Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the head. It is common in rear-end car crashes. As North Carolina car accident lawyers, we understand the significant impact whiplash can have on your life, from chronic pain to financial burdens.
Our experienced team is dedicated to helping victims of car, truck, and motorcycle accidents across North Carolina receive the compensation they deserve for their whiplash injuries. Contact our law firm today for a free case review!
Common Causes of Whiplash
Whiplash is caused by the forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck similar to the cracking of a whip. This rapid motion strains the muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues in the neck, causing pain and stiffness.
Car accidents are the leading cause of whiplash injuries. Whiplash is especially common in rear-end accidents because the impact suddenly jerks the head and neck backward. Truck accidents and motorcycle accidents can also result in whiplash injuries.
Besides motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, falls, and physical abuse can also cause whiplash.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
Whiplash may not be immediately obvious. Symptoms could develop within days after a collision.
Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Pain that worsens with neck movement
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
- Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
In some cases, individuals may also experience:
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Depression
It’s vital to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident. Early diagnosis and treatment can aid your recovery and strengthen your potential legal claim.
Treatment for Whiplash After a Car Accident
Whiplash treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Mild whiplash can usually be treated with rest, heat and cold therapy, and over-the-counter pain medication. Doctors may recommend chiropractic care and physical therapy.
Severe whiplash cases may require a cervical collar, rehabilitation, and even spine surgery.
Rest and Hot/Cold Therapy
Short periods of rest combined with a gradual return to normal activities can help manage pain and promote healing.
Applying cold packs during the first 24 to 48 hours can help reduce inflammation. After this initial period, alternating between heat and cold can promote healing and alleviate pain.
Pain Management
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often the first line of treatment for mild to moderate pain. In more severe cases, prescription pain medications or muscle relaxants may be necessary.
In some cases, lidocaine or steroid injections may be used to decrease pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can guide you through exercises to strengthen neck muscles, improve posture, and restore range of motion. These exercises are crucial for long-term recovery and prevention of chronic pain.
Physical therapists may use transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). This treatment involves applying mild electrical currents to the skin, which can help alleviate pain and improve muscle function.
Chiropractic Care
Many accident victims benefit from chiropractic care for whiplash. Chiropractic adjustments help restore spinal alignment, relieve pain, and reduce neck stiffness.
Whiplash Compensation in Car Accident Cases
Car accident victims can recover various types of compensation for whiplash injuries.
Medical Bills
Compensation for medical bills includes emergency room visits, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, and medication. You can recover money for future medical expenses if you need ongoing care for chronic neck pain.
Lost Wages
If your whiplash injury has caused you to miss work, you can claim damages for lost wages.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering addresses physical pain and emotional distress. Non-economic damages are more difficult to calculate than medical costs, but they are important in seeking fair compensation.
Punitive Damages
In cases of severe negligence, courts may award punitive damages to car accident victims. These are intended to punish the at-fault party.
North Carolina law normally limits punitive damages to three times the amount of compensatory damages or $250,000, whichever is higher. The cap on punitive damages doesn’t apply to drunk driving accidents.
What Is the Average Whiplash Settlement in North Carolina?
The value of a whiplash settlement can vary widely. Factors that influence settlement amounts include the severity of the injury, the impact on your daily life, the strength of evidence, and the limits of applicable insurance policies.
In North Carolina, whiplash settlements typically range from $2,500 for minor cases to upwards of $100,000 for severe injuries with lasting effects. Minor whiplash cases with straightforward recovery often see settlements between $2,500 and $10,000. Moderate to severe whiplash cases can result in settlements from $25,000 to $100,000 or more, especially if there’s an ongoing need for treatment or lost income potential.
It’s important to note that these figures are only estimates, and each case is unique. An experienced car accident lawyer can provide a more accurate assessment of your case’s potential value based on its specific circumstances.
How a North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the legal process following a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with a whiplash injury. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you at every step.
Gathering Evidence
Your attorney will collect and preserve crucial evidence to support your claim. This may include police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony regarding the cause and extent of your whiplash injury.
Negotiating a Settlement
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company and negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Representing You in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial. They will present your case effectively in court, arguing for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Navigating Legal Complexities
Car accident laws can be complex, and insurance policies often contain confusing language. Your lawyer will help you understand your rights and options, ensuring you don’t miss any critical deadlines or make mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.
Assessing Long-Term Impacts
Whiplash injuries can have long-lasting effects. An experienced attorney will work with medical professionals to fully understand the potential long-term consequences of your injury and ensure these are factored into your compensation claim.
How Much Does a Whiplash Lawyer Cost?
We represent accident victims on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs, and our law firm only gets paid if your case is successful. Our payment is a percentage of the compensation we secure for you.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years from the accident date. You could lose your right to take legal action if you miss the deadline.
While three years may seem like a long time, it’s crucial to begin the legal process as soon as possible after your accident. Your attorney will need time to investigate, gather evidence, and prepare your claim.
Waiting too long can also lead to the loss of critical evidence.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review
If you’ve suffered a whiplash injury in a car accident in North Carolina, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. At North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers, we’re committed to helping you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Remember, time is of the essence.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you on your path to recovery and justice.
