Whiplash Injuries

By Aline Miranda on April 19, 2011

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents, yet frequently disputed by the big insurance companies. Whiplash is actually a constellation of symptoms collectively referred to as whiplash syndrome caused by the sudden acceleration of a rear end collision. Whiplash injuries are real and there is substantial scientific and medical evidence documenting them. So why do the big insurance companies continue to fight these claims? The simple answer is money.

Insurance companies routinely deny whiplash claims, forcing accident victims to fight their claims in court and spend thousands of dollars hiring doctors, accident reconstructionists, and biomechanical experts to educate juries about whiplash injuries, how they are caused, and how they are treated. In turn, the insurance industry hires its own “experts” who will dispute your injuries, deny that the accident was severe enough to cause your injury, or claim that the treatment ordered by your doctor was excessive. By doing so, the insurance industry hopes to make dissuade accident victims from seeking justice in court. The financial stakes are high: $29 billion per year is spent on whiplash injuries and litigation in the U.S. If the big insurance companies can save even 1% of that amount by making victims fight their claims in court, they figure it’s worth it to do so.

Knowing the tactics of the big insurance companies is important. Having an aggressive advocate on your side is critical. If you, or someone you know, has been involved in a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or other accident, please call to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with me.