A car accident on a Kentucky roadway can happen in the blink of an eye. Even a minor accident can result in whiplash. Whiplash refers to back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip.
While whiplash is mostly caused by rear-end accidents, it can also be caused by sports accidents and falls. Whiplash is a painful injury that typically gets better over time, although some people suffer from long-term complications.
In fact, approximately 300,000 people in the United States suffer disability from whiplash injuries every year. Even after several months, nearly half of whiplash victims still suffer from symptoms. Seven percent suffer from such severe injuries that they cannot return to work.
Grades of Whiplash
Whiplash is classified by severity, or grade. There are four grades of whiplash:
- Grade 0. Grade 0 whiplash means there are no injuries involved.
- Grade 1. There are injuries, such as pain, but no physical signs.
- Grade 2. At this level, there is neck pain and musculoskeletal injuries.
- Grade 3. This is the most severe type of whiplash. There is neck pain as well as physical impairment. There may be limited movement as well as neurological impairment.
How Much Can I Get in a Settlement?
Whiplash settlement amounts can vary dramatically, as no two cases are the same. Therefore, there is no cut and dry answer as to how much you can receive from a whiplash injury. A person with a mild injury may receive $10,000, whereas a victim with a moderate injury may receive $100,000. Disabling, life-changing injuries may result in a settlement of $1 million or more.
Settlement amounts correlate to the damages suffered. Therefore, your settlement amount will primarily depend on your grade of whiplash. Someone who has suffered from Grade 3 whiplash will receive much more compensation than someone with Grade 0 or 1 whiplash.
It’s hard to determine your losses just by looking at your injury, so you will want to maximize your compensation. This is where organization and documentation come in. Take note of all the damage you have suffered, including medical bills and lost wages. How has your life changed since the whiplash injury? Have you experienced any loss of mobility? Can you still engage in your favorite activities? Will you be able to go back to work soon and earn money? These are all things to consider as you recover from your whiplash injuries. Your lawyer can help you understand the steps you need to take.
Contact Us Today
While whiplash may seem minor, it can be very painful. In extreme cases, you may suffer from physical impairment.
An experienced Louisville personal injury lawyer from Noakes Law can assess your car accident case and help you get the most compensation possible for whiplash and other injuries you have suffered. Call our Louisville office at (502) 251-9242 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation 24/7.