Whiplash is a common injury for victims of rear-end collisions. While many cases of whiplash are often minor, this injury can have long-lasting complications for the victim and should be taken seriously.
If you are suffering from whiplash due to the actions of a negligent driver, you have the right to hold them liable. A Norcross whiplash lawyer can investigate your accident and help you prove that your injury was the direct result of the collision. A lawyer can also negotiate a fair settlement in your case, and stand up for your rights during the entire legal process.
You may be tempted to ignore your injuries, particularly if you think they are not serious. However, whiplash can have long-term implications, especially if you are older or have suffered from a whiplash injury in the past. For a free, no-risk consultation regarding your whiplash case, contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today at (404) 888-8888.
Symptoms and Complications from Whiplash
Whiplash can occur when there is a rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck that sprains or strains the neck muscles. Some of the most common symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:
- Stiffness and pain in the neck
- Pain in the arms, upper back, and shoulders
- Loss of range of motion through the neck
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
Other symptoms can show up as well, although these are less common, such as depression, blurred vision, trouble focusing or sleeping, and memory problems. While most people recover within weeks with treatment, in some situations, accident victims can experience pain for months or even years.
There are also circumstances in which whiplash can be even more severe, and have longer-lasting effects. For example, if you had whiplash in the past, you may be more vulnerable than someone who suffers it for the first time. Age is also a factor when it comes to the long-term effects of whiplash. The older you are, the more likely you won’t heal as quickly. If you suffered whiplash in a high-speed accident, your injury may be more severe. Finally, if you have existing back or neck conditions, they too can impact the severity of your injury.
For a free legal consultation with a whiplash injury lawyer serving Norcross, call (404) 888-8888
Determining Liability After a Collision
Whiplash is often caused by rear-end collisions, although that is not the only type of accident in which someone could suffer this type of injury. Regardless, you must still prove that the driver behaved negligently.
A Norcross whiplash lawyer can help you gather the evidence needed to prove that the driver behaved negligently and that their behavior led directly to your injuries. For a free review of your case, contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today at (404) 888-8888.
Norcross Whiplash Injury Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Laws That Could Impact Your Whiplash Case
There are two laws that could impact your case: the statute of limitations and the legal doctrine of modified comparative fault.
Statute of Limitations
According to O.C.G.A § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations in the State of Georgia for personal injury cases—like car accidents—is two years. That means that you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit pursuing damages. Otherwise, the law typically bars you from recovery.
Sometimes victims do not develop whiplash symptoms right away and may not realize they have this injury, which is why it is always best to get evaluated by a medical professional after any type of accident. While you have two years to pursue damages in a lawsuit, the earlier a legal team gets to work on your case after an accident, the more time it will have to gather evidence.
Modified Comparative Negligence
The other law you should be aware of is that of comparative negligence. This law helps to allocate damages in a case where multiple parties are liable. For example, if someone rear-ended you because you merged in front of them suddenly without using a turning signal, the court may determine that both drivers were at fault. This would reduce any compensation you receive by the percentage of which you were at fault.
In Georgia, there is also a fault threshold of 50%. If you are 50% or more responsible for causing the accident, you lose the ability to recover any compensation.
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Types of Recoverable Damages
There are many types of damages that someone could recover after an accident in which they sustain a whiplash injury. How much compensation you are entitled to depends on the seriousness of your injuries and the extent of your property damage. Recoverable damages often include:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
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How a Norcross Whiplash Lawyer Can Help
You may have sustained your whiplash injury in a rear-end collision, in which most automatically assume that the driver in the rear is at fault. Yet, these cases are not always cut and dry. If you are facing a difficult case, the team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers may be able to help by:
- Investigating your accident, gathering evidence like police reports, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness statements
- Communicating with all relevant parties on your behalf
- Calculating the cost of your injuries, property damage, and pain and suffering to determine the value of your case
- Negotiating for a fair settlement for your injuries
If a negligent driver caused your whiplash and other injuries, you have the right to hold them financially and legally responsible. Contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today at (404) 888-8888 to schedule your free case evaluation.
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