For many families, swimming in pools and lakes is a great way for children to beat the heat and cool off on hot summer days. If you have a young child who will be hopping in a pool or lake this summer, you may not give much thought to the color of their swimsuit. However, a study released this year revealed some swimsuit colors were much more visible than others in pools and lakes. The most difficult colors to see were white and light blue. Most visible choices were neon yellow, neon green, and neon orange.
Increasing your child’s swimsuit visibility can be compared to donning reflective gear which increases visibility on the road as a jogger or cyclist. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that more than 350 children are tragically killed in backyard swimming pool accidents each year, with the majority of deaths occurring in June, July, and August. The lawyers at GB Law have had the privilege of representing drowning victims’ families and have seen first-hand that while these tragedies are heartbreaking, they are often preventable. Swimsuit visibility is one consideration to make a child easier to see for the visual observer supervising the child.
Of course, the color of a swimsuit alone will not keep your child safe in the water. Your child should always be supervised by an adult. According to Aquatic Safety Connection, participation in formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that most children ages 4 and older are able to learn to swim and many children ages 1 to 4 are able to learn to swim. Swimming lessons, while highly recommended, are still not a substitute for undistracted adult supervision.
If you are a parent, you should know that drowning is quick, silent, and it can happen to anyone. For more resources, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics Drowning Prevention toolkit.
If you or someone you know has questions about swimming pool safety or drowning incidents, call GB Law for more information.
Have you been injured or have you lost a loved one in a delivery truck accident in Ohio involving a FedEx, USPS, UPS, or Amazon Prime vehicle? Victims of delivery truck accidents may be entitled to substantial compensation for their injuries, including:
Medical care expenses;
Rehabilitation and physical therapy;
Lost earnings; and
Pain and suffering.
Recovering fair compensation after an accident involving a delivery truck may be much more complicated than a car accident with another passenger vehicle. The major transportation companies have experienced legal counsel and virtually unlimited resources to defend personal injury claims. They may even go so far as to blame you for your injuries.
After an accident, a skilled and experienced Ohio delivery truck accident attorney at GB Law can help you protect your legal rights and fight for the maximum financial compensation you deserve. Under our contingency fee agreement, if we represent you, we will not charge any legal fees unless we recover money for you.
More Delivery Trucks on the Road than Ever Before
The lockdowns and quarantines arising from the COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in online shopping in 2020. Amazon reported a nearly 200 percent rise in profits as many people transitioned to online shopping for everyday purchases. With an increase in demand, there has also been a sharp increase in the number of delivery trucks and vehicles on the road.
It is nearly impossible to obtain accurate data on Amazon delivery vehicle accidents. Amazon’s organizational structure of fleet vehicles, flex drivers, delivery service partners (DSPs), and contract vehicles makes it difficult to accurately estimate the number of vehicles on the road, and the number of accidents. However, we do hear about accidents and incidents involving delivery trucks:
June 2020 — Cranbury Township, New Jersey: An Amazon Prime tractor trailer struck the rear of a Toyota Camry. Three people were injured, and a 1-year-old boy tragically died of his injuries at a nearby hospital.
June 2020 — Volusia County, Florida: The driver of a disabled Honda Civic was killed when he was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer carrying Amazon packages.
November 2020 — Salem, Ohio: The driver of an SUV was injured after being rear-ended by an Amazon van that reportedly failed to stop at a stop sign.
November 2020 — Greenville, Ohio: Two drivers were injured in a collision when the driver of a Ford Transit Amazon delivery van made a left turn and reportedly failed to yield to oncoming traffic.
March 2021 — Riverside, CA: An Amazon delivery truck slammed into a sheriff’s patrol vehicle that had responded to another accident. Two people died and two law enforcement personnel were injured.
In 2013, Amazon’s first chief financial officer was riding her bike when she was struck and killed by a vehicle delivering Amazon packages. Eventually, a $6.25 million settlement was reached by insurers for the carrier company, subcontractor, and driver. Sadly, this tragedy was not an isolated occurrence. Many of the settlements reached after delivery truck accidents are confidential, so just like statistics on the number of accidents, it is difficult to know how much logistics companies are paying out.
Amazon Flex Vehicle Accidents
Amazon relies on its own ridesharing service — called Amazon Flex — which hires “partner” drivers to deliver Amazon packages using their own vehicles. Drivers reserve a block of time, like 3 to 6 hours, and pick up packages from an Amazon delivery station and then deliver packages to customers’ homes and businesses in their own vehicles. If drivers do not deliver vehicles in the allotted time period, their relationship with Amazon as a Flex driver may be terminated, and future opportunities will not be available.
