Florida Car Accident Injuries: Whiplash
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision in Tampa, you might have sustained a whiplash injury. This term refers to various neck injuries and strains, particularly involving damage to the soft tissues. You can describe whiplash as a myofascial injury, hyperflexion injury, or neck hyperextension. A whiplash injury lawyer is essential in helping victims pursue the compensation they deserve after such injuries.
Recognizing Whiplash Symptoms
One of the most challenging aspects of whiplash is that the symptoms often emerge with a delayed onset. Many car accident victims have an adrenaline surge right after the crash, which can mask pain. Symptoms typically appear 24 to 72 hours after the accident, though it may take even longer in some cases. Be on the lookout for:
- Severe neck pain
- Stiffness in the neck
- Reduced range of motion
- Headaches
- Shoulder or back pain
- Tingling in the arms or hands
- Discomfort while sleeping
These symptoms can also relate to other injuries, like back injuries, shoulder injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Therefore, it may be important to see a doctor right away. A whiplash injury lawyer can help ensure that your medical records fully document your condition to support your claim.
Whiplash Injury Settlement
After sustaining a whiplash injury in a Tampa car accident, you may wonder about the compensation you can expect. Florida law allows victims to seek damages from the negligent party responsible for the accident. A whiplash injury lawyer can assist in securing compensation for:
- Emergency room bills
- General medical expenses
- Costs of physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Insurance companies often try to undermine whiplash claims because soft tissue injuries like whiplash are commonly difficult to diagnose. For this reason, you should work with a skilled car accident lawyer who can fight for the full settlement you deserve.
What Is a Fair Settlement for Whiplash?
Finding a fair settlement for whiplash depends on several factors. These include the injury’s severity, medical treatment costs, lost wages, and how the injury impacts your quality of life. Minor cases of whiplash may settle for amounts between $2,500 and $10,000.
In more serious cases with long-term pain or disability, settlements can be between $20,000 and $100,000 or higher. A whiplash injury lawyer will look at your case details. They will help you get a fair settlement for your injury.
Protecting Your Rights Against Insurance Companies
Whiplash victims often deal with significant skepticism from insurance companies. Since there is no clear test for soft tissue damage, they often use this uncertainty to lower or deny fair compensation. However, with the help of a whiplash injury lawyer, you can protect your rights.
Seeking medical attention as soon as possible after the accident is vital to thoroughly document your injury. A car accident lawyer can use this information to help your claim. They will also negotiate with the insurance company for you.
Were You Injured in a Tampa Car Accident?
If you suffered whiplash in a car accident, don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Our Personal Injury Attorneys at The Pawlowski Mastrilli Law Group can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Law Office today for a free, no-obligation case review. Our firm operates on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t pay legal fees unless we win your case. Let an experienced whiplash injury lawyer protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
