At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we understand how debilitating a whiplash injury can be. A sudden car accident or other traumatic event can leave you dealing with chronic pain, limited mobility, and mounting medical bills.
Our team is here to provide the legal guidance and representation you need to recover compensation for your injuries. As a top-rated Queens accident lawyer, we are committed to fighting for justice and ensuring your rights are protected.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth neck movement, often compared to the cracking of a whip. This type of injury frequently occurs in rear-end car accidents but can also result from sports injuries, physical assaults, or falls.
Symptoms of whiplash can vary widely and may include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Fatigue
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
Some victims experience these symptoms immediately after the accident, while others may not notice them until days later. This delayed onset can complicate both diagnosis and legal claims, making it essential to consult a whiplash injury attorney in Queens as soon as possible.
The Prevalence of Whiplash Injuries
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 2 million rear-end collisions occur annually in the United States, many of which result in whiplash injuries. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that neck sprains and strains, including whiplash, are the most common injuries in car accidents, accounting for nearly 60% of all reported injuries.
The high volume of traffic in Queens increases the likelihood of accidents. The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) documented over 200,000 reported car accidents in 2022, many resulting in neck and back injuries.
Understanding Whiplash Claims in Queens
New York is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that your insurance company is responsible for covering basic medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
However, serious injuries, including severe whiplash, may qualify you to file a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation.
Under New York law, you can pursue a claim outside the no-fault system if your injury meets the “serious injury threshold.” Defined by Article 51 of the New York Insurance Law, this threshold includes:
- Significant limitation of use of a body function or system
- Permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member
- A medically determined injury that prevents the injured party from performing daily activities for at least 90 out of the first 180 days following the accident
If you believe your whiplash injury meets these criteria, contact us to speak with an experienced Queens accident lawyer. We will help evaluate your case and determine the best course of action.
Call us today at 516-221-7900 or contact us online using our free and secure submission form. We are available 24/7 to assist you and offer FREE initial consultations.
How We Help Whiplash Injury Victims
As a top-rated auto accident lawyer in Queens, we have the resources and experience to build a strong case for your whiplash claim. Here’s how we can assist you:
1. Thorough Investigation
We gather critical evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements. In some cases, we work with accident reconstruction specialists to prove liability.
2. Comprehensive Medical Documentation
Whiplash injuries can be challenging to prove because they often don’t appear on standard diagnostic tests like X-rays. We work with medical professionals to document your injuries thoroughly, using MRI scans, CT scans, and detailed physician reports.
3. Calculating Damages
We ensure that all your economic and non-economic damages are accounted for. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
4. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often undervalue whiplash claims or argue that the injury is exaggerated. As your whiplash accident attorney near me, we handle all communications with insurers to secure a fair settlement.
5. Litigation When Necessary
While most personal injury claims are settled out of court, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company fails to offer adequate compensation.
Common Challenges in Whiplash Injury Cases
1. Proving the Severity of Whiplash
Insurance adjusters often downplay whiplash injuries, arguing that they are minor or pre-existing. We counter these arguments by presenting compelling medical evidence and expert testimony.
2. Delayed Onset of Symptoms
The delayed appearance of whiplash symptoms can make it difficult to link the injury directly to the accident. Prompt medical attention and detailed records are crucial to overcoming this challenge.
3. Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have a history of neck or back problems, the insurance company may claim that your injury is unrelated to the accident. As your Queens whiplash injury lawyer, we work to prove that the accident aggravated or worsened your condition.
Why Choose Us?
At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we have over 25 years of experience handling personal injury claims in Queens and the greater New York. Our dedication to client satisfaction has earned us a reputation as a trusted and top-rated auto accident lawyer in Queens.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Proven Results: We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
- Personalized Attention: We treat every case as unique and provide individualized support to meet your needs.
- No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
When you work with us, you’re not just another case number. You’re part of our family, and we’re committed to securing your best possible outcome.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
As your whiplash injury attorney in Queens, we strive to maximize your compensation by pursuing all applicable damages. These may include:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost during your recovery and reduced earning capacity for long-term injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for your injury’s physical and emotional impact.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle.
Steps to Take After a Whiplash Injury
If you’ve been involved in an accident and suspect you have a whiplash injury, follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine. Delayed symptoms are common with whiplash.
- Report the Accident: File a police report and inform your insurance company.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters: Let us handle all communications to prevent your statements from being used against you.
- Contact a Queens Whiplash Injury Lawyer: The sooner you consult with us, the stronger your case will be.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve suffered a whiplash injury in Queens, don’t navigate the legal process alone. As your trusted Queens accident lawyer, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Contact The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III today for a free consultation.
Let us fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.
“Joseph J Perrini, esquire and his staff were top-notch and extremely caring and professional from the inception to the conclusion of my case. They got me so much more money than I expected and I strongly recommend anyone injured in an accident to use their”
- Margaret H.