Suffering from a concussion or whiplash after a car accident in Santa Ana can be stressful. Not only do you have to deal with the physical pain and recovery, but there’s also the worry about medical bills, lost wages, and how to get compensated for your injuries.
If you’re considering filing a personal injury claim for head and neck injuries, it’s essential to understand what to expect, especially when it comes to concussion and whiplash settlement agreements.
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What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Symptoms can range from headaches and confusion to more severe issues like memory loss and changes in behavior.
In an auto accident, a concussion can occur when your head hits the steering wheel, window, or other parts of the car. It can also happen from the force of whiplash, where your head snaps back and forth quickly.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when there is a sudden impact that causes your head to jerk forward and backward. This motion can strain muscles and ligaments in your neck, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
In car accidents, whiplash commonly occurs when a vehicle is hit from behind. The force of the rear collision causes the occupants’ heads to snap back and then forward again.
In both concussion and whiplash injury cases, the person involved in the accident may not immediately feel the effects of the neck and head injuries. Symptoms can take hours or even days to appear, making it difficult to diagnose and treat.
Symptoms of Concussion and Whiplash After an Accident
Whiplash and concussion injuries share many similar symptoms, including:
- Headaches
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
However, certain symptoms of a concussions that are more specific to brain injuries may also manifest, such as:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Slurred speech
- Changes in mood or behavior
If you have experienced a whiplash or concussion after a motor vehicle accident, you should carefully monitor your body for the mentioned symptoms and seek medical attention.
Better yet, go to the ER immediately after the incident to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Factors That Affect Personal Injury Settlements for Car Accidents in California
The nature and severity of the car accident influences the outcome for victims and their families. The factors that will influence concussion and whiplash settlement offers include:
Medical Bills
This includes all expenses related to the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for your injuries. Keep all receipts and records of medical consultations. The severity of the concussion may lead to a larger settlement.
Lost Wages
If you have serious injuries that prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you’ve lost and any future earnings affected by your condition.
Pain and Suffering
This covers the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured because of the accident. While harder to quantify, it’s a significant part of your personal injury claim.
Severity of the Injuries
Generally, the more severe and long-lasting the injuries, the higher the potential settlement value. Chronic conditions resulting from concussion or whiplash also lead to a higher settlement.
Evidence
Strong evidence that supports your claim may include medical records of whiplash and concussion symptoms, witness statements, and documentation of the auto accident. These can significantly impact the settlement amount.
Liability
Clear evidence that the other party was at fault for the accident can strengthen your case. Working with experienced car accident lawyers in Santa Ana can help further establish fault and make your claim even stronger.
Average Settlement for Whiplash and Concussion in Santa Ana
It’s tough to pinpoint an average settlement amount since each personal injury case is unique.
Minor whiplash and concussion cases might settle for a few thousand dollars, covering medical bills and some amount for pain and suffering.
More severe cases, especially those leading to chronic issues or significant lifestyle changes, can see the average settlement for whiplash and concussion go into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Debilitating injuries that result in permanent disabilities or loss of earning capacity can potentially lead to multimillion-dollar settlements.
Note that insurance companies will often try to downplay the severity of your injury or place the blame on preexisting conditions to reduce settlement amounts. This is why it’s important to have an experienced TBI lawyer on your side to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
The Role of an Injury Lawyer in the Concussion and Whiplash Settlement Process
Filing a car accident lawsuit on your own can be overwhelming. Skilled Santa Ana personal injury attorneys can:
- Evaluate Your Claim: They can assess the strength of your case and estimate a fair settlement based on their experience.
- Gather Evidence: Lawyers have the resources to thoroughly investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Experienced lawyers know how to deal with insurance companies and can negotiate to ensure you receive a fair amount.
- Represent You in Court: If settlement can’t be reached through negotiation, a lawyer can represent you in court to fight for your compensation.
Suffered a Whiplash or Concussion in a Car Accident? Call RTM Law Firm for a Free Consultation.
Recovering from a car accident is no doubt difficult, but you don’t have to go through it on your own. The right legal representation can make all the difference in securing a higher concussion and whiplash settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion or whiplash in a car accident in Santa Ana, Orange County, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Our attorneys are well-versed in California law and have helped hundreds of accident victims who suffered injuries caused by someone’s negligence.
Contact the auto accident lawyers at RTM Law Firm today for a free case review.
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