The Flex program allows Amazon to meet increased demand when it needs to, such as during peak holiday times or during Prime Day. It also saves them money, allowing them to use contract drivers instead of unionized drivers. If you are involved in an accident involving an Amazon flex vehicle, it may not be immediately obvious. The driver will be in their own vehicle. In Ohio, Amazon Flex operates in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Dayton.
Federal Safety Agency Looking at Delivery Truck Operations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates trucks used in interstate commerce (not local delivery trucks). Generally, FMCSA regulations do not apply to trucks that only operate in one state. However, we know the federal agency is taking a closer look at so-called “last mile” delivery trucks – those trucks that deliver to homes and businesses. FMCSA Associate Administrator for Policy Larry Minor acknowledged in 2020 that it was a revelation about how little the agency knew about what was going on. He went on to say, “even though we may not have any regulatory authority over [delivery trucks], there’s a safety conversation to be had.”
Trucking company FMCSA violations can be indicative of negligence which can lead to catastrophic truck accidents which can lead to serious injury or wrongful death. Operators can be cited for vehicle inspections, driver duty violations, and safety violations. Examples of safety violations operators have been cited for include:
Speeding 6 to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit;
Speeding 11 to 14 miles per hour over the speed limit;
Speeding 15 or more miles per hour over the speed limit;
Speeding work/construction zone;
Following too close;
Improper lane change;
Improper passing;
Inattentive driving;
Failure to yield to right of way; and
Using a hand-held mobile telephone while operating a commercial motor vehicle.
At GB Law, our attorneys and network of experts are well-versed in FMCSA regulations, as well as state and local regulations. After any trucking accident, we work quickly to determine whether the truck driver, trucking company, or any other parties violated federal, state, or local regulations or vehicle codes.
Causes of Ohio Delivery Truck Accidents
Many delivery vehicle accidents result from the incredible pressure companies put on drivers to meet delivery deadlines. Because drivers’ compensation is based on the number and rates of completed deliveries, some drivers inevitably jeopardize safety in order to get more packages delivered faster. Some of the causes of delivery vehicle accidents include:
Distraction from smartphone use while driving;
Driver exhaustion/fatigue;
Drivers rushed to complete all of their deliveries;
Driving under the influence of drugs;
Limited visibility as a result of piled packages in the windshield or mirror area;
Reckless/unsafe driving and/or speeding; and
Running stop signs or traffic signals.
In order to meet demand, Amazon has sought to offer solutions for urgent deliveries, offering next-day and same-day options, putting the threat of losing employment on drivers in order to meet deadlines and quotas. Beyond speeding and reckless driving have led to many accidents that have resulted in serious injuries and deaths.
Get a Free Consultation with an Ohio Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer
The Ohio personal injury lawyers at GB Law have been fighting for the rights of accidents for more than 30 years. We have reached a number of positive outcomes in delivery truck accidents and are here to help you. If you have been injured or are dealing with the aftermath of a loved one’s accident, we are available to provide an immediate case evaluation and review of your legal rights and options. Contact us today to discuss your potential case.
In July 2020, WSAZ News reported that an ambulance driver fell asleep at the wheel while driving in Scioto County, causing an ambulance rollover crash that injured two people. Unfortunately, accidents like this one involving ambulances occur all too frequently — and most ambulance accidents do not make the news. Accidents involving ambulettes, which transport patients on a non-emergency basis, also occur frequently and are underreported. In many cases, patients are dropped and seriously injured while being transferred to or from the ambulette. Ambulettes are also frequently involved in motor vehicle accidents causing serious injury or death to the patients. Many of those injury victims are unaware that they are entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost income, physical pain, emotional suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If you are injured in a collision involving an ambulance or ambulette or are struck by an ambulance as a pedestrian or bicyclist, you may be able to seek compensation in a personal injury claim. GB Law is a Columbus personal injury law firm that represents victims of ambulance accidents, including drivers and passengers in other vehicles, as well as motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Our dedicated attorneys have recovered more than $200 million for victims of serious injuries in Ohio. We also represent ambulance drivers and emergency personnel who are injured in traffic collisions while responding to calls. Contact us at 614-810-8806 to discuss your potential case with a personal injury attorney at our office.
Causes of Ohio Ambulance Accidents
Being involved in a collision with an ambulance can be extremely dangerous because emergency vehicles are larger than passenger vehicles and are often traveling at a high rate of speed. Collisions at intersections are common when vehicles are quickly changing direction, which may not allow for braking or slowing before a collision.
