Recover a Fair Settlement for Whiplash After a Car Accident
Have you suffered whiplash? Were you left to pay for someone else’s negligence? Meyerkord & Kurth wants to help.
Since whiplash involves injury to the soft tissue in the neck, most of the time, it cannot be seen on X-rays. This can make it difficult to diagnose, and even more difficult to treat. If you have suffered whiplash, you also know how much trouble this can cause when seeking compensation from the insurance company. Luckily, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Meyerkord & Kurth can offer experienced legal counsel to help you address an insurance claim or, if needed, a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. When you choose to involve a St. Louis car accident attorney from our personal injury law firm, you will benefit from our knowledge and resources. We are proud to offer helpful, compassionate guidance and effective representation.
If you aren’t sure whether you have a case, we still recommend contacting our firm. There is nothing to lose—your initial consultation is free and confidential!
Call (314) 300-3000 to speak directly with a St. Louis whiplash injury lawyer. We accept cases in Missouri and Illinois.
When Can You Seek Compensation for a Whiplash Injury in St. Louis?
If your whiplash injury was the result of someone else’s negligence, you can sue to recover your full compensation. However, the first step will be to file an insurance claim. In the event that the insurance provider refuses to pay what is owed, the injured claimant has the option to sue.
Whether or not this is the right choice for you will depend on several factors. The first is how much the insurance provider is offering to pay you. Often, insurance agents will misrepresent their offers, such as by claiming that it is the best offer they could scrounge up. The truth is, the first offer is almost always going to be a lowball offer. That’s why it is important to never take the first settlement offer.
If the insurance company continues to lowball you, suing them may be your next best bet. At this point, you should consider your own role in the accident. While accident victims have the right to compensation, Missouri’s negligence laws limit that compensation according to fault. If you don’t hold the majority of the blame but your share is still substantial, a settlement may be the best way to go.
Keep in mind, however, that you can accept a settlement offer up until a jury verdict is reached.
Whether or not you decide to file a civil lawsuit depends on your unique circumstances. Either way, it is wise to work with a skilled whiplash injury lawyer in St. Louis. At Meyerkord & Kurth, we help our clients navigate the insurance claims process and legal process with ease. We work to protect their best interests, helping them improve their chances of getting the most compensation available to them. The earlier you contact us, the more we can help.
Recover Full Compensation for Your Damages
Whiplash injuries often bring a host of damages, as they tend to unfold over time. Common compensatory damages recovered in these cases include:
- Hospital care
- Doctor’s visits
- Physical therapy
- Time off work/school
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repairs
The severity of your whiplash and the role the other party had in causing it will affect how much compensation you are entitled to.
Common Causes of Whiplash After An Accident in St. Louis
Whiplash occurs when the force of the collision causes the body of the vehicle occupant, restrained by a seat belt, to suddenly change direction or stop. The head, unrestrained, continues moving and can whip around—either from side to side or back and forth. It isn’t hard to see how this can injure the neck.
Generally, whiplash is the result of another driver’s negligence, such as:
- Speeding
- Road rage or aggressive driving
- Tailgating
- Fatigued driving
- Getting lost in thought
- Drunk and impaired driving
- Texting and driving, or other driver distractions
If you suspect that the other driver was negligent, we can investigate your case to help you find clarity.
How Is Whiplash Treated?
Treatment usually consists of pain management and immobilization to allow the muscles, tendons, and other tissue to heal. You will likely need to see a physical therapist. If the pain is severe, prescription medication and certain injections may be made available.
It is important to consult your physician before beginning any form of treatment. You do not want to accidentally make things worse. Not only is this good for your health and well-being, but it can also serve as evidence for your claim. Victims are typically entitled to compensation for any necessary medical treatment.
The Long-Term Effects of Whiplash
Whiplash may have serious and lasting results, leading to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and possibly an inability to work or take part in physical activity of any kind. The severity of a victim’s symptoms will vary depending on the extent of their injury. In severe cases, recovering financial compensation may go a long way in helping a victim with lost wages and medical expenses.
Helping clients afford the medical care they need is what drives our team at Meyerkord & Kurth. If you have suffered whiplash in a car accident, we are ready to help you.
Contact a St. Louis whiplash injury attorney online today for a free consultation!