Whiplash Injury Attorneys in St. Louis

Nurse checking x-ray

Are you dealing with a whiplash injury after an accident in St. Louis? The legal team at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC wants to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers have extensive experience with St. Louis whiplash compensation claims and are ready to work tirelessly for you. 

We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and how we can assist you. Don’t wait to get the legal support you need when facing whiplash injuries in St. Louis. Contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC today to learn how we can help you with your whiplash claim. 

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a type of neck injury that results from the forceful, rapid, back-and-forth movement of the neck. This motion can cause soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, and tendons to stretch and tear, leading to painful symptoms that significantly reduce quality of life.

The term “whiplash” refers to the nature of the injury, which is characterized by a swift, whip-like motion of the neck forward and then backward, similar to the cracking of a whip. Whiplash is a relatively common injury but can be challenging to diagnose and treat. 

Diagnosing whiplash usually involves a physical exam and sometimes imaging tests to rule out other injuries. Treatment typically includes pain management, exercise, and physical therapy to restore a normal range of motion and strengthen the neck and upper back muscles. Some people recover from whiplash injuries within a few weeks or months, but many patients experience chronic neck pain and other long-lasting complications. 

What Causes Whiplash? 

A whiplash injury can occur in any situation where a sudden force causes the head to snap forward and then back rapidly. While car accidents are the most notorious culprits, whiplash can occur due to any of the following incidents:

  • Rear-end vehicle collisions – Rear-end crashes are the most well-known and frequent cause of whiplash. The sudden impact from one car hitting the back of another can cause the occupants of the front car to experience rapid and dangerous back-and-forth neck movements.
  • Sports injuries – Contact sports such as football, hockey, rugby, and martial arts can involve impacts that jerk the head around violently, leading to injuries similar to those seen in vehicular accidents.
  • Amusement park ride incidents – Roller coasters and other high-speed rides that suddenly accelerate or decelerate can cause the head to snap forward and back, potentially causing whiplash injuries.
  • Falls—A fall that violently whips the head back or to the side can cause whiplash, especially if it is unexpected and the victim has no time to react.
  • Other non-vehicular accidents – Any incident that causes the head to abruptly move forward and backward or side to side can cause whiplash.
  • Physical abuse or assault – Violent behaviors like punching or shaking can also produce rapid neck movements that cause whiplash.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash?

The symptoms of whiplash can vary widely in both nature and severity, ranging from relatively mild discomfort to severe, chronic pain and disability. Some of the signs and symptoms associated with whiplash include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Worsening pain with neck movement
  • Loss of range of motion in the neck
  • Headaches, typically starting at the base of the skull
  • Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms
  • Tingling or numbness in the arms
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Mood changes

What Is My Whiplash Injury Worth After a St. Louis Car Accident?

If you suffered a whiplash injury in a St. Louis car crash, you could have grounds to file a personal injury claim demanding compensation for the harm you have suffered. With a successful claim, you could recover fair compensation for the following:

  • Medical bills for past and future treatments
  • Lost wages if you can’t work because of your injury
  • Loss of earning capacity if you can’t make as much money as before
  • Pain and suffering from physical discomfort and emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life if you can’t do hobbies or activities you used to enjoy

The amount of compensation you can recover for your whiplash injury case will vary considerably depending on the circumstances. Any of the following factors could affect the value of your claim during the settlement process:

  • Injury severity and duration – More severe injuries that require longer recovery times typically lead to higher compensation. Chronic pain or complications can significantly affect claim value.
  • Impact on daily life – If your injury affects your ability to perform daily activities or participate in hobbies you once enjoyed, it can increase your claim’s value.
  • Liability and negligence – The circumstances of the accident and the degree of fault also play key roles. If the evidence suggests the other party is clearly at fault, your claim might be stronger.
  • Insurance coverage – The at-fault party’s coverage limits can affect your insurance settlement. Higher policy limits allow for larger whiplash injury settlements.
  • Evidence and documentation – Strong evidence can significantly increase the value of your whiplash claim. That could include medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.
  • Legal representation – Having experienced legal representation can positively impact the value of your claim. Our knowledgeable whiplash injury lawyers in St. Louis can negotiate more effectively with insurers.

How Long Do I Have to File a Whiplash Injury Lawsuit? 

In Missouri, you have five years from the day you get a whiplash injury to take legal action against those responsible. If you wait longer than five years, you could lose your chance to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries. 

The strict deadline means you should contact our lawyers as soon as possible after a whiplash injury. Our St. Louis whiplash attorneys are ready to move your claim forward quickly and handle all the necessary details for your whiplash injury lawsuit before the deadline expires.

Call Our St. Louis Whiplash Injury Lawyer for Help Now 

Are you ready to take the next step with your St. Louis whiplash injury claim? Contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC today for a free initial consultation. Our team is prepared to help you fight for the maximum compensation you deserve for your whiplash injuries.