Whiplash Accident Lawyer

When you hurt your neck in a crash caused by someone else, you may be able to recover your financial losses by filing a claim with your insurance company or the court. If you are successful, you may qualify for money for your docked pay, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and car repairs. You may find it helpful to work with a whiplash accident lawyer who can prepare and file legal documents and talk to third parties—like the insurance company—on your behalf. 

The personal injury attorneys at Snyder Law Group are here to assist you through this process. We understand how frustrating it can be to get into a car wreck someone else caused and then have to deal with insurance agents, repair shops, doctors, and court personnel. Our law firm has the tools and training to handle the legal aspects of your situation while you focus on recovering from the incident, emotionally and physically.

What Should I Do After a Whiplash Car Accident Injury?

If you get whiplash from a motor vehicle collision, it’s essential to get treatment early on. See a doctor shortly after the crash or when you feel neck stiffness, limited range of motion, a headache, or worsening neck pain. The healthcare team can perform a physical exam and may even order imaging tests to get an idea of the scope of the injury. Additionally, your medical team can connect you with treatment regimens—such as pain medication and physical therapy exercises—to help you recover. 

You should also tell law enforcement and your insurer about the crash to avoid legal complications later. Under Maryland law, drivers must notify the police about a collision that injures or kills someone or causes property damage. Likewise, your insurance company may require you to submit a claim within a certain period of time to qualify for compensation. 

Contacting a car accident lawyer may also be wise so you can learn about your legal rights and how to protect them. The attorney can review your claim and help you estimate a possible settlement you could receive if you win your case. 

Will Insurance Cover My Whiplash Injury?

Your insurance policy may cover your whiplash claim if you submit a request within the time limit given in your policy. For example, your insurer may ask you to file claims within 14 or 30 days of the accident. You also need to show that your policy covers the crash and your losses. For example, you may have to show that you were up to date on your premiums and didn’t intentionally cause the wreck. 

What Are Common Settlements for Whiplash Injuries?

Whiplash settlements reflect the facts and circumstances of that particular crash. There isn’t a set or guaranteed amount someone will receive in any given situation. Instead, the final compensation package is based on several factors, such as:

• How quickly the casualty files a claim, 
• The limits in the casualty’s insurance policy, 
• The severity of their whiplash and other injuries, and
• The impact of the whiplash on their daily life. 

Additionally, the length of time the whiplash keeps the casualty from working, spending quality time with their family, and engaging in other activities can also influence what they receive in damages. Likewise, having copies of their receipts and after-visit summaries to back up their compensation request can help strengthen their claim. 

Is It Worth Claiming for Whiplash?

Submitting an insurance claim can be worth your time and energy. First, doing so avoids the potential consequences of not telling your provider about what occurred. Your insurer may require you to tell them about some (but not all) accidents, and they have ways of finding out this information if you don’t disclose it when you should have. Additionally, seeking reimbursement from your insurance company may allow you to cover the costs of fixing your car or buying a new one if it was totaled. 

Before you sign an offer or cash a check from the insurer, you may want to discuss it with a reputable personal injury lawyer. They can use their special training to determine if the proposals are fair to you and, if they aren’t, what you can do to increase your settlement. 

Is It Worth Suing for a Whiplash Injury?

If your insurance company doesn’t offer you a reasonable amount, suing the at-fault driver may be your best option. When you seek compensation from your insurance company, your policy determines what you can receive. In contrast, the court process may give you access to a higher financial award. 

That said, the courtroom context also comes with risks, and you may or may not be successful in presenting your case before a judge or jury. An educated attorney could help you by letting you know if going to trial is in your best interest. They can also prepare and present legal arguments to use during the trial proceedings. 

How Can I Win a Whiplash Claim?

There’s no way to guarantee that you’ll win your case. However, taking a few steps can help you boost your chance of winning your whiplash claim. 

Act Swiftly 

Your insurance policy and Maryland law have deadlines for when you can seek damages. The amount of time to make a claim from your insurer depends on your contract. For example, it might be a couple of weeks or a month from the date of the crash. 

For most car accident claims, Maryland law may require you to file a lawsuit within three years. Exceptions may apply that give you more time to file or require you to file sooner than this. 

Gather and Preserve Evidence

Having solid evidence to prove the cause of the crash and your injuries can help set you and your claim up for success. Information you may need includes medical records, traffic camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and time off requests. 

Follow Your Doctor’s Advice

Following your doctor’s treatment recommendations can also help strengthen your claim. The insurance company and at-fault driver may try to sidestep liability by saying your injuries aren’t as bad as you say they are. If you can show that you did everything you were supposed to but are still having whiplash symptoms, you can limit the opportunities others have to question you. 

Hire an Attorney

Having a lawyer on your side can help you tremendously. Legal professionals have comprehensive training in negotiations, claims processing, and trial procedures. They can support and guide you through this time and help safeguard your rights. They can also act as a buffer between you and the others—like the insurance agency and at-fault driver. 

Snyder Law Group: Whiplash Attorneys Serving Baltimore Since 2000

Whiplash can be a painful and limiting condition, forcing you to step away from a job you enjoy or depend on or making you spend time at home instead of seeing your loved ones. If someone else is the reason you’re hurt, consider filing a lawsuit or insurance claim so you can seek much-needed compensation. You can take this step by yourself, but consider the potential advantages of working with a trained legal professional.

At Snyder Law Group, we have a tireless dedication to our clients and the ethical practice of law. Our hard work and determination have connected dozens of clients with life-saving settlements in their times of need. We welcome the opportunity to make a difference in your life, too. Contact us today by calling 410-210-4897 to set up a free consultation with a whiplash accident lawyer on our team.