Whiplash Settlement Guide for Arizona

Whiplash injuries are not always obvious, so you need to get medical attention even if you don’t feel any pain to ensure you get the correct diagnosis and treatment. Then, contact the best accident and injury attorney in Phoenix to provide guidance on the settlement process in Arizona.

What Is Whiplash?

When you’re in an accident, the force of the impact can cause your head and neck to move rapidly forward and back, like the cracking of a whip. 

Sometimes, whiplash results in a neck sprain that takes a few weeks to heal. Other times, whiplash can cause long-lasting pain and other complications like dizziness, headaches, numbness in the arms, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, depression, and ongoing pain in the neck, back, and upper shoulders.

Average Compensation for a Whiplash Injury

According to Consumer Shield, the national whiplash settlement ranges between $7,500 and $50,000, with an average of $18,950. After Arizona rear-end collision liability is established and evidence is collected, severe cases involving permanent disabilities, fractured necks, and lost income could settle for significantly more.

Factors That Impact a Whiplash Settlement

When insurance companies and lawyers evaluate potential settlements for a whiplash injury, they consider:

• Severity of injuries: Whiplash can involve herniated discs, concussions, and other serious medical issues; serious injuries may require hospitalization and long-term medical care
• Medical bills: Current and estimated future costs for hospitalization, medication, doctors’ visits, physical therapy, surgery, long-term nursing care, etc.
• Property damage: The extent of the damage done to the vehicles may support an argument about the severity of an injury
• Inability to work: Time taken off to recover from the initial injury and/or lost wages if you are no longer able to work because of the whiplash
• Pain and suffering: The impact the accident has on your quality of life and ability to participate in routine activities
• Insurance coverage: The amount of insurance the at-fault driver carries
• Strength of the evidence: Police reports, witness statements, photographs and video, medical reports, and more can impact the payout of a whiplash settlement

Most whiplash cases are settled out of court. However, keep in mind that insurance companies are businesses and will try to pay the least amount possible for a whiplash settlement. In Arizona, victims of a car accident also have to file a claim within two years to protect their rights.

Steps to Protect Your Whiplash Settlement in Arizona

What a Lawyer Can Do for You

The circumstances of every whiplash case are different. In Arizona, car accident settlements can take a few months to over a year. If an agreement can not be reached and the case has to go to court, the case could drag on even longer.

An experienced personal injury attorney from Gage Mathers knows the tricks insurance companies will try to undercut your claim. We can help you navigate the complicated legal process and negotiate a fair settlement for you while you focus on healing from your injuries!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
JD’s Profile