Now Is the Time to Contact Our New Mexico Car Accident Lawyers if You Have a Whiplash Car Crash Injury
Whiplash is a common car accident injury that can significantly disrupt your life. Whiplash often occurs when the head is abruptly jolted back and forth during a crash, causing damage to the neck. Our New Mexico car accident lawyers can explain your legal options if you suffer whiplash and will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation. We understand that recovering from whiplash can be a long and difficult process, and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Types of Accidents That Can Cause Whiplash
Whiplash can occur in various types of car accidents. Rear-end collisions are one of the most common causes of whiplash, as the sudden deceleration forces the head to whip violently back and forth. However, whiplash can also result from head-on collisions, side-impact crashes, rollovers, and even low-speed accidents.
Understanding the Symptoms and Impact of Whiplash
The symptoms of whiplash can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, making it essential to seek medical attention promptly. Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shoulder pain
- Cognitive difficulties such as memory issues or trouble concentrating
Whiplash can have far-reaching consequences beyond the initial injury. Chronic pain, reduced range of motion, and emotional distress can significantly impact a victim's quality of life, ability to work, and overall well-being. In severe cases, whiplash can lead to long-term complications, such as chronic neck pain, nerve damage, and even depression.
Recovering Compensation for Whiplash in New Mexico
In New Mexico, if you sustain a whiplash injury in a car accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation for the damages you've incurred. The compensation you can pursue may cover various types of expenses and impacts on your life, including but not limited to:
- Medical expenses. This can include costs for immediate medical treatment, ongoing care, physical therapy, medication, and any specialized equipment needed for recovery.
- Lost wages. You can claim compensation for lost income and benefits if your injury requires time off work. This also covers any potential loss in earning capacity if the injury has long-term effects on your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering. Compensation covers the physical pain and emotional distress experienced due to the injury. This might include anxiety, depression, and a decreased quality of life.
- Other related costs. You may also be eligible to recover costs related to home modifications, travel expenses for medical appointments, and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to the injury.
Importance of Prompt Medical Attention and Documentation
Whiplash symptoms may develop slowly and vary significantly in severity. Accordingly, documentation about how your injury impacts your life is critical to your recovery. Seeking prompt medical attention after a car accident is crucial, not only for proper diagnosis and treatment but also for establishing a clear record of the whiplash injury. Documentation from medical professionals, including detailed reports, imaging results, and treatment plans, can serve as valuable evidence in a whiplash claim.
Additionally, it is essential to keep meticulous records of all expenses related to the injury. This documentation can significantly strengthen your whiplash claim and increase the chances of receiving fair compensation.
How Our New Mexico Car Accident Lawyers Help People With Whiplash Injuries
The extent of your injury and its long-term effects may not be immediately apparent after a crash. Insurance companies may try to minimize or deny claims, making it essential to have legal representation to protect your interests.
An experienced car accident lawyer at Keller & Keller can help you navigate the intricacies of a whiplash claim by doing the following:
- Gathering evidence, such as medical and police reports. Together, these reports will help tell the story of what happened to you so that the insurance company or court can reach a fair conclusion about your compensation.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you get a fair settlement like we did for our client Annjatica, a 5th-grade teacher who suffered whiplash and a brain injury in an intersection accident. We negotiated a fair insurance settlement while Annjatica focused on her recovery, family, and students.
- Advocating for your rights in court if necessary. We will only settle your claim if it is in your best interest. Otherwise, we will be prepared to present your case in court to fight for your fair compensation.
Every case is unique and is handled accordingly. If you’ve suffered whiplash due to someone else’s negligence, our Albuquerque car accident lawyer team will fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.