After a car accident, many people experience whiplash injuries; depending on how severe the collision is, it can become very expensive to treat whiplash.
Summary
- Whiplash injuries can cost thousands of dollars and put you out of work.
- Your whiplash treatment costs vary depending on the circumstances of your injury.
- Car accident claim settlements can cover whiplash damages.
Car accidents can generate intense forces that have the potential to inflict injuries like whiplash. Despite whiplash being a non-life-threatening injury, whiplash can potentially lead to considerable damages depending on the circumstances of the accident and the condition of those involved.
It is because of this that there is no exact number that can be given for the general cost of whiplash treatment. Instead, a rough estimate can be determined based on certain variables. Those who have suffered injuries like whiplash in car accidents caused by another’s negligence may be entitled to compensation for related damages they can seek in a car accident claim.
Car accident survivors often receive varying estimates on how much it costs to treat whiplash. The best way to ensure you receive full compensation is to reach out to our seasoned team of Minnesota auto accident attorneys at Sand Law. Schedule a free consultation with us by calling 651-362-4173 or filling out a contact form online.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by strong forces exerted on the head that cause it to jerk violently and consequently damage the tissue and vertebrae in the neck. Car accidents are a common cause of whiplash. This is due to the nature of collisions exerting intense forces on the body when it decelerates and snaps the head back and forth in a whiplike motion; hence the name.
The forces involved in whiplash damage tissues in the neck such as the muscles, ligaments, and nerves. The vertebrae that make up the spine and the discs between them also can be damaged in this injury. This can lead to significant pain and affect the range of motion of the neck.
Whiplash injuries may also be referred to as a neck strain or neck sprain. They are extremely uncomfortable car accident injuries but are often not a serious threat to someone’s long-term health.
Whiplash Symptoms
Whiplash is known for its tendency to not immediately display symptoms and instead can take a day or more. The following are some of the most prominent whiplash symptoms reported by car accident victims.
- Neck and back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Stiffness
- Reduced range of neck motion
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Trouble sleeping
The severity of symptoms may indicate how much it will cost to treat whiplash after a car accident.
Treatment Costs of Whiplash
Whiplash will usually be diagnosed through physical exams and the use of medical imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Treatment will usually consist of the following.
- The application of ice to the neck
- A neck collar
- Medication
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Muscle relaxers
- Painkillers
- Physical therapy
All of these treatments and tests to diagnose whiplash do not come free. Putting an exact price on the treatment of whiplash is not possible because of differences in insurance, differences in cost depending on the medical provider, etc. What we do know is that even single aspects of treatment such as imaging alone can cost hundreds of dollars.
Insurance can help cover some of the cost to treat whiplash but all of this and more can lead to thousands of dollars in medical expenses. It would not be surprising for someone’s whiplash treatment to rack up a bill in the thousands but that is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the damages you can potentially suffer as a result of whiplash.
Additional Damages Caused by Whiplash
Medical expenses are one of the most prominent car accident damages generated by whiplash. However, many additional losses can accumulate due to this injury. For example, whiplash can significantly hamper a person’s ability to work.
Treatment often requires whiplash victims to take time off work, work reduced hours, or work a different position. While healing, the loss of income can add up quite a bit. Whiplash can potentially lead to complications that affect your ability to perform in your chosen career. This can lead to lost promotions, a need to switch positions, or even losing your job.
There are also non-economic damages like the pain and suffering caused by whiplash. The anguish these injuries inflict is considered a compensable damage that can be included in a claim. Overall, whiplash accident injuries can lead to total damages that reach around $3,000 to $30,000. The cost to treat whiplash may be even more depending on the circumstances of your injury.
Car Accident Whiplash Injury Settlements
In the aftermath of a car accident that inflicts whiplash, those with insurance will seek coverage to pay for their medical expenses. While this coverage can help, it is limited and some injuries can inflict damages beyond the scope of your insurance’s coverage.
If the auto accident that caused your whiplash was the other driver’s fault then you may be able to file a third-party claim with their insurance to seek additional coverage. While your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage may be attained without any questions of fault thanks to no-fault rules, the other insurance party will require evidence of the other driver’s negligence to prove their liability.
Claimants with sufficient evidence of the other party’s fault for the Minnesota auto accident and their resultant injuries can use this as leverage to seek a favorable settlement in a car accident claim. Insurance companies often seek to pay out as little as possible. They may use shady tactics, leading to lowball offers and even denied claims.
These out-of-court car accident whiplash settlements can cover your damages. However, negotiating with the insurance company, gathering evidence, and handling your claim, in general, can not just be demanding while you are injured but also require experience and the right legal skills. This is why it is highly recommended you hire an experienced car accident lawyer.
Contact the Skilled Legal Team at Sand Law About Your Car Accident Lawsuit
If you or a loved one are suffering from whiplash as a result of a car accident caused by another party then you may be able to seek compensation for your damages in a third-party car accident claim. Sand Law’s experienced car accident lawyers offer free consultations to car accident victims with whiplash and can help you determine the next best course of action.
Our team is devoted to assisting car accident victims across the state of Minnesota. As accomplished personal injury attorneys, we have helped many injured with whiplash to attain necessary compensation for their damages like medical bills and lost wages.
To contact Sand Law and schedule a free consultation with our car accident attorneys either call our office at 651-362-4173 or fill out a contact form online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to get a whiplash settlement?
It is possible to get a whiplash settlement fairly quickly once you get into contact with the at-fault party’s insurance. The only problem is that early settlement offers are rarely fair amounts to cover your damages. A good settlement requires negotiation and therefore time. Your settlement could take months to even a year to reach.
What if the insurance company refuses to settle my car accident claim?
If the insurance company and your car accident lawyer cannot negotiate a fair settlement then you can continue pursuing compensation for what it cost to treat whiplash. You would need to file a car accident lawsuit where the dispute will be handled with a trial in court.
How much is a Minnesota car accident lawyer?
A car accident lawyer works for a contingency fee. That is a percentage of the total money they get for you. This percentage is often 33% but can vary. Your personal injury lawyer’s fee is dependent on the amount they get you in a settlement. If they are not successful in getting you one then they do not get paid.