carrier. Instead, it is recommended that you let your personal injury lawyer handle all communication with your insurance company. The experienced lawyers at Morgan & Morgan have years of background working with insurance companies and know what is necessary to provide to them and where they are not entitled to receive further information about your whiplash symptoms.

The claims process can be frustrating for some, especially if you're also entitled to special damages. To discuss your level of compensation in further detail, set aside time to meet with an experienced lawyer. The insurance carriers might argue that you only have minor injuries, but the true impact of whiplash from road traffic accidents can be chronic and severe. You need a lawyer who is willing to fight for economic damages and special damages. Once you know the prognosis of whiplash injury symptoms, you may continue to experience financial losses such as loss of earnings or medical expenses. Your lawyer should be ready to fight for maximum compensation. 

Even if it is relatively clear that you have a whiplash injury, you need to collect evidence that supports this. Start with medical records from after the accident. If you have any medical records from before the accident showing your health status, this could potentially help rule out a preexisting condition that may be blamed for the whiplash injury. If your doctor ordered any diagnostic tests or medical imaging showing your injury and the progress of your recovery, these can be helpful in telling the overall story of how your life was changed by the accident. Finally, you want to keep an organized list of all of your bills and payment receipts for medical treatment, including documentation for the time you missed at work when you were unable to perform your work due to the injury or from when you were receiving treatment. It mushrooms your chances of fair compensation when you have complete documentation of your legal expenses.

Whiplash is generally a soft tissue injury, but the settlement amounts for whiplash injury will depend on several different factors. The two most important factors include the severity of your injury overall and how long it is expected to last. Some whiplash injuries may be minor and could heal on their own within a few months or weeks, but more serious injuries could last years and might require ongoing medical treatment. An experienced lawyer like those working at Morgan & Morgan can help you calculate the amount of compensation you're eligible for. Bear in mind that when figuring out how to get compensation for whiplash, there are many different types of bills that may have accumulated. You may also be entitled to other expenses. 

Kinds of Possible Compensation for Whiplash Injuries

The general list of things to consider in your possible compensation list includes surgery cost, doctor visits, mental trauma, rehabilitative services, physical therapy, transportation to and from your medical appointments, lost wages if you miss time at work, and more. Your personal injury lawyer will likely recommend that you wait until your whiplash condition has stabilized and a medical doctor has determined that there is no further possibility for improvement, this makes it easier to fully calculate your damages.

Compensation amounts range significantly for whiplash injuries. For a mild to moderate whiplash injury, this may lead to settlement amounts between $2,500 and $10,000, however, for more severe whiplash injuries, a settlement amount of tens of thousands of dollars may be possible, especially if you have multiple medical conditions tied to the accident. 

You need to speak to a licensed attorney about your injuries because these can have such a serious and long-lasting impact on your life. You should not have to go through the process of attempting to recover compensation on your own. 

A lawyer being at your side can greatly increase your overall chances of success. Do not hesitate to contact the caring legal team at Morgan & Morgan. Our track record speaks for itself and insurance companies know we're serious when we take on a claim. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.