Average Settlement for Whiplash

What Is the Average Settlement for Whiplash in Colorado Springs?

Whiplash can be a minor or severe injury, which means settlement amounts can vary considerably. On average, however, minor whiplash injury claims involve settlements of between $8,000 and $25,000. For more serious cases, settlement values can reach upwards of $50,000.

What Factors Affect the Value of a Whiplash Settlement?

The severity of the injury plays a central role in the settlement you stand to receive. The at-fault party’s insurer (and potentially a jury) will look at how your injury impacts your daily life, including your employment, and whether you’ll need to receive ongoing medical care.

If you’re projected to have to deal with pain and loss of mobility for the rest of your life, you can expect to receive a larger settlement than someone who heals after a few weeks.

Another factor that will impact your settlement is your degree of fault.

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence law that makes it possible for you to recover your losses as long as your share of liability for the accident doesn’t exceed 50%. However, your payout will be reduced by your assigned percentage of fault. 

What Is Whiplash, and How Does It Occur in Car Accidents?

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that occurs when the neck whips forcefully forward and then backward (or vice versa). This rapid movement can damage muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing inflammation and discomfort.

Whiplash is common in car accidents because of the forces at play during a crash. Rear-end collisions are particularly problematic when it comes to producing these injuries.

How Long Does Whiplash Last?

Whiplash can last anywhere from several weeks to several months. In the most severe cases, victims can struggle with lingering pain and stiffness for years. If that occurs, it likely means you’ve developed chronic whiplash.

What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

Some of the most prevalent symptoms of whiplash include:

• Stiffness when moving the neck
• Muscle spasms
• Tenderness when touching the area
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Muscle weakness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Numbness

Particularly severe whiplash injuries can also result in vision issues, as well as hoarseness or the complete loss of one’s voice for as long as the injury takes to heal.

When Do Whiplash Symptoms Typically Appear After an Accident?

Symptoms typically begin with the onset of inflammation, which can take hours or days. This potential for delays is one of the most frustrating aspects of whiplash, since it could cause you to put off getting treatment.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Chronic Whiplash?

Chronic whiplash can leave you experiencing ongoing pain and stiffness, which could impact your ability to work and perform daily tasks. Acute headaches are a concern for many sufferers, as well.

Additionally, if you have to deal with pain every day, you’re more likely to develop mood disorders, like depression and anxiety, which can further reduce your quality of life.

Why Is It Important To Seek Medical Treatment After a Car Accident?

Following any kind of auto accident, it’s vital to seek immediate medical care, even if you don’t think you’ve suffered any injuries. Because whiplash usually has delayed symptoms, getting evaluated by a medical professional can prepare you for the pain and stiffness you’re likely to experience.

Aside from helping keep you safe, getting medical treatment after a crash can also protect any legal claims you choose to pursue, as there will be a clear record of what occurred from the start.

How Do Insurance Companies Handle Whiplash Claims?

The negligent party’s insurer may look for ways to minimize your claim, so they don’t have to pay you as much as you deserve. With injuries like whiplash, which have delayed symptoms, insurers often try to argue that the crash wasn’t the cause of the claimant’s pain. That’s why having a dependable attorney on your side is essential.

Bachus & Schanker Helps Colorado Springs Residents Recover Compensation After a Whiplash Injury

If you’ve been in a car accident and suffered a whiplash injury as a result, you need the services of an experienced attorney who can negotiate aggressively with insurers for a fair settlement.

At Bachus & Schanker, we know how stressful the aftermath of an accident can be, especially when you’re dealing with mounting medical bills. Our team is proud to provide compassionate and comprehensive assistance to each of our clients. We’ll always treat you like family, not a case number.

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