Chicago Whiplash Injury Lawyer

Suffering from Whiplash? Don’t Let the Insurance Company Downplay Your Pain.

If you are waking up with severe neck stiffness, radiating shoulder pain, or debilitating headaches days after a car crash, you know firsthand that you aren’t just “sore.” Whiplash is a serious, physically exhausting injury, and trying to argue with a skeptical insurance adjuster while you are in pain is the last thing you need. At Paul Padda Law, we offer dedicated legal representation specifically for victims of whiplash and complex soft-tissue injuries. Our primary focus is to completely take over the fight with the insurance companies, allowing you to focus all your energy on physical therapy and getting your life back to normal.

Insurance carriers notoriously try to dismiss or lowball whiplash claims simply because the damage doesn’t always show up on a standard emergency room X-ray. You need a legal team you can trust to prove the undeniable reality of your injuries. We know exactly how to build these complex cases from the ground up. We help by working closely with top-tier medical experts, chiropractors, and neurologists to meticulously document your medical records, proving exactly how this rapid back-and-forth trauma has impacted your mobility, your ability to work, and your daily comfort.

If you have experienced whiplash because of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Chicago, it is important to seek the help of a Chicago whiplash lawyer. Paul Padda Law has decades of experience representing clients in serious injury personal injury cases including whiplash injuries.

To schedule a free case consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call us today at (312) 702-7000, or reach out online.

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What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the head suddenly jerks back and forth, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. This can happen in a car accident when a vehicle is hit from behind, causing the head to rapidly move back and forth with force. The sudden impact and movement can damage soft tissues in the neck, resulting in chronic pain and discomfort.

Whiplash is caused by your head or neck rapidly moving back and forth. This injury is particularly common in rear end collisions but can occur in various types of accidents where sudden acceleration or deceleration forces the head into rapid motion.

Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash

The symptoms of whiplash may not appear right after the accident. It may take several hours or even days for symptoms of whiplash to appear. Some common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Limited range of motion in your neck
• Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
• Pain or sensitivity in the back, shoulders, or upper arms
• Tingling or numbness in the arms and hands
• Fatigue
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Sleep disturbances

One of the most common causes of a whiplash injury is being hit from behind. If you have experienced any symptoms of whiplash from a rear end collision, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. After making sure your health is in order, reach out to a whiplash lawyer who can explain your legal options moving forward and get started on your case.

Types of Accidents that Cause Whiplash Injuries

While car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash injuries, they can occur in a variety of types of accidents such as:

• Rear-End Collisions: The most frequent cause of whiplash, where the impact forces the head backward then forward
• Side Impact Collisions: Can cause lateral whiplash when the head is forced sideways
• Front-End Collisions: May cause whiplash when the body is thrown forward against the seatbelt
• Slip and Fall Accidents: Falls can cause the head to snap back violently
• Sports Injuries: Contact sports and activities can result in whiplash
• Physical Assaults or Fights: Being struck or shaken can cause whiplash
• Amusement Park Rides: Sudden movements on rides can strain the neck

What to Do for Whiplash After a Car Accident

Whether or not you are suffering from neck or back pain after a car accident, you should still get checked for whiplash. Receiving medical treatment as soon as possible will also be beneficial to your possible recovery claim. A doctor examining you for whiplash will likely test:

• The range of motion in your neck and shoulder
• The amount you have to move for it to be painful
• Whether your neck, back, or shoulders are painful to the touch
• Whether there are more significant injuries such as a traumatic brain injury
• Neurological function to check for nerve damage

Additionally, your doctor may check to see if you have suffered nerve damage to your neck from a car accident. You may need to submit to certain testing. Once your doctor has evaluated your whiplash injury symptoms, you should keep a copy of that information for your attorney.

How Is Whiplash Treated?

If you are experiencing whiplash symptoms after an accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away. A doctor will be able to diagnose your neck injury and determine the best course of treatment. This may include:

• Rest and Limited Physical Activity: Allowing the neck to heal
• Pain Medication: Over the counter or prescription pain relievers
• Physical Therapy Exercises: To help regain strength and mobility in the neck muscles
• Chiropractic Care or Massage Therapy: For pain relief and muscle relaxation
• Ice and Heat Therapy: To reduce inflammation and promote healing
• Neck Braces or Collars: In some cases, to stabilize the neck during initial recovery

In severe neck injuries, surgery may be necessary if there is significant damage to the neck vertebrae or spinal cord.

