Neck injuries can be costly and painful. If you have neck pain after a car accident in Columbus, you might be entitled to compensation. Find out what you deserve by speaking to a Columbus neck injury lawyer today.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help. We have 20-plus years of experience and over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts. If you were injured, get help from the “Strong Arm” today.
A Columbus personal injury lawyer can put you first after a neck injury.
What a Fair Neck Injury Settlement Looks Like
A fair settlement should cover all of your accident damages.
Your damages might include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription drug costs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
Settlements can range between thousands and millions of dollars. What you deserve depends on the severity of your injuries and costs. It also matters if you or another party were partially at fault.
Ideally, the at-fault party’s insurance company should cover the costs of your accident. You should not have to pay for expenses that were not your fault. If someone was negligent for your injuries, they are responsible according to OCGA §51-1-6.
The insurance company should offer you a settlement that accounts for all of your costs. To understand exactly what you deserve, call a Columbus neck injury lawyer.
Get the strong arm
What Happens If You Suffer Whiplash After an Accident?
Whiplash is a common neck injury that happens during car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. If you have whiplash from a crash you didn’t cause, you’re entitled to seek compensation.
You will probably need help proving that you have whiplash. Since it doesn’t show up on imaging tests, insurance companies will question if your whiplash really exists.
You’ll need to provide proof like:
- Doctor notes and diagnoses
- Medical records
- Prescription drug receipts
- Doctor testimony
Also, see a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you don’t feel neck pain immediately, get medical treatment.
Seeing a doctor will create a record of you getting medical help. It will also help you diagnose any injuries (like whiplash) that take time to show up.
According to MedlinePlus, neck injuries to any part of your neck can cause issues. Even minor inflammation can become incredibly painful or disabling. Don’t wait to get checked out after the accident.
How Your Settlement Gets Paid Out
After your accident, you can file a claim with the other side’s insurance company. The insurance company will usually respond by:
- Offering you a settlement
- Rejecting your claim
- Ignoring it altogether
Most accident victims will receive an offer. You might even get a quick offer that seems reasonable. But beware: the first offer is never good enough.
You will probably need to negotiate. It’s best to have a lawyer on your side who can help you fight for what you deserve.
If both sides agree on a settlement, you’ll receive a settlement check. Your lawyer will typically get the check first and then send you your money minus the legal fee.
How Much does a Neck Injury Lawyer Take Out of Your Settlement?
Most neck injury lawyers work on contingency. That’s always how we do it at John Foy & Associates.
Contingency means the lawyer only gets paid if they win you money. The lawyer’s fee is simply a percentage of the settlement or verdict you win.
Essentially, you pay nothing upfront and only pay if your contingency lawyer in Columbus is successful.
Lawyer Contingency Fees
Lawyer fees can vary by practice and case complexity. Most typically start at around 33% of what the client wins.
More complex cases might have a higher fee, but it also means a higher chance of winning a substantial settlement.
When you contact a lawyer, don’t be afraid to ask about their fee structure. A trusted, experienced law firm will be upfront about its processes.
Ways to Build Your Personal Injury Case
It’s not enough to say that you have a neck injury and demand compensation. The law requires you to back up your claim with evidence.
Here are some ways to begin building your case.
Gather Information at the Scene
If you’re well enough at the accident scene, you can gather crucial evidence.
You can:
- Take pictures of the entire scene, including your vehicle damage.
- Photograph any visible injuries you have.
- Talk to any eyewitnesses and ask for their contact information.
- Note any nearby traffic or surveillance cameras.
When you talk to a lawyer, bring this evidence with you.
See a Doctor
Some accident injuries need immediate medical attention.
But if you didn’t receive treatment at the scene, go to the doctor as soon as you can.
Your doctor can evaluate you for all injuries you might have. Neck injuries are good examples of ailments that you don’t notice right after an accident.
Save Evidence of Costs
Hold onto bills, receipts, and other documents that show what you paid or lost. You will need to provide proof of your losses in your claim.
Talk to a Lawyer First
Before you speak with the insurance company, call a neck injury lawyer. Otherwise, the other driver or their insurer might try to use something you’ve said against you.
Avoid discussing the accident with anyone else, especially on social media. Talk to a lawyer who can handle communication for you. This is the best way to protect your rights and fight for fair compensation.
Speak to a Neck Injury Lawyer in Columbus for Free
Don’t wait to get legal advice after your accident. Talk to our experienced team at John Foy & Associates today.
You pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us put our 20-plus years of experience to work for you. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your free consultation today.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form