In an instant, life can take a sudden turn. For many, it happens on the road–a moment of unexpected impact, a screeching of brakes, and the unsettling jolt that follows. Whiplash accidents carry a significant weight for car accident victims. Characterized by the back-and-forth motion of the neck, whiplash injuries are profoundly impactful and typically underestimated. If you have suffered a whiplash accident due to negligence, you may have the legal right to compensation through a personal injury claim.
At Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, we have over 45 years of experience fighting for whiplash accident victims. Whether the collision occurred at high or low speeds, we know the long-term consequences injuries may have on your life. However, you do not have to handle your claim alone. Speak with our award-winning Fall River, MA whipalsh injury attorneys today for an assessment of your claim by calling (617) 391-9001 or filling out a contact form.
What Is a Whiplash Injury?
A whiplash accident is an incident in which a victim’s neck is subjected to a sudden and forceful back-and-forth movement. This rapid and unexpected motion can result in injury to the neck’s soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. While these types of injuries are most commonly associated with car accidents, they can occur in various situations with a sudden accelerating-decelerating force.
Some of the most common symptoms of whiplash are as follows:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, back or arms
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Sleep disturbances
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Worsening of pain with neck movement
- Loss of range of motion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Depression
In some cases, victims may heal within a few weeks of an accident. However, it is not uncommon for whiplash injuries to develop into chronic neck pain and other lasting complications. Our Fall River, MA whiplash lawyers can help you pursue compensation for these symptoms.
Recoverable Compensation in a Whiplash Accident
If you suffered a whiplash injury, you may have a long recovery period. To ensure you recover the full compensation you deserve, seek the legal guidance of the Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers. Insurance companies will attempt to diminish or deny your claim through unfair tactics. Our experienced Fall River whiplash accident attorneys will strengthen your claim and protect your rights every step of the way.
Depending on the unique circumstances of your whiplash accident, you may recover the following types of economic and non-economic damages:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical costs related to the whiplash injury. This can include doctor’s visits, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, prescription medications, and assistive medical devices, such as neck braces.
- Lost income: Compensation for wages and income lost due to injuries. This includes not only the income you have already lost but also future earnings if the injury causes long-term or permanent disability that affects your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering: Damages intended to address the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional suffering caused by the whiplash injury. The amount awarded may vary widely based on the severity of the injury and the impact on your life.
- Emotional distress: Compensation for the psychological and emotional impact of the whiplash injury, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Loss of consortium: If the whiplash injury affected your ability to maintain relationships or engage in family activities, your spouse or family members may be eligible for these types of damages.
- Property damages: If your vehicle or personal property was damaged in an accident, you may recover damages for repair or replacement costs.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Reimbursement for any other expenses directly related to the injury, such as transportation costs for medical appointments, home modifications, or household services you required due to your injury.
Our Fall River whiplash accident lawyers will help with calculating the full extent of the damages you suffered and aggressively fight for you at every step of the legal process while you focus on recovery.
Speak With the Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers About Your Whiplash Accident Today
If you suffered whiplash injuries in Fall River or surrounding areas, speak with the award-winning Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers. Led by our co-managing partners, J. Tucker Merrigan and Peter M. Merrigan, their dedication and meticulous care for clients has earned them awards including Top 40 Under 40 for National Trial Lawyers; Rising Star, Super Lawyers, Top Attorney Award by Lawyer.com, and others. We will handle everything from investigations, evidence collection, negotiating with insurance companies, and aggressively negotiating on your behalf. With 45 years of experience, we know what it takes to fight for every cent of the compensation you deserve.
For a no-cost case assessment of your whiplash injury accident, speak with one of our award-winning Fall River, MA whiplash lawyers by calling (617) 391-9001 or filling out a contact form.