The fact that whiplash is a common car accident injury doesn’t make it any less devastating. At Levin & Malkin, our personal injury attorneys have spent over 40 years aggressively defending the rights of clients throughout New York and New Jersey who have suffered whiplash. For this reason, we are well aware of the broad spectrum of prolonged symptoms whiplash can cause. 

If you have suffered a whiplash injury due to someone else’s negligent or reckless driving, our accomplished attorneys are committed to fighting to obtain the compensation you need and deserve. Why not contact us now for a free consultation?

Defining Whiplash

“Whiplash” describes the sudden motion of the neck forward and then back that results from many traffic accidents, especially those in which the car in which the injured party is riding is rear-ended. Unfortunately, despite the many safety measures auto manufacturers now take — such as seat belts and airbags, too many drivers and passengers suffer whiplash, an injury that often has long-lasting consequences.

Symptoms Caused by Whiplash

The rapid motion is known as whiplash always affects the neck and upper back, but in more serious cases it also affects the brain. If the sudden impact of collision shakes the brain enough to cause it to hit against the skull, the concussion may result in traumatic brain injury (TBI). While whiplash injuries may cause long-term, even permanent symptoms, these symptoms may take a few days to become apparent.

The symptoms of whiplash may include:

  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches starting at the base of the skull
  • Pins and needles or numbness in the arms
  • Restricted range of motion in the neck
  • Severe neck or upper back pain
  • Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms
  • Worsening of pain with neck movement

If whiplash has resulted in a traumatic brain injury, the symptoms may include: 

  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Sleep disorders
  • Confusion
  • Memory loss
  • Depression 
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability, rage, or other mood changes
  • Seizures

Because whiplash symptoms may not show up right away, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention after any car accident, even if you feel fine. Your doctor will know the right questions to ask, how to interpret all elements of your physical examination, and where to look for evidence that you may have suffered a concussion. She or he will likely use imaging tests, like X-rays or MRI scans to determine or confirm your diagnosis.

Although most whiplash cases resolve over a period of weeks or months with such treatments as temporary immobilization of the neck with a soft brace, muscle relaxants, painkillers, and targeted physical therapy, a significant percentage of whiplash cases do not. If you are one of the unfortunate victims who continues to need treatment for chronic, perhaps even incapacitating, pain and limited range of motion, you are going to require the financial resources to carry you and your family forward. This is where our legal team can provide the support you need.

How Levin & Malkin Can Help You Obtain Compensation

Our whiplash attorneys know all the tricks tight-fisted insurance companies and their attorneys will use to protect their bottom line. We are well-prepared to use our considerable legal knowledge, skill, and outstanding reputation as leverage, both in and out of the courtroom, to greatly increase your chances of winning substantial damages.

Not only will we take over all communications with opposing counsel and insurance adjusters so that you can rest and recover, we will also thoroughly investigate the accident site, file all necessary documents promptly, examine police reports and medical data, and interview any witnesses. We will create a strong courtroom strategy that can also be of tactical use during negotiations that may lead to an out-of-court settlement large enough to meet your needs and secure your future. 

Our sharp attorneys will also check into the defendant’s past to see if she or he has previously been accused or convicted of drunk, distracted, or reckless driving, and will seek out specialists in any related field (e.g. medical or accident reconstruction) to fortify our case with expert testimony. Because we understand the difficulty of your situation as medical and other bills pile up and you are unable to work, we will charge you no attorneys’ fees until we win you damages. 

New York and New Jersey Are Both No-Fault States

In no-fault states, regardless of whose fault the accident was, you will first be tapping your own insurance company for compensation. No-fault insurance, however, covers only economic losses, providing free diagnostic, medical, and rehabilitation and a percentage of your wages. This means that if you have suffered a severe whiplash injury, you will need Levin & Malkin to file a lawsuit against the responsible party.

Damages We Will Fight to Obtain for You

At Levin & Malkin we firmly believe that you deserve compensation for all that you have been through, including:

  • Property damage (such as car repair or replacement) 
  • Physical pain and mental anguish
  • Permanent disability
  • Lost future income
  • Psychological counseling for PTSD and ongoing trauma
  • Inability to enjoy life

If the defendant’s misconduct was especially egregious, our attorneys may also be able to have you awarded punitive damages. 

Contact Our Experienced Whiplash Attorneys Today

During this difficult period, you may feel overwhelmed by physical, emotional, and financial pain. Let the competent, compassionate whiplash attorneys at Levin & Malkin come to your aide. During our years of practice, we have won millions of dollars for our deserving clients and would like nothing better than to assist you in your fight for justice and a secure future.