Calculating Your Compensation for Whiplash

05/04/2012 18:31

It is obvious that whiplash often occurs when the body is actually subjected to some sudden jerking movements. Moreover, this may cause the minor sprain or severe injuries of the head, neck and spinal cord. This type of injury generally occurs during road accidents. Whiplash is not a fatal injury, but it takes some time to recover. Anyway, it is classified as an injury, thus it can be claimable. If you want to calculate your claim, you definitely need a medical examiner to evaluate your injuries.

Causes of Whiplash

 Well, the most common cause of whiplash is when a person is in the car and another vehicle suddenly strikes it, causing this individual to jolt out of his or her position. Thus the head and neck of that person jerk forward and backward, causing a hyperextension of the vertebrae. Consequently, it can lead to the abnormal shape in the spine after this kind of impact.


But how can you identify whiplash? After an auto crash you must be examined for the following symptoms: constant headaches, stiffness in the neck, pain in your jaws, shoulders and arms, problems with visuals, and ringing of the ears. Furthermore, any chronic whiplash associated disorder includes: the anger, anxiety, depression, frustration, insomnia and so on. And the best medical attention must be provided after such a preliminary check. The standard X-rays may reveal some existing inner damages and their severity.

Calculating the Worth of Whiplash

In case you want to file car accident claims, you need to know that your compensation for whiplash can be categorized as special or general damages. In fact, to be qualified as a general damage, whiplash should cause you the pain and suffering. Your loss of enjoyment and emotional suffering can be general damages as well. However, the court will decide on the worth of your injury based on verdicts of previous cases. And the most important factor of car accident claims is your emotional state.


In addition, special damages should cause any permanent damage, for example like the loss of hearing, loss of functioning of any body part and so on. Such damages also include the repairing charges for the damages of your car. And they are paid for severe injuries to get the right amount of compensation for whiplash and keep your bills safe. So now you are aware of the process of filing car accident claims and getting your legal compensation for whiplash. It is not very complicated!