The weeks, months and sometimes even years following a car accident can be confusing, frustrating, painful and scary. Unfortunately, at this time when most people are least able to cope is precisely when it is most important for them to do so. Ignoring the medical, legal and economic aftermath of an accident can have devastating long-term consequences.
These questions and answers are presented to help you understand some common car accident injuries and ways to manage post-accident realities so that you can protect yourself and your legal rights.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
Although it can be challenging to stay focused and alert following an accident, it is best if you can. Above all, stay calm and remember to:
- If you aren’t injured, check to see if anyone needs immediate help.
- If anyone needs immediate help, call 911.
- Determine the extent of the damage, and take pictures if you can.
- If you haven’t already, call 911 or the police.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a very common soft tissue car accident injury that may present as severe neck pain, headaches, blurry vision, and even difficulty chewing. Typically, whiplash results when someone is rear-ended, which forces their neck to snap suddenly.
How Do I Claim for Whiplash?
If you have been in a car accident and are suffering from symptoms commonly associated with whiplash (such as neck pain, headaches and vision problems), you should consider contacting a qualified personal injury attorney for legal advice. A good lawyer can help you make a claim and get the full compensation you are entitled to for your injuries.
How Much Can I Claim for Whiplash?
How much you can claim for whiplash from a car accident is based on two factors: how much pain and suffering you have endured as a result of the accident and how much financial impact the whiplash has had on you. In this way, whiplash compensation can cover both the immediate hardships and pain that whiplash causes and the long-term financial losses that medication, doctor visits and therapy can cost.
How Long Does Whiplash Last?
How long whiplash lasts varies depending on the severity of the crash. In some cases, whiplash can last for weeks or months following an accident, and it doesn’t always show up right away. Worse yet, whiplash can lead to chronic, long-term pain, which can make it difficult or impossible for the whiplash sufferer to work.
What Is “No Win, No Fee” Work?
Also known as working on a contingency basis, “no win, no fee” work means that unless your lawyer wins your case, there are no legal fees for you to pay. Milwaukee car accident attorney Karl Gebhard works on a contingency basis precisely because without it many car accident victims would not have the means to pursue their cases in court.
If you have been involved in a car accident and think you have a claim but think you cannot pursue it because you can’t afford it, call Milwaukee personal injury attorney today for a free case evaluation.