Columbus
Whiplash Injury Lawyer

Whiplash claims in Columbus can be complicated, and you will probably need help proving your injuries. Find out your compensation options by scheduling a free consultation with our lawyers.

At John Foy & Associates, we have over 20 years of experience helping injured clients. Our Columbus whiplash injury lawyers know how to build strong cases for what you deserve. To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.

What Is the Average Settlement for Whiplash?

Whiplash claims range from minor to severe. Mild injuries can lead to settlements in the thousands or tens of thousands. Moderate to severe injuries may require much higher compensation.

The best way to know your settlement potential is by talking to a lawyer. Your lawyer can assess your damages and determine what you deserve.

Insurance companies often undervalue whiplash. However, a whiplash injury can have long-lasting or permanent consequences. Before assuming what you deserve, talk to an experienced attorney who understands whiplash injury claims.

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Whiplash Injury?

You likely need to consult a lawyer if you have whiplash.

Injured motorists often put off calling a lawyer because they aren’t sure if it’s necessary. Whiplash takes time to manifest, and you might not realize the full extent of your pain at first.

A lawyer helps protect your rights and calculate what you should receive in compensation. Without legal expertise, it’s much easier for the insurance company to take advantage—which means leaving you to pay for costs you didn’t cause.

Suing for Whiplash After an Accident

If you suffered neck or back injuries from an accident, you have a right to sue the responsible driver. Whiplash is very common with rear-end accidents, but it can happen with any crash.

You can file a lawsuit to recover:

• Medical bills
• Medication costs
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Vehicle repairs
• Pain and suffering

You might not have to sue for your damages. You can first seek compensation through a personal injury insurance claim.

If another driver caused your injuries, their auto insurance should pay for the costs. You can request a settlement through an insurance claim. Your lawyer can help you prepare and send the demand letter.

Most accident claims settle without the need to sue. But if you cannot reach a settlement with the insurer, your lawyer might advise going to court. You should only proceed if you feel you have a strong case.

How to Prove You Have Whiplash

According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash happens when a force whips your neck rapidly back and forth. Symptoms usually show up within days of an accident, although everyone is different.

Proving whiplash can be more challenging than other injuries. For one, insurance companies try to downplay how serious a whiplash injury is. Plus, you might feel no pain right after the accident but feel it hours or days later.

Here are some ways to prove whiplash injuries.

See a Doctor

Get medical attention as soon as possible. Have a doctor evaluate you even if you feel okay. You could have many injuries that haven’t shown up yet.

Testimony from your doctor is invaluable. You can present medical records and diagnoses to back up your claim. If you wait too long to get treatment, the other side will use it against you.

Record Your Treatment Details

The pain from whiplash can be severe and long-lasting. The problem is that this injury doesn’t show up on imaging tests like other conditions. So, you’ll need to document everything you received in treatment.

For example, you might need prescription medications to handle the pain. Keep track of your entire treatment history, and save all receipts from prescription drugs.

Get a Copy of the Police Report

The police report might contain helpful information for your claim. If you complained of neck pain after the accident, officers might have recorded that in the report.

Other details from the police report can also help back up your accounts.

Family or Witness Testimony

Statements from witnesses at the scene or friends and family can help support your case. Firsthand accounts of how your injuries affect you help demonstrate your pain and suffering damages.

John Foy & Associates knows how to prove damages after an accident. We’re not afraid to fight for your rights and stand up to the insurance companies.

To learn your compensation rights, contact us today. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Should You Take the First Settlement Offer?

Insurance companies will often offer someone money upfront after a collision. A lump sum of cash might seem tempting, but it’s never a good idea.

Here’s why:

• The first offer is always a lowball that doesn’t cover all of your damages.
• If you accept money, you’ll close your case, losing any chance of seeking more.
• You probably deserve much more for your accident costs.

The goal is to recover the costs of your crash fully. That includes medical treatment costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Before accepting anything from the other side, talk to a lawyer. Even a free consultation can tell you a lot. You can learn what a fair settlement looks like for you and how to protect yourself.

Speak with a Columbus whiplash injury lawyer who can assess your claim. If you hire a lawyer, they can also handle all communication with the insurance company.

Negotiating a Settlement

A lawyer can help you negotiate for a better offer. There is usually a decent amount of back-and-forth between both sides. Ideally, both sides agree to a compensation amount that works for everyone.

Whiplash cases are often complicated, so reach out to a professional first. Having an experienced lawyer on your side levels the playing field. It gives you the best chance at a fair outcome.

Speak with a Columbus Whiplash Injury Lawyer for Free Today

After your accident, call John Foy & Associates for help. Get the power of the “Strong Arm” on your side from day one. We do not collect a fee unless we win for you, and we’ve available 24/7.

Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today for a free consultation.