Whiplash is among the most common injuries resulting from accidents, especially motor vehicle crashes. While often considered a minor neck injury, whiplash can significantly impact a victim’s mobility, finances, and emotional well-being. If you are struggling to recover from a whiplash injury in Pensacola, you could be eligible to seek financial compensation for your losses.
Pursuing compensation for whiplash in Florida can be challenging, especially if the insurance company disputes the claim. Having an experienced Pensacola whiplash lawyer on your side can help you navigate the process so you know what is necessary to seek the money you deserve. The dedicated legal team at Cardoso Law, PLLC will support you on every step of your journey. Call or contact us online for a free consultation today.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when an external force causes a rapid back-and-forth head motion. This injury is commonly associated with rear-end collisions but can arise from any situation where the neck experiences a “whip-like” snap.
Whiplash causes sprains and tears to the ligaments and tendons connecting the cervical (neck) vertebrae. It can also affect muscles around the neck, the base of the skull, and the upper parts of the shoulders. In some cases, the sudden burden on the spinal column can cause nerve damage and chronic pain.
Some of the most common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Severe neck pain
- Chronic or acute headaches
- Limited range of motion due to muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulders
- Tingling or loss of sensation in the arms or hands
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or vertigo
Some whiplash victims also experience symptoms such as blurred vision, tinnitus, disrupted sleep, problems with memory or focus, and depression. The combination of these symptoms can disrupt a person’s professional and personal life, sometimes with long-term consequences.
How Our Pensacola Law Firm Can Help
Having a whiplash injury lawyer from Cardoso Law, PLLC in your corner can give you the clarity and confidence that your case is in good hands. Our skilled team has successfully represented clients in personal injury cases throughout the Florida Panhandle.
We will:
- Assess your case to determine its strength
- Thoroughly investigate the accident to identify who is at fault for your whiplash injury
- Calculate the total value of your losses
- Negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company for a fair settlement package
- File a personal injury lawsuit and take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to make a full and fair settlement offer
While our team handles these investigatory, legal, and insurance issues, you can have time and space to focus on healing.
Common Causes of Whiplash in Pensacola
Whiplash injuries occur in Pensacola due to various types of accidents:
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone accidents
- Amusement park rides
- Physical assault
- Sports injuries
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Whiplash Symptoms
While whiplash is not usually life-threatening, it can cause severe pain, limited range of motion, and long-term health problems that can worsen if left untreated. Seeking early treatment can significantly improve your prognosis.
Furthermore, getting swift medical treatment is one of the most crucial steps you can take to bolster your personal injury claim. Your medical records form the basis of your claim and can link the accident to your injuries. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the at-fault party’s insurance company may attempt to claim that your injuries are unrelated to the incident.
The Legal Implications of a Whiplash Injury
Suffering a whiplash injury can have various legal ramifications in Florida, depending on the circumstances of the case. Generally, if someone else is responsible for your injury, you could be entitled to file a personal injury claim against them.
Car accident claims work differently. If you were diagnosed with whiplash after a car accident in Pensacola, you could still have a legal claim. However, the case becomes more complicated because you must first request compensation through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover your medical expenses and lost income. Only the most serious injury cases allow you to file a lawsuit after a crash in Florida, so consulting a whiplash car accident lawyer is crucial to maximizing your compensation and understanding your rights.
Two other important legal elements to remember include:
- Statute of limitations – Florida law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
- Comparative negligence – Your compensation could be reduced or even eliminated if you are found partially at fault for the incident that harmed you.
Understanding these legal aspects is crucial for protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve, so seek guidance from a Pensacola whiplash attorney as soon as possible.
Steps to Take After a Whiplash Injury in Pensacola
It can be challenging to know how to proceed after sustaining a whiplash injury. However, the steps you take during this time can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Here’s what to do:
- Follow your doctor’s orders – Failing to stick to your treatment plan can leave room for the insurance company to argue that you made the condition worse or didn’t need medical care in the first place.
- Avoid making statements to the insurance company – The insurer may request a recorded statement about the accident. Although they might imply that it is necessary for your claim to proceed, you have no obligation and could accidentally say something that harms your case. Refer the insurance adjuster’s questions to your lawyer instead.
- Never accept the first settlement offer – Insurance companies often try to get injury victims to accept a lowball offer that is far less than they deserve. Negotiations are usually necessary to secure fair compensation.
- Seek help from a skilled attorney – An experienced personal injury attorney can handle all communications with the insurance company so you don’t have to.
Contact Our Whiplash Injury Lawyer for Help
Dealing with the fallout of a whiplash injury can be stressful. Working with a skilled personal injury lawyer can give you the support you need to fight for maximum compensation.
At Cardoso Law, PLLC, our mission is to make things right for you. We dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of justice for every client. Past clients such as Chris L. can attest to the value of our services, writing in a five-star review that, “Mr. Cardoso is the epitome of professionalism. I could not imagine hiring anyone other than him to handle my case. And he cares about his clients. It’s not just a job, it is his passion.”
Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation with a whiplash attorney in Pensacola.