What You Need to Know
What happens when you’re in a car accident on a Mississippi roadway and a doctor tells you that you have whiplash? Can anyone be held responsible because of the pain you’re going through? What about the time you may have missed from work and the damage to your vehicle?
Here at Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A., we understand that while whiplash may not seem like a serious injury to many, it can result in missed time from work, medical bills, and continued pain. We’re here to help. As award winning personal injury lawyers, we pride ourselves on helping our clients get the financial compensation they need and deserve. Contact us now to schedule your free consultation to learn how we may be able to help you with your whiplash claim.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck. Soft tissue is a reference to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to the neck. It is referred to as “whiplash” because of the whip-like motion made by the neck from a forceful and generally unexpected back-and-forth movement of the neck.
Whiplash is most often caused by car accidents. Despite the belief that whiplash isn’t a serious injury, it can cause long lasting or permanent issues depending on its severity. In fact, whiplash is subject to a grading system by physicians to determine how severe it is:
- Grade 0: No symptoms. Generally, a person with Grade 0 does not file a complaint. It doesn’t necessarily mean that they didn’t suffer from whiplash. It may mean that it didn’t impact them long-term or in a particular fashion that caused them to suffer made them take much notice.
- Grade 1: Although there may not be many physical signs, a person may experience neck pain for weeks to months after the accident occurred.
- Grade 2: This causes neck pain as well as may also show signs of injury to the musculoskeletal system that the doctor can see as opposed to appearing only as what we generally expect to be a soft tissue injury, such as a “strain or sprain.”
- Grade 3: This causes neck pain along with physical disability of some kind.
Can You Sue for Whiplash in Mississippi?
The short answer is yes. When you’re in a car accident and you’re injured because of another person’s negligence, you may have a legal claim for your injuries as well as property damage. Proving liability is a legal concept that must be proven. As the plaintiff or petitioner, that would be your burden. It is much easier to do when you work with an experienced whiplash attorney who knows what to look for and how the Mississippi legal system works.
What Should You Do If You’re in a Car Accident in Mississippi?
If you’re involved in a car accident in Mississippi, there are several things you should do both to protect your health and your potential legal claim.
- Call 911. You need a police report. There may also be a need for emergency medical assistance. Of course, if there isn’t a need for emergency medical assistance, you can seek medical care immediately after the accident. However, you still need to report the accident.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved. While you should be cordial, do not apologize or say anything that could be taken as an apology. While we’re raised with good, southern manners, a cordial apology even for something that isn’t your fault can be taken out of context and taken as your you admitting fault.
- Take photos of the scene, injuries, and vehicles. If you’re able to do so, take photos of everything you can. These photos can help you with your potential legal claim.
- Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Call Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A., Injury Lawyers as soon as you can to schedule your free consultation to determine if you have a legal claim. We’re here to help you!
What Kind of Compensation Could You Be Entitled to Receive?
If you were diagnosed with whiplash because of a car accident in Mississippi, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation for your injuries. Examples of compensation include and may not be limited to:
- Time missed from work
- Medical bills
- Medication
- Pain and suffering
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as:
- Sleep issues
- Problems with your range of motion
- Dizziness
- Symptoms that may be related to a pinched nerve
- On-going neck pain
- Headaches
- Fatigue
You may be continuing to have issues related to whiplash from your car accident that may make you eligible for compensation.
What Is a Typical Settlement Amount for Whiplash?
A typical settlement amount can be a difficult question to answer in a single blog post because it depends on several factors. Each whiplash case is different. You’ll recall that we discussed the whiplash grading factors earlier in this blog post. That’s just one factor. Another factor is time lost from work. Another that may be relevant is property damage. To learn more about settlements for whiplash, schedule a consultation with us. We can tell you that one thing you don’t want to do is attempt to settle with the insurance company on your own. They may low-ball you and not pay all of your bills caused by the accident. They aren’t looking out for your best interest – they’re interested in their bottom line.
Schedule Your Whiplash Claim Consultation Now
The award winning personal injury law firm of Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A., is here to help you understand your whiplash claim and your potential legal options. Let us help ensure you get the financial compensation you deserve and need. Schedule your free consultation by contacting us now!
