Car accidents are more frequent than we like to think. They are so frequent, in fact, that most of us are likely to be in at least one during our lifetimes. When it comes to these accidents, two common injuries that often arise are whiplash and concussion. These injuries can result in various physical and cognitive impairments. These, in turn, lead to medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you have sustained whiplash or a concussion due to someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering what the average settlement for these types of injuries is. While it’s essential to recognize that every case is unique, we can provide some general insights to help you better understand the settlement process.
What do you need to know about whiplash settlement? Read on, and we’ll walk you through the basics.
Understanding Whiplash and Concussion Injuries
Whiplash and concussion are two injuries that commonly stem from car accidents. While they can be caused by similar factors, these two injuries are quite different.
It’s important to your personal injury case that you understand what these injuries really are.
Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jolted back and forth, causing strain on the soft tissues and muscles. It is commonly associated with car accidents. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and even cognitive difficulties.
On the other hand, a concussion is a traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain experiences a sudden jolt or blow.
It can happen during car accidents when the skull makes a sudden impact against a surface, such as the steering wheel. Symptoms of a concussion can range from mild to severe and may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and sensitivity to light and noise.
A concussion can interrupt normal brain function and make it difficult to process events or perform simple actions.
After a car accident, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention, even if you don’t immediately experience severe symptoms. These injuries may not manifest immediately, and a medical evaluation can document any injuries and ensure appropriate treatment.
If you can, maintain detailed records of your injuries. Keep track of any and all medical treatments and related expenses. This includes medical reports, diagnostic tests, and prescription receipts. It also means receipts for other expenses, such as physical therapy or chiropractic sessions.
These documents will help establish the extent of your injuries and the financial impact they have had on you.
What Personal Injury Settlement Can You Expect?
If you’re facing large expenses due to your injuries, it can put you in a financially precarious place. It’s completely understandable that you may feel anxious about how much you may be able to get from your case.
Will it cover all the costs you’ve incurred as a result of the accident and help you get back on your feet? What can you really expect?
Determining the average settlement for whiplash and concussion cases can be challenging, as each case’s circumstances vary.
Whiplash settlements can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. More severe cases with long-term implications may even result in settlements exceeding six figures. This is particularly true if there are substantial medical expenses and a significant impact on the victim’s life.
It’s important to look at the details of your case to get a sense of what’s possible. A number of factors will end up playing a role.
The Severity of Injury
The severity of your whiplash or concussion will significantly impact the settlement amount. Medical reports and expert opinions will be crucial in establishing the extent of your injuries and their impact on your daily life.
This is why it’s important to keep detailed documentation.
Logic adheres here. The worse your injuries were, the more compensation you should be entitled to. Your pain and suffering will be more extreme, and you should be compensated fairly in relation to these troubles.
Medical Expenses
If you’ve been injured due to another’s negligence, there’s no reason you should have to face the costs of this accident on your own. All of the medical expenses you incur as a result of the accident should be covered in the settlement.
Not just the current costs but the future ones as well, in fact. Your car accident lawyer should be able to help you determine what kind of medical expenses you’ll face in the years to come as a result of your injuries.
Hospital bills, diagnostic tests, therapy, and medication will all be considered when calculating the settlement.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
Have your injuries caused you to miss work, experience a loss of income, or diminished your future earning capacity? This is a serious financial disadvantage.
These financial losses will be taken into account during settlement negotiations. You’ll need to provide evidence to support your claims here, a task an experienced attorney can help with.
Liability and Insurance Coverage
The liability of the party responsible for the accident and the insurance coverage available will also influence the settlement amount. It’s important to understand as much as possible about the insurance company you’ll be negotiating with.
The insurance company will typically consider the strength of the evidence and legal arguments presented when determining the settlement amount.
An experienced attorney will have faced off with insurance company lawyers many times before, and they will know how best to proceed with your case.
Predicting a Car Crash Settlement
If you’ve experienced whiplash and concussion injuries as a result of a car accident, it’s important to ensure you get proper compensation. How much can you expect in a settlement of this sort?
The above information can help you get a sense of what might be possible for your case.
Need more legal advice or information? Looking for help with your case right away? Give us a call anytime for assistance.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
