Whiplash is often more than just an acute injury. Even with treatment, whiplash always has the potential to become a chronic medical condition. If you or a loved one suffered whiplash in a car accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to significant compensation.
While you do not need a whiplash injury lawyer to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company or a personal injury lawsuit, representing yourself could jeopardize your chance of making a successful and fair legal recovery.
Whiplash Can Create Long-Term Problems
Serious car crashes can cause serious injuries; however, some injuries are not always obvious in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Whiplash, for instance, is among the most common automobile accident injuries. But unlike a broken bone or a third-degree burn, whiplash symptoms may take days, weeks, or even months to manifest. Even when whiplash seems minor, it could create debilitating, life-long problems.
Compensation After a Missouri Whiplash Injury
Missouri is an at-fault insurance state. If you have been injured in a Missouri automobile accident that was not your fault, you have a right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You could also file a personal injury lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.
Missouri does not currently cap the damages available in a whiplash claim. You could receive as much money as you need to cover expenses.
Potential Compensation
- Past, present, and future medical costs
- Physical rehabilitation
- Lost income
- Loss of enjoyment
- Emotional pain and suffering
Deciding If You Need a Lawyer for Your Whiplash Claim
Missouri law affords everyone the right to negotiate an insurance claim or file a personal injury lawsuit. You do not need an attorney to speak with an adjuster or file a claim for compensation.
However, securing a settlement without the assistance of an experienced Missouri whiplash lawyer can be difficult. Whiplash is a common injury diagnosed after a car crash, and it costs insurance companies a lot of money. In response, the insurance company will likely argue that whiplash is an “imaginary” disability.
If you try to speak to an adjuster by yourself, they might challenge your doctor’s diagnosis or accuse you of lying about your pain. Even if they are willing to negotiate, they might not do so in good faith. The insurance company might ignore your phone calls or try to stall for time, intimidate you, and/or overwhelm you by asking for a never-ending list of documents and papers. Hiring an experienced attorney gives you a major advantage in negotiations.
The Advantages of Hiring a Missouri Whiplash Attorney
Insurance companies often steer accident victims away from legal services, saying that lawyers only complicate matters. However, hiring an attorney affords you a significant advantage in negotiations. Insurance companies are afraid of accident victims who hire attorneys because attorneys know how insurance companies operate. They understand the strategies insurance companies use to devalue whiplash claims, and lawyers know how to maneuver around their tricks and deceit.
Lawyers Improve Your Chances of Fair Compensation
- A lawyer lets you focus on your health and well-being instead of the insurance paperwork
- A lawyer communicates with insurance adjusters seeking to devalue or deny your claim
- A lawyer takes over communication with the insurance company
- A lawyer shields your medical records from unnecessary scrutiny
- A lawyer connects you with health care professionals who can evaluate your injuries and assess the value of your claim
- A lawyer advocates for you in insurance negotiations or in court
Are You Suffering From Whiplash Following a Missouri Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a Missouri car accident and are suffering from whiplash you should speak with an experienced whiplash lawyer as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 314.470.4928 to schedule a free consultation. We help whiplash victims throughout the state of Missouri including Columbia, Springfield, Kansas City, St. Louis, Kirksville, and Cape Girardeau.
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