New York Whiplash Injury Lawyer
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury most commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward, overextending the muscles, ligaments, and joints in the neck. Though often misunderstood, whiplash can lead to serious, long-lasting consequences—including chronic pain and disability.
If you suffered whiplash in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced New York whiplash injury lawyer can help you seek full and fair compensation.
Common Causes of Whiplash
Whiplash can result from various incidents, including:
- Rear-end car accidents (the most common cause)
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Rideshare or taxi collisions
- Bus or commercial vehicle crashes
- Slip and fall accidents
- Trip and fall accidents
Symptoms of Whiplash
Whiplash symptoms may appear immediately or be delayed for hours or even days. Common signs include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Headaches (often at the base of the skull)
- Shoulder, upper back, or jaw pain
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Fatigue and insomnia
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Blurred vision
- Memory issues, irritability, depression, and mood changes
Because whiplash injuries affect soft tissues, they may not appear on X-rays, making diagnosis reliant on physical exams, patient-reported symptoms, and possibly MRI or CT scans.
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment for whiplash depends on the severity of the injury and may include:
- Physical therapy and range-of-motion exercises
- TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
- Chiropractic care or acupuncture
- Massage therapy or yoga
- Use of cervical foam collars (in certain cases)
- Rest and restricted activity
- Ice or heat therapy
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications
- Muscle relaxants or lidocaine injections
Recovery times vary. Mild cases may resolve in a few weeks, while more severe injuries can last months or even years. Studies show that up to 75% of people with significant mobility limitations from whiplash still report symptoms a year after the accident.
Long-Term Complications
In more serious cases, whiplash can lead to:
- Chronic pain and stiffness
- Permanent muscle damage and reduced flexibility
- Neurological symptoms from ligament or spinal cord damage
- Long-term disability
Legal Rights and Compensation
Under New York law, if another party’s negligence caused your injury, you may seek compensation through:
- No-Fault Insurance – Covers up to $50,000 in medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses, regardless of fault
- Personal Injury Lawsuit – Available if your injury meets New York’s “serious injury” threshold, including:
- Significant limitation of a body function or system
- Permanent consequential limitation of an organ or member
- 90 out of 180 days of disability following the accident
Damages may include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Home care or childcare costs
Statute of Limitations
- No-Fault Claim: File a no-fault application within 30 days of the accident
- Personal Injury Lawsuit: Must be filed within 3 years of the accident date
Prompt action helps preserve evidence and strengthens your claim
How a Whiplash Injury Lawyer Can Help
Insurance companies frequently downplay or deny whiplash claims, especially when symptoms are delayed or invisible on imaging. A skilled New York whiplash attorney can:
- Investigate the accident and gather critical evidence
- Establish liability
- Obtain and present medical records and expert opinions
- Handle insurance communications and negotiations
- Accurately calculate your claim’s full value
- Represent you in court if necessary
Don’t Be a Victim Twice – Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
If you or a loved one is experiencing whiplash after a motor vehicle accident or another traumatic event, call the New York City Whiplash Injury Lawyers at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP. Our firm’s motto is “Don’t Be a Victim Twice”. call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) to schedule a confidential consultation. The New York Whiplash Personal Injury attorneys at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP have helped countless whiplash victims across New York City, as well as Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk and Rockland Counties. With decades of combined legal experience, we know how to counter insurance tactics and demonstrate the full impact of your injuries. Whiplash victims may be entitled to significant compensation. If you are a whiplash victim, call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462). The call is free. The consultation is free.
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