If you or a loved one has recently experienced a car accident in Indiana and are dealing with the pain and frustration of a whiplash injury, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. The insurance claims process can seem confusing and daunting, but you are not alone. At Wyant Law, we understand how stressful this time can be. Our team is here to guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies who may not have your best interests in mind.
Understanding Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that commonly occurs in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. It happens when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then back, causing strain on the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. The symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and even difficulty concentrating. These injuries can be both painful and debilitating, and in some cases, they can last for months or even years.
If you have been diagnosed with whiplash after a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, getting the compensation you deserve can be a complicated and lengthy process. That is where the role of insurance companies comes in.
How Insurance Companies Evaluate Whiplash Claims
When you file a claim for whiplash, the insurance company will review your case to determine how much compensation they are willing to offer. This process can be difficult, especially since insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible. They may use various tactics to minimize or deny your claim, which is why it is essential to understand how they handle these cases.
One of the first things the insurance company will do is assess the severity of your injuries. They will look at medical records, the extent of your treatment, and whether you were diagnosed with whiplash. The insurance company may also review the police report from the accident and any statements you or the other driver made about the incident.
Attorney Christopher Wyant is here to help you.
With over 17 years of experience, Attorney Wyant has spent his entire legal career representing individuals who have been injured or killed as a result of the carelessness of others. With trial experience in over 20 jury trials, he has handled cases involving wrongful death and personal injury arising out of automobile crashes, premises liability, slips and falls, dog attacks, and civil rights violations.
In some cases, the insurance company may question the legitimacy of your injury, especially if your symptoms are not immediately visible or if they appear to improve over time. They may argue that your whiplash injury was not caused by the accident or that it is not as severe as you claim. Insurance adjusters may also try to downplay your pain and suffering, suggesting that it is not as serious as you believe.
Why Insurance Companies Try to Undervalue Whiplash Claims
Insurance companies are in business to make a profit, and one of the ways they do that is by paying out as little as possible on claims. This is especially true for whiplash injuries, which can sometimes be difficult to prove. Since whiplash is an injury that is often not visible on X-rays or other diagnostic tests, insurance companies may try to argue that your injury is not as serious as it is. They may offer you a low settlement or deny your claim altogether, hoping that you will accept the offer or give up on pursuing further compensation.
Another reason insurance companies undervalue whiplash claims is that they know many people are unfamiliar with the claims process and may not fully understand their rights. They may offer a quick settlement to resolve the claim, knowing that you may not have the knowledge or resources to fight back. However, this quick offer is often much lower than what you could receive if you pursued the claim with legal help.
My husband and I were involved in an auto accident. The driver that hit us was without a doubt at fault. In less than 2 days we were getting calls from the driver’s insurance company wanting us to accept 15% fault. The calls kept coming to try and push us into a settlement. We decided to get legal help and found Chris Wyant. Once Chris took over we felt a big load lifted. He is very knowledgeable, well prepared and makes everything so much easier to understand the process. Chris has a very diligent work ethic that gets results. We are so very grateful to have found Chris. We highly recommend Chris Wyant.”
- Kathaleen Boyce
Chris was awesome from the very first meeting. Very professional and knowledgeable. He knew what needed to be done and what he needed from us. He was exceptionally easy to work with and very patient with all of the questions we had. All we had to do was either call or email him with a question and he responded as quickly as he could. I couldn’t be happier with his services. I would definitely recommend his practice to anyone."
- Rita Bridge
God Bless Wyant Law. I can honestly say that Chris went to bat for me in such a huge way during such a trying time. He was very professional and upfront about every step he took. I would 100 percent recommend Wyant Law for your legal needs."
- Briana Shouse
How to Deal With Insurance Companies During a Whiplash Claim
Dealing with insurance companies can be a frustrating and time-consuming process, but it is important to stay patient and persistent. There are several steps you can take to ensure that you are treated fairly and receive the compensation you deserve.
First, make sure you keep thorough records of all medical treatments, doctor’s visits, and any related expenses. This documentation will help support your claim and provide evidence of the severity of your injury. You should also keep track of any lost wages due to your injury, as this may be part of your compensation.
Second, never accept the first offer from the insurance company without consulting with an attorney. The initial settlement offer is often much lower than what you are entitled to, and accepting it could mean losing out on significant compensation. An attorney can review the offer, assess the full value of your claim, and help you negotiate a better settlement.
Finally, always be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters. Anything you say to them can be used against you in the claims process. Avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault or downplaying the severity of your injury. It is always best to let an attorney handle communications with the insurance company to protect your interests.
The Role of an Attorney in Whiplash Claims
Navigating a whiplash claim can be complicated, especially when dealing with insurance companies who may try to minimize your injury. That’s why it is important to have an experienced attorney by your side. An attorney can help you understand your rights, gather the necessary evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
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At Wyant Law, we work hard to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to. We know the tactics that insurance companies use to undervalue or deny claims, and we are prepared to fight for your rights. We will work closely with your doctors and other medical professionals to build a strong case, ensuring that you receive the proper treatment and the compensation you deserve.
Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from filing your claim to negotiating with the insurance company to representing you in court if necessary. We understand that this process can be overwhelming, but with our help, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case.
If you are dealing with a whiplash injury after a car accident in Indiana, it is important to understand how insurance companies handle these claims and how you can protect your rights. Insurance companies are in business to make a profit, and they will often try to undervalue or deny your claim. However, with the right legal support, you can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Wyant Law, we are committed to helping you navigate this challenging process. We understand the stress and frustration that come with whiplash injuries, and we are here to fight for your best interests. If you are ready to take the next step, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
