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CategoriesWhat Compensation Is Available for a Whiplash Injury After a Crash?
Whiplash might sound like a minor injury, but for many crash victims, it can become a long-lasting and painful condition that affects their daily life and even their ability to work.
When the head is suddenly forced forward and then whipped backward, often in a rear-end collision, the soft tissues in the neck are stretched and strained. While some people recover in a few weeks, others suffer months or years of pain and reduced mobility and range of motion.
Unfortunately, whiplash isn’t always taken seriously. Insurance companies may downplay its severity because it doesn’t show up like a broken bone on an X-ray.
But for those living with chronic neck pain, headaches, dizziness, or limited mobility, the impact is very real, and they deserve compensation for their losses. That’s where experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers can help: gathering evidence, working with medical experts, and taking on the insurance companies for you.
Understanding the Impact of Whiplash
Symptoms of whiplash vary widely. Some people experience only stiffness and mild soreness, while others deal with:
- Persistent pain that radiates into the shoulders and back
- Severe headaches or migraines
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
For those with severe symptoms, whiplash can interfere with work, caring for family, and basic daily activities. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 52,109 crash injuries statewide in 2021, illustrating how common serious soft-tissue injuries can be after a collision.
In some cases, whiplash can even lead to long-term disability. That’s why pursuing a claim for full compensation is so important.
Types of Compensation Available
Crash victims who suffer whiplash may be entitled to different forms of compensation depending on the severity of their injury and how it affects their lives.
Common categories include:
Medical Expenses
Whiplash often requires a variety of treatments: doctor visits, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and sometimes injections or prescription medications. Compensation can cover both current and future medical bills related to your injury.
Lost Wages
Neck pain and mobility limitations may keep you out of work temporarily or, in serious cases, permanently. A claim can include wages lost while recovering and reduced earning capacity if your whiplash prevents you from returning to your previous job or career.
Pain and Suffering
Unlike economic damages, pain and suffering damages (also called non-economic damages) account for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall effect on your quality of life. These damages are often significant for conditions like whiplash, which can cause daily discomfort and frustration.
Future Treatment Costs
Some victims require ongoing therapy or treatment months or even years after the accident. An experienced attorney will work with medical experts to estimate and include these costs in your claim.
While these categories of compensation can collectively cover your losses, insurance companies rarely pay without a fight. To succeed, you need strong evidence showing the extent of your whiplash injury.
Proving the Extent of a Whiplash Injury
One of the biggest challenges in whiplash cases is proving the seriousness of the injury. Insurance companies frequently argue that whiplash is exaggerated or unrelated to the crash. Strong evidence is critical to counter these tactics.
- Medical Documentation: Detailed records from doctors, physical therapists, and specialists help show the timeline and progression of your symptoms.
- Diagnostic Tests: While whiplash may not appear on an X-ray, related injuries such as disc problems or ligament damage can sometimes be detected on MRIs or CT scans.
- Expert Testimony: In complex cases, medical experts can explain how whiplash affects your health and ability to work, strengthening your compensation claim.
- Personal Records: Keeping a journal of your symptoms, treatments, and how the injury affects your daily life can also support your case.
Without this evidence, you risk the insurance company undervaluing your claim.
How Our St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
Whiplash victims should not have to face pushback from insurance companies while trying to recover from their injuries. Skilled St. Louis car accident lawyers understand the unique challenges of proving whiplash claims. They know how to gather the right medical records, work with expert witnesses, and present a case that reflects the actual cost of your injury.
At Cofman Townsley, our team has the experience and resources to take on insurers and pursue the full compensation you deserve. Whether your whiplash heals quickly or develops into a chronic condition, we can help ensure your settlement covers both today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.
Don’t Let Insurance Companies Dismiss Your Pain
Whiplash may not always be visible, but its effects can be life altering. From mounting medical expenses to lost wages and daily pain, the costs add up quickly.
If you or a loved one suffered whiplash in a crash, don’t let an insurance company overlook the impact it’s had on your life. With strong documentation, expert support, and the right legal team, you can pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
At Cofman Townsley, we don’t see clients as case numbers; we see people. With more than 50 years of experience in St. Louis and across Missouri and Southern Illinois, our attorneys focus on the details of your case and seek the maximum settlement available under the law.
Contact Cofman Townsley today for a free consultation. Our St. Louis car accident lawyers are ready to protect your rights and help you rebuild your life after a crash.