Maison Law helps victims of truck accidents in California by answering their questions about the legal process. A truck accident, even if it’s relatively minor, is going to cause a lot of injuries. While some are worse than others, one of the most common is whiplash. You can certainly file an injury claim to help, but you may be wondering just how much you can get. We can help you through the process and understand what needs to be done for a strong claim. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Much Can You Get in Damages For Whiplash After a Truck Accident?
You have certain options when you’re hurt in a truck accident–whether it involves whiplash or something else. The main option you have is the ability to file an injury claim against whoever is responsible for the accident and your injuries.
You do this by either filing:
- An insurance claim out of court
- A personal injury lawsuit
The purpose of filing a claim is to recover “damages,” which is just the legal term relating to your losses that come about because of the accident. Whiplash and other physical injuries are a big part of your damages, but how much you can get depends on a few factors:
- How serious your whiplash is – Minor whiplash might only need a short recovery period, but severe cases could require ongoing treatment or therapy. The more serious your injury, the more you’re likely to receive. Be sure to keep track of all doctor visits, treatments, and medical bills.
- Emotional impacts – Whiplash isn’t just physical–it can cause anxiety, depression, or emotional distress. If you’re struggling emotionally because of the accident, this can be part of your claim. Writing down how you feel and keeping records of therapy or counseling can help.
- Changes to day-to-day life – If whiplash makes it harder to do things like drive, work out, or enjoy hobbies, this can increase your compensation. Statements from doctors or therapists can show how your life has changed because of the injury.
- Missed work – Whiplash might mean missing work or not being able to do your job like you used to. You can claim lost wages or even future income if your injuries prevent you from earning as much as before. Keep a record of any missed workdays or pay stubs.
- Who’s at fault – If you’re partly to blame for the accident, your compensation might be reduced. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you’ll only get 80% of the total damages.
Don’t wait too long–California gives you two years to file a claim after the accident. If you miss this deadline, you can’t file a claim or recover damages.
How Does Whiplash Happen in a Truck Accident?
It’s not surprising that whiplash is one of the most common injuries that can happen to you in a truck accident. The sheer size and weight difference means that the actual impact of the collision is going to be very damaging. Whiplash likely won’t be the only injury you suffer, but focusing on the different complications that come with it is important:
- Neck pain and stiffness – Whiplash can leave you with lasting pain and limited movement in your neck, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain.
- Headaches – Headaches are often caused by muscle strain or nerve irritation. They’re also a frequent side effect of whiplash and can be debilitating.
- Reduced range of motion – Many victims struggle to move their neck freely after a big rig accident, making everyday activities difficult.
- Cognitive and emotional impact – Beyond physical pain, victims may face challenges like difficulty concentrating, memory problems, irritability, or even depression.
- Chronic pain – In some cases, whiplash or other injuries can result in long-term pain that affects a person’s quality of life for months or years.
- Dizziness and vertigo – Some truck accident victims experience balance issues or a spinning sensation due to damage to the inner ear or neck.
- Shoulder and back pain – The impact can cause pain or stiffness in the shoulders, upper back, arms, and hands.
- Tingling and numbness – Damage to nerves in the neck can lead to tingling or numbness, often radiating down your arms or hands.
Whiplash and its associated injuries aren’t always immediately apparent. Symptoms like pain, stiffness, or cognitive issues may not show up until hours or days after the actual accident. Getting prompt medical attention can help diagnose and treat these injuries early, preventing complications and making sure you have proper documentation for any claims you may file. This also gives you a better idea of how much you can potentially recover in damages.
Getting the Right Legal Help After a Truck Accident in California
Truck accidents aren’t the same as regular car crashes–they’re usually much more serious. If you’ve suffered whiplash or other injuries, especially if they’re severe, it’s a good idea to get the right legal help. Our team at Maison Law has the experience and resources you need. Here’s what we can do for you:
- Liability – Truck accidents can involve drivers, trucking companies, or even manufacturers. We’ll figure out who’s at fault and explain your options.
- Collecting documentation – We’ll gather everything you need to support your case, like medical records, accident photos, or video footage.
- Dealing with insurance – Trucking companies and their insurers can be tough to negotiate with. We’ll handle the back-and-forth to make sure you’re treated fairly.
- Supporting your claim – We’re with you every step of the way, so you can focus on recovering while we handle the legal side.
Recovering damages for whiplash injuries can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Each case is unique, and we’ll create a plan that fits your situation, making sure you have a strong claim to recover from whiplash and your other injuries from the accident. Contact us today for a free consultation.
