Whiplash is a common injury sustained in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. It tends to occur when the head and body move back and forth rapidly and independently of each other. This motion, which can be caused by a sudden jolt, causes the tissues in the neck to become hyper-extended. If you were involved in an Alabama car crash, this may be one of the injuries you suffered. Compensation for a whiplash injury depends on the severity of your injuries and the other losses you experienced.

Minor cases of whiplash may cause pain and discomfort for just a few days or weeks. However, more serious cases can leave you debilitated for months or years. This is especially the case if you suffered additional injuries. The more serious your injuries are, the more compensation you may be able to get. Working with a Montgomery, AL car crash attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Symptoms of Whiplash

Signs and symptoms of whiplash include:

• Soreness
• Neck pain
• Reduced range of motion or immobility
• Headaches
• Numbness or tingling
• Dizziness
• Light sensitivity

Anytime you get involved in a car accident, you need to seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, you should go to the doctor. The sooner your condition is diagnosed, the sooner your treatment can begin. Seeking prompt medical attention also helps you to connect your injuries with the accident. If you take too long to see a doctor, the driver’s insurance company may question whether you were really injured.

You may be entitled for compensation if you suffered a whiplash injury in an accident. Call The Vance Law Firm today and schedule a consultation.

Damages You Can Recover Following an Alabama Car Accident

There are many losses in which car accident victims can recover. Of course, you’ll need to prove you actually suffered these losses. This means the amount you can recover may vary significantly from another person who was involved in an accident. When you meet with your Alabama car accident lawyer, they will ensure all your losses are taken into consideration.

You can be sure that the other driver’s insurance company will do everything possible to pay you less than you demand. A claims adjuster may call you shortly after the accident and encourage you to accept a quick settlement. They may tell you this is in your best interest. However, you should never sign anything or agree to a settlement without speaking to a lawyer. If you suffered whiplash and other injuries because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Contrary to what you may have seen on television, whiplash doesn’t automatically result in a large settlement. In fact, insurance companies are likely to challenge the diagnosis since whiplash doesn’t show up on scans or x-rays. If you suffer mild whiplash, your damages will be on the smaller side since it’s not a severe injury. However, if you suffered a serious neck or back injury, you would be entitled to more compensation.

To support your claim for damages, you’ll need medical records, bills, expert testimony, and other documentation. Your attorney will assist you in gathering everything that’s required. You must move quickly since there’s a statute of limitations in place for personal injury claims.

Under Alabama law, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. If you don’t take action before the time is up, you’ll likely lose your right to claim compensation. Two years may seem like a long time. However, it takes time to investigate a crash, collect medical records, interview witnesses, and prepare a court case. Therefore, the sooner you contact an attorney, the better off you will be.

How An Attorney Can Help You to Get Compensation for a Whiplash Injury

It is difficult to recover damages on your own. Your attorney will assist you with:

• Investigating your case. They will take pictures, gather physical evidence, track down witnesses, and discuss your case with experts to get the complete picture.
• Identify all avenues for compensation. Your attorney will look at the at-fault driver’s insurance policy as well as your policy. They will also identify everyone who could be held liable for your injuries.
• Review your medical records. Your lawyer will track your treatment and recovery in order to understand how serious your injuries are.
• Seek a settlement. The insurance company will try to pay you as little as possible. A competent lawyer will negotiate to get you the best settlement or go to trial if necessary.

Contact The Vance Law Firm To Discuss Your Case

If you suffered whiplash or other injuries, you need a skilled Montgomery, Alabama car crash law firm on your side. At The Vance Law Firm, we’ll do everything we can to help you get compensation for a whiplash injury, and any other injuries you suffered. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.