Document Your Medical Expenses

It is a good idea to keep records of your medical expenses following a car accident. This will provide tangible evidence when you are trying to show how much compensation you deserve. A medical professional will also know what to look for when presented with the facts of your accident. You may have a whiplash injury, even if you do not feel like you are hurt. In fact, this is an extremely common occurrence among car accident victims. Your doctor will be able to find and identify damage of which you may not be aware. You may currently feel as though you are not injured , but the wear and tear of everyday life could cause an injury to develop. If this injury is left untreated, it could get worse. There is a possibility you could be compensated for the cost of treating an injury that develops because of your accident. The key is prompt medical evaluation. If your doctor can verify that your injury was a result of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

As you are treated for your injuries, make sure to talk to your whiplash lawyer. At Paul Padda Law, we will advise you as to the documentation and files we will need to support your claim.

Filing a Whiplash Claim After a Chicago Car Accident

When you have been hurt in a car accident, you have several options to get the help you need. You can try to recover compensation through your own insurance company. Alternatively, you can file a personal injury claim against the other driver. In either situation, it is imperative for you to act as quickly as you can.

When considering your options following a crash, it is important to consult your whiplash lawyer. An attorney will help you look at every detail and assist you in making decisions related to your case.

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How Do Personal Injury Lawyers Help After a Whiplash Injury?

An experienced whiplash injury attorney can determine if a personal injury lawsuit is appropriate following your car accident injuries. They can:

• Gather evidence and build a strong case to prove negligence on the part of the other driver
• Negotiate with the insurance company for fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
• Handle all legal aspects of your case so you can focus on recovering from your injury
• Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
• Work with medical experts to document the extent of your injuries
• Calculate the full value of your claim including future medical needs

How Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Prove Whiplash?

When a whiplash injury occurs, it may be challenging to prove in a personal injury case because soft tissue injuries are not visible on x-rays.

However, a skilled whiplash injury lawyer can gather evidence to demonstrate whiplash victims have a valid personal injury claim using things such as:

• Medical records and documentation from doctors diagnosing and treating the injury
• Testimony from medical experts who can explain the nature of whiplash injuries and their impact on the victim’s life
• Eyewitness accounts of the motor vehicle accidents and any visible damage to vehicles or property
• Documentation of symptoms and treatment over time
• Expert testimony on the biomechanics of the collision
• Physical therapy and chiropractic records showing ongoing treatment

Whiplash Injury Damages

The amount of compensation that you can receive for your whiplash injury will depend on the severity of the injury. Doctors will often diagnose whiplash using the following grading scale:

• Grade 0: No discomfort or physical symptoms
• Grade I: Neck pain, stiffness, or tenderness only, no physical signs
• Grade II: Neck pain with musculoskeletal signs (limited range of motion, point tenderness)
• Grade III: Neck pain with neurological signs (decreased reflexes, weakness, sensory deficits)
• Grade IV: Neck pain with fractures or serious spinal damage

The higher the grade of your whiplash, the more expensive your condition will be to treat. After your accident, do not speculate about whether you are okay. Such statements could end up decreasing how much you can potentially recover.

Compensation in whiplash cases may include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and income
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage

How Long Do I Have to File a Whiplash Injury Claim?

Under Illinois personal injury law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date the accident occurred. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years, or you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation.

Given this strict deadline, it is crucial to contact a whiplash lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to ensure your rights are protected.

What Is My Chicago Whiplash Injury Case Worth?

The value of your whiplash injury case depends on several factors:

• Severity and grade of the whiplash injury
• Duration of symptoms and treatment
• Impact on your daily life and work
• Amount of medical expenses incurred
• Future medical needs
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Degree of pain and suffering
• Strength of evidence proving the other driver’s negligence

At Paul Padda Law, we have successfully represented clients in whiplash cases, securing substantial compensation for their injuries. Our firm recently represented a client and obtained a $1 million settlement on his behalf because of his whiplash injuries sustained from a car accident. Prior to seeking out Paul Padda Law, the same client was told by another lawyer his case was worth only $50,000. This proves the point that a good settlement is no accident.

At Paul Padda Law, we are more than your lawyers. We are the allies you want to help you set things right.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Whiplash & Car Accident Claims

Contact a Whiplash Lawyer for Help Today

Whether or not they result in whiplash, car accidents can be devastating. If you have been injured in a Chicago car crash, contact Paul Padda Law to discuss your injuries. An attorney from our firm can tell you exactly how to document your whiplash injuries and how we will fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve. Having the right lawyer by your side is essential.

At Paul Padda Law, our dedicated personal injury attorneys understand the pain and frustration of a whiplash personal injury claim. We are committed to helping you seek justice and fair compensation, allowing you to focus on healing.

To request a consultation with a Chicago whiplash lawyer today, fill out the online form or call (312) 702-7000.