Whiplash
Table of Contents
If the force of impact during a traumatic accident causes a person’s heads to involuntarily thrust in one direction before being snapped back in the other, they may experience a range of Whiplash-Associated Disorders. This variety of neck injuries involves damage to the neck’s soft tissues, which can cause varying degrees of severe pain.
Whiplash often occurs as the result of motor vehicle collisions. Its symptoms can take years to develop and might lead to prolonged pain and other side effects. Many car accident victims who suffer from whiplash report continuing to experience symptoms two years after their collisions.
If you were involved in an accident and sustained whiplash, our Ontario personal injury lawyers may be able to provide you with assistance. To learn more, call 1-800-JUSTICE and schedule a free initial consultation.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash
Typically, after sustaining whiplash in a motor vehicle collisions, injured accident survivors develop a range of symptoms, which commonly include:
- Stiffness in the back and neck
- Pain, numbness, or tingling in extremities (arms, hands, legs, and feet)
- Jaw pains
- Mood swings, irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Fatigue
- Difficulty swallowing
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Vertigo
- And more
Most people who’ve sustained whiplash injuries as the result of a car accident experience serious neck pains between two hours to two days after their collision. This occurs when neck muscles tighten in order to respond to tears or ligament damage. Victims may experience a limited range of motion in the neck in addition to intense pains.
Many people suffering from whiplash also report experiencing headaches to various degrees of severity, duration, and localization. Often, headaches caused by whiplash can be felt behind the eyes. Accident survivors who have sustained whiplash may also suffer from shoulder pains, radiating down from their necks into their shoulder blades, and torn muscles that can cause burning, tingling, or prickling sensations.
The Long-Term Consequences of Whiplash
Often the result of side-impact or rear-end car accidents, whiplash can have a dramatic effect on a person’s life. Even if the collision didn’t cause much vehicle damage or appear to be that severe at first, the velocity of a vehicle’s impact and the movement of individual muscles may cause serious health problems down the road, both physical and mental. If these medical issues affect a person’s ability to earn a living, whiplash from a car accident can lead to significant financial losses.
As a result of their physical symptoms, many injured accident survivors also develop chronic mental health issues. In fact, symptoms of depression are overwhelmingly common in people suffering from whiplash, even for a short period of time.
Contact Preszler Injury Lawyers
If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our Ontario personal injury lawyers may be able to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Even if you are uncertain whether your condition or the circumstances of your accident entitle you to receive compensation, consider scheduling a free initial consultation with Preszler Injury Lawyers.
To receive personalized legal advice based on the details of your specific case, contact us today.
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Personal Injury FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions for personal injury claims
What does a lawsuit look like?
Every personal injury lawsuit is generally comprised of five main parts. The length of time each part takes can vary depending on the complexity of your case. Your lawyer will help you through each stage by providing tailored advice and strong legal representation.
You can expect:
- Statement of Claim: This is a formal document that initiates the personal injury claim against the at-fault party (or individual you are suing).
- Examination for Discovery: This is a meeting where you and your lawyer will ask the opposing party questions about the claim, the accident, fault, and anything else that is deemed relevant. The opposing party will also have the opportunity to ask you questions.
- Gathering of Evidence: Your legal team will gather a variety of evidence on your behalf to strengthen your claim. This might include medical records, police reports, images from the accident scene, witness testimony, expert opinions, and more.
- Mediation: If you would like to attempt to settle without going to trial, you will likely undertake mediation. Mediation involves you and the opposing party negotiating the terms of your settlement with the assistance of a neutral third party.
- Trial: If you are unable to reach a settlement during mediation, your claim will proceed to trial. During trial, your lawyer will present your case and the evidence they have gathered before a judge (and sometimes a jury). Once complete, the judge will decide the final amount of compensation you’re entitled to.
It’s important to note that a majority of personal injury claims are settled through mediation, out of court. Our Toronto personal injury lawyers help guide clients through each of these stages, so they don’t have to navigate the legal complexities alone.
How much will I have to pay for lawyers’ fees?
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. A percentage of the settlement you receive will go towards lawyers’ fees. There are no upfront, out-of-pocket payments required.
What type of compensation can I expect to get?
When you’re injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, there are many different types of compensation you may be eligible to receive. The amount and kind will depend on the severity of your injury and the specifics of your case.
Common damages you might claim include:
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of income
- Housekeeping losses
- Medical costs
- Legal costs
- And more
Our experienced Toronto personal injury attorneys will help maximize what you can recover by exploring your case and eligibility in depth. We aim to ensure that the compensation you receive reflects not only your current suffering, but the lifelong effects that your accident may have in the future.
When can I sue for non-pecuniary general damages (e.g. pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.)?
In Ontario, you can sue for non-pecuniary damages if you have suffered a permanent and serious impairment of an important physical, mental, or psychological function, or permanent, serious disfigurement. This is known as the “threshold.” If you meet this threshold, you can sue for general damages such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other similar losses.
How long will it take to settle my case?
The length of time it takes to settle a case depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and whether the other parties involved are willing to settle. Some cases can be settled in a few months, while others can take years.
How long will the process take?
The length of time a personal injury claim can take varies widely according to the specifics of your case. While some cases settle in a matter of months, some can take anywhere from two to four years.
Some factors that affect the duration of personal injury claims include:
- Complexity of your injuries
- Each party’s willingness to settle
- Whether a claim goes to court
- Insurance company cooperation
- Availability of evidence
- And more
When liability is clear or injuries/damages are more clearly documented, cases may move faster. A personal injury lawyer will make sure the process keeps moving, although sometimes delays (like court backlogs) are unavoidable. Seeking personal injury legal advice early may help you streamline your timeline.
How long do I have to sue?
In Ontario, generally speaking you have two years from the date of your injury-causing accident to file a claim. However, based on the circumstances of your individual case, this timeline could be subject to additional limitations.
Do I have a strong case?
After taking advantage of a free initial consultation with our personal injury lawyers, the strength of your case can be evaluated based on the evidence available and the specific circumstances of your accident. Our personal injury lawyers offer case-specific legal feedback to help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case and advise you on legal options that might be available.