Emergency responders and ambulette drivers have a difficult job and work hard to protect the community, sometimes making quick actions and split-second decisions. State laws, including those in Ohio, provide broad immunity for EMS personnel. However, when ambulance drivers are making non-emergency transports, which do not involve overhead lights or sirens, they must honor all traffic regulations, including operating at speeds safe for weather conditions. Common causes of accidents involving ambulances in Ohio involve:
Distracted driving
Fatigued driving
Lack of driver training
Failure to activate lights and/or sirens when required
Speeding
Unsafely crossing intersections
Many accidents involving ambulances occur because drivers were not complying with mandated restrictions or operating requirements they were trained to follow. When an ambulance driver causes an accident, the ambulance company may be liable for victims’ damages, such as medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Before you accept an insurance company offer for an accident, speak to a knowledgeable and experienced Ohio personal injury lawyer to determine if the ambulance company or any other third parties may be liable for your injuries.
Ambulance Accident Statistics
Limited information is available about crashes involving emergency vehicles. According to the National Safety Council, in 2018, 168 people were killed in crashes involving emergency vehicles. Of these fatalities, 47 involved ambulances, 107 involved police cars, and 14 involved fire trucks. Accidents involving injuries occur much more frequently than fatality accidents. Serious injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating.
Contact GB Law for a Free Consultation
Although a personal injury claim cannot undo the pain of a serious injury, it can hold a negligent party accountable, and allow you to receive the best medical care and not be financially impacted by your injuries. When you contact GB Law about your Ohio ambulance accident, our award-winning Columbus personal injury lawyers will fully review your legal options, answer your questions, and provide an experienced-based opinion of your potential case. Your initial case evaluation with a lawyer is always free. If we represent you in our claim, we will not charge any legal fees unless we recover money for you.
Scott Bowman of GB Law recently appeared on Preferred Capital Funding’s podcast The Result to speak about a case early in his career that was resolved with a $750,000 settlement. The case, which many other lawyers had turned down, arose from a devastating wrongful death case involving a motor vehicle accident on a rural Ohio road. The collision involved a passenger vehicle striking a stopped trash truck which was located in a dangerous position at the crest of a hill.
After reviewing the collision report, Scott Bowman contacted a witness, who was able to shed light on the crash. Prior to the collision, the witness had lost control of her own vehicle after nearly hitting the trash truck. Moments later, another individual clipped the trash truck, before the ultimate fatal collision occurred at a high speed. At the heart of the case, were safety policies and procedures established by the trash company that ultimately caused a life-ending collision. In the podcast, Scott discusses the legal issues and challenges that arose in the case, and the key takeaways that still stand out years later.
For some personal injury claims, insurance companies will argue that the injured plaintiff has a legal obligation to mitigate, or minimize, the harmful effects and economic loss related to the accident. This is called the duty to mitigate damages.
Typically, the insurance company, the opposing party in this scenario, will try to prove that the Plaintiff failed to take reasonable actions that would have minimized his or her damages. They will argue that your claim for financial compensation should be reduced because you didn’t make reasonable efforts to mitigate damages.
For example, the insurance company may claim that you stopped receiving medical treatment against your doctor’s advice. Conversely, the insurance company may argue that you received too much medical treatment.
Proving Failure to Mitigate Damages
There are many ways the opposing party will try to prove that the injured party failed to mitigate damages.
Here are some strategies insurance company lawyers use when building a successful failure to mitigate defense — and how you can take reasonable steps to mitigate your damages following an accident.
Refusing Testing, Treatment, or Surgery
The test or standard for the plaintiff’s duty to mitigate damages is whether a reasonable person would have followed the doctor’s recommendations.
If your doctor recommends diagnostic testing, physical therapy, or surgery after an accident, you have the right to refuse that treatment.
However, your decision to not follow medical advice may make it difficult to recover all the damages you are legally entitled to receive.
Your personal injury attorney cannot make the argument that you did everything possible for your health and well-being after your accident if you chose not to follow your doctor’s advice or you engaged in activities that are likely to worsen your injuries and symptoms.
The insurance company may argue that your injuries would have resolved sooner or your symptoms would have been less severe if you had done what your doctor instructed you to do.
Failing to Seek Medical Care Right Away
In many personal injury cases, the injured party may not seek medical care immediately. The injured party might not experience any signs of injuries right away.
But when the signs do arise, plaintiffs receive treatment for an injury and then decide to file a personal injury claim. The insurance company’s legal team will use that against plaintiffs and cast doubt on the severity of a plaintiff’s injuries to reduce damages awarded.
That’s why we encourage anyone who’s been injured in an accident to seek medical care as soon as they can.
Failing to Follow Medical Care Recommendations
If your doctor recommends that you rest during your recovery, but you decide that you can’t— for any reason—the insurance company could argue that your decision impeded your recovery.
Similarly, the insurance company may argue that you prolonged your injuries if you return to work against medical advice and suffer an aggravation of your injuries.
If you fail to get recommended physical therapy or fail to take certain medications, you may be subject to the other side arguing you didn’t take steps to mitigate damages.
Failing to Seek Employment
If you intend to make a claim for lost earnings or wages, the law requires you to return to work or seek employment when your doctor determines that you are physically capable of performing the essential duties of your job or career.
Likewise, if you have lost your job or had to pause your search for a new job when you were injured, you have a duty to mitigate your wage loss. The defense may argue that you were capable of doing another job even if you were not able to return to the same job that you had at the time of the accident because of your injuries.
Claimants must be able to show their efforts to secure a new job by providing copies of applications, emails, resumes, and any other available documentation that demonstrates their efforts to mitigate their damages. This can be challenging to document.
If you are physically able to work and claim damages for lost earnings, the defendant may argue that your damages could have been reduced if you had returned to work, gotten a different job, or received training for a different career. If you are unable to work and will be claiming lost earnings, this must be documented by your doctors.
It is very important to have discussions about your ability to work during each visit with your doctor starting with the first office visit after the accident.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at GB Law
There are many reasons injury victims may wish to seek alternative solutions to their injuries. For example, some religious beliefs may limit the type of medical treatment a person may receive after a traumatic event.
Having the advice of a lawyer can help you navigate these situations to preserve the best possible outcome. If you have questions about your duties to mitigate damages, and when this may apply, talk to the Columbus personal injury lawyers at GB Law by calling us at 614-222-4444.
GB Law, a personal injury law firm in Columbus, is pleased to announce three attorneys have been named Ohio Super Lawyers in 2021. GB Law attorneys J. Scott Bowman, Michael K. Geiser, and Matthew E. Ice were selected to the Super Lawyers – Ohio 2021 list.
Along with selection to Ohio Super Lawyers list, partner J. Scott Bowman was selected to the Top 100: 2021 Ohio Super Lawyers list.
Super Lawyers is an attorney rating service owned by Thomson Reuters and represents the top five percent of lawyers in an area. The selection process includes statewide surveys, peer reviews, and independent research. The independent research includes a review of verdicts and settlements, experience, honors and awards, special licenses and certifications, bar and professional activity, pro bono and community service, and other outstanding achievements. Prior to official selection, each candidate’s standing is verified with state licensing authorities.
GB Law attorneys have received numerous awards and honors statewide and nationally, including many previous inclusions on the Super Lawyers lists.
J. Scott Bowman has been selected to Ohio Super Lawyers from 2015 – 2021 and was previously selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars from 2005-2007.
Michael K. Geiser was selected to Ohio Super Lawyers in 2012 – 2021.
Matthew E. Ice has been selected to Ohio Super Lawyers from 2018-2021.
The Columbus injury attorneys at GB Law are dedicated to helping Ohioans injured in accidents and due to the negligence of others. The firm has helped thousands of clients in Ohio and has recovered more than $200 million in verdicts and settlements, with a success rate of more than 98%. For more information, call GB Law at 614-222-4444.
Ohio, like many states, requires anyone with knowledge of a person being bitten by an animal, specifically a “non-human mammal,” to file a bite incident report. The report can be made by a person bitten, their health care provider, or by a veterinarian who has knowledge of the bite.
The specific code requiring bite reporting is Ohio Administrative Code 3701-3-28. Reports should be made within 24 hours of a bite occurring to the local health district where the bite occurred. Local health districts can be located on the Ohio Department of Health website. Reports of dog bites in Columbus should be made to Franklin County Public Health.
What To Do If You Are Bitten By a Dog in Ohio
Getting medical attention as soon as possible is critical following a dog bite. This is important for your physical well-being and preventing infection, as well as documenting your injuries should you decide to pursue a claim. In Ohio, the owner of a dog is strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog.
Unless the person harmed was provoking or teasing a dog, or was trespassing on the owner’s property, the owner of the dog will be liable. Typically, a dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance will pay for damages caused by a dog bite.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Injuries in Ohio
In an Ohio dog bite personal injury claim, victims may be able to recover damages for medical expenses (including plastic surgery for scarring or disfigurement), lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Many people who are bitten by a dog accept a settlement without fully understanding the full impact of their injuries. This can be an unfortunate mistake, as dog bite injury victims may be able to recover far more compensation if they have an experienced attorney representing them.
Consult with an Ohio Dog Bite Lawyer About Your Potential Case
At GB Law, our Columbus dog bite attorneys understand how far-reaching the effects of a dog bite incident can be, even beyond broken bones, disfigurement, and scarring. Before you accept an insurance company’s offer for a dog bite injury, call us at 614-222-4444 to discuss your legal rights. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your potential claim and answer your questions. If we represent you, under our contingency fee agreement, there are no legal fees unless we recover money for you.
Despite quarantines, curfