Smyrna
Whiplash Injury Lawyer

Whiplash is the most common car accident injury in Smyrna. It can cause a lot of pain, money loss, and stress. If you may have suffered whiplash, it’s best to contact a Smyrna whiplash accident lawyer today.

Any car accident can cause whiplash. Unfortunately, insurance companies rarely take it seriously. You’ll likely need help from a lawyer to get the compensation you deserve.

At John Foy & Associates, we can assist you. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to win cases. To get a FREE consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.

What Whiplash Means (and How It Happens)

According to Mayo Clinic, whiplash during a forceful, back-and-forth movement of the neck. The neck moves like a cracked whip. Some people might refer to whiplash as neck strain or sprain.

Whiplash can happen after:

• Rear-end accidents
• Physical abuse
• Sports accidents
• Slips and falls
• Other types of trauma

Although rear-end accidents tend to cause whiplash the most, any auto accident can injure your neck. The force of whiplash can damage the tendons, muscles, and nerves in the neck.

Common Symptoms of Whiplash

Whiplash symptoms can vary widely. Some people will have mild symptoms that heal within a few weeks. On the other hand, some people could have life-long issues.

Common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Stiffness and pain
• Lost range of motion
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Pain in the upper back, arms, or shoulders
• Fatigue
• Vision issues
• Numbness or tingling in the arms
• Memory or concentration problems
• Ringing in the ears
• Depression
• Trouble sleeping

Whiplash can take hours or days to develop. You might feel fine right after an accident, but the pain sets in the next day.

Insurance Companies Often Doubt Whiplash Injuries

After a car accident, your body floods with “fight or flight” hormones. You’re just focusing on getting through the experience. After the shock has worn off, you might notice more pain.

The nature of whiplash can make financial recovery difficult. If you don’t notice your symptoms until later, the insurance company might use it against you. The insurer might try to make claims like:

• Your whiplash isn’t real.
• You’re exaggerating the symptoms.
• You waited too long to get treatment.
• The injuries are not as life-threatening as you’re saying.

We recommend getting a full medical checkup after any accident. Even if you feel okay, see a doctor. They can evaluate you for whiplash symptoms and begin treatment.

Whiplash does not show up on imaging tests like other injuries. You’ll need medical records to support your claim. Showing you went to a doctor for treatment is essential for your whiplash case.

If you’re not sure what to do, contact a Smyrna whiplash accident lawyer. Your lawyer will guide you through the most critical steps. They’ll help show how the whiplash has affected your life.

How Fault Works in a Smyrna Whiplash Accident

The negligent party in an accident is responsible for the damages. If another driver caused your crash, they are liable. You can see damages as compensation for your injuries (Georgia Code Section 51-12-4).

You will need to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Your claim will request compensation for:

• Medical treatment costs
• Medication costs
• Lost wages
• Vehicle damage
• Pain and suffering

It isn’t easy to know the full value of your case. Your lawyer can help calculate your total damages, including future medical treatment. They’ll also put an amount on non-economic losses like pain and suffering.

Before filing your claim, you’ll need to know who was at fault. The at-fault party is usually another driver. However, the negligent party could also include:

• A vehicle manufacturer
• A maintenance company or mechanic
• A government entity
• The driver’s employer, such as a trucking company

Sometimes, more than one party is partially at fault. Your lawyer can help determine who is responsible for your damages. They’ll help you build an insurance claim for compensation.

Insurance companies often doubt whiplash injuries. The insurer will likely send you a lowball offer. However, an experienced lawyer will know how to respond.

At John Foy & Associates, we know how to handle insurance companies. We’ll communicate and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf. To learn more, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

Building Your Whiplash Accident Claim in Smyrna

After you know who is at fault, you’ll need to build a strong injury claim. Your claim should show who was at fault and what damages they owe you. You can do this by:

• Gathering evidence from the accident scene
• Talking to any eyewitnesses and having your lawyer get statements
• Saving pay stubs to show lost wages
• Keeping all medical bills, invoices, and receipts
• Getting your vehicle assessed for damages
• Obtaining a copy of the police accident report
• Getting the other driver’s name, phone number, and insurance information

A whiplash accident lawyer can help you with all of the above. They can also hire experts to show what happened during the crash. If the insurance company doubts your whiplash, your lawyer will respond.

Most accident claims end with a settlement. However, insurance companies will sometimes refuse to settle. If necessary, your lawyer can help you file a lawsuit.

It’s best to call an attorney as soon as you can. At the very least, a consultation can let you know your options. If you didn’t cause your accident, you shouldn’t have to pay for the costs.

Talk to a Smyrna Whiplash Accident Lawyer for Free Today

Whiplash injuries are often difficult to prove. However, an experienced whiplash accident lawyers will know what to do next. At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping whiplash injury victims for 20-plus years.

We are not afraid to stand up to insurance companies. Plus, we only work for injury victims — never the other side. Our lawyers do not charge you a thing unless we win your case.

Contact us today for a FREE consultation. We’ll evaluate your case and talk about how we can help you.

Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your FREE consultation.