Whiplash injuries are incredibly common among accident victims. However, receiving compensation for them is not always a straightforward process. Unless the victim chooses to proceed through the required course of action legally, a negligent party could get away without providing the required compensation.
This is a good time to stress the importance of speaking to an experienced Des Moines accident attorney if you should ever find yourself under the receiving end of such an injury because of the negligence of someone else.
Having a legal professional in your corner helps to guide you through the actions you need to take to get to the desired resolution. Of course, if you should decide to retain an attorney you can trust, much of the concerns you would typically have are no longer yours to worry about.
Understanding Whiplash Injuries
You are likely already familiar with what a whiplash injury constitutes from the perspective of the victim when it occurs. However, getting the desired and entitled settlement or compensation depends on the specific parameters of each injury.
Timing in filing a whiplash claim is incredibly important, based on how these injuries develop over time. While there is some extent of physical damage at the time of injury, the agony and suffering that a victim may go through are rarely ever immediately apparent.
This is particularly true when soft tissue damage is present. Personal injury attorneys who are familiar with these kinds of situations are typically aware that it may take as much as a week to understand the full extent and potential effects of the damage If the injury is a minor one.
Whiplash gets even more serious, and in such cases, the symptoms do not go away on their own after a short period has passed. Instead, the victims suffer from prolonged symptoms which can severely hamper their way and quality of life.
It's imperative to understand that these injuries happen in a place that is not only sensitive, but one that is also essential for adequate mobility and comfort. Unfortunately, some persons who are on the receiving end of such an injury end up with lifelong implications.
Additionally, as a soft tissue injury, medically documenting whiplash presents a challenge since it doesn't present itself on scans, such as x-rays. Of course, this means that the claims process becomes a bit more complicated.
Directions of an Attorney
While an attorney is not a medical professional, retaining one allows you to understand where you stand and what you may be entitled to because of your whiplash injury. Though all the information needed is not immediately apparent, legal professionals are experts at assisting you in doing what is necessary to collect the insights needed for the courts.
Not everyone can pursue a whiplash claim in the same way and having someone who knows the nuances of the legal system helps with an optimal approach. The nature of these injuries puts them in a different category from others that may be easier to get a favorable ruling or a settlement for.
Should you be advised to file a suit against a negligent party because of whiplash, you may find that there are many other steps that you must go through if you wish to be successful. Remember that the burden of proof is a defining factor of the justice system.
Therefore, what you are feeling internally is not adequate for you to have a successful run against the negligent party. Seeking medical attention and having your complaints documented as clearly as possible is a part of a good strategy, but it yields no guarantees.
Even so, you may find that your claim is missing key elements to make it valid. Getting a consultation with an experienced attorney can help you to understand how strong your legal footing is before your suit is filed.
How Much Do You Get?
There isn't a single figure for whiplash settlements or verdict payments. Instead, there is a range that applies depending on the unique situations that govern various cases.
The value can range from as low as $2,500 to upwards of $100,000 depending on the severity of the injury, its current effects, its potential effects, and its associated implications on your life.
The seasoned Des Moines attorneys at Tom Fowler Law can help you to understand your settlement potential and if your case has a leg to stand on.
Comments