Whiplash is a common car accident injury, but one that should not be overlooked. Without proper treatment, any soft tissue injury can result in lasting harm. If you or a loved one have suffered a whiplash injury due to someone else’s negligent or reckless driving, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
At J&Y Law, we have extensive experience handling whiplash cases throughout California. We are well aware of the lasting symptoms whiplash can cause and understand the challenges of proving these claims. Our experienced car accident attorneys are committed to helping you get the medical care you need and the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation.
Whiplash Is a Serious Injury
Whiplash is a type of soft tissue injury to the muscles and ligaments of the upper back and neck that become stretched after sudden front-to-back movements. Despite the protection of safety features such as seatbelts and airbags, drivers and passengers involved in car accidents frequently suffer debilitating whiplash injuries, especially occupants of vehicles that are rear-ended. The symptoms of whiplash, which can take days or longer to surface, include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Restricted mobility of the neck
- Severe pain in the upper back or neck
- Tenderness or pain in the shoulders or arms
- Worsening pain with movement of the neck
While whiplash always affects the neck and upper back, a violent movement of the neck and head can cause the brain to hit against the skull, which may result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Symptoms of a brain injury may include:
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes (e.g. irritability, rage)
- Seizures
Because whiplash symptoms may not be apparent at first, you should seek immediate medical attention after any car accident, even if you feel fine. Your doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination, assess the severity of your whiplash injury through imaging tests (e.g, X-rays, MRIs), and determine whether you may have suffered a concussion.
While whiplash can usually be resolved with such treatments as temporary immobilization of the neck with a soft brace, physical therapy and painkillers, some victims require ongoing treatment for chronic pain, limited range of motion, and TBIs.
How J&Y Law Can Help with Your Whiplash Injury
If you have been unable to work due to a whiplash injury after a car accident, you probably have concerns about your lost income, the mounting medical bills, and supporting yourself and your family. Our attorneys will address your concerns by providing you with aggressive representation and fighting for your right to meaningful compensation.
By conducting a thorough investigation, which includes obtaining and reviewing the police report, identifying and interviewing witnesses, and collecting pertinent evidence, we will work to show that the other driver was at fault for the accident. We will also review the defendant’s driving record to determine if he or she has prior convictions for DUI, reckless driving or other violations.
Our attorneys know the tactics insurance companies use to deny claims and will demand full payment of your claim. If the insurer refuses to make a fair and reasonable offer, we will file a lawsuit. We have the skills and experience to win you the maximum compensation you deserve in and out of the courtroom. Because we understand your physical and emotional burdens, we will not charge any attorneys’ fees until we win damages for you.
Damages You Can Recover for a Whiplash Injury
At J&Y Law, we will work to help you obtain compensation that includes economic and non-economic damages. The former cover your lost wages (past and future) and medical expenses while the latter is intended to compensate you for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible losses. If the defendant’s misconduct was especially egregious (e.g, driving under the influence), you may also be awarded punitive damages.
You should know that California follows the rule of comparative negligence in car accident claims. This means that if you contributed to the accident, you can still recover damages, however, your award will be reduced by the percentage of blame assigned to you by an insurance adjuster or the court. As an example, if the amount of your damages was assessed at $10,000, but you are determined to be 20 percent at fault for the accident, your award will be reduced to $8,000.
Contact Our Experienced California Whiplash Attorneys Today
Suffering a whiplash injury in a car accident is overwhelming. Don’t go it alone. Let J&Y handle all the details of your claim so that you can focus on recovering. Trust our legal team to win you compensation that considers all your future medical and financial needs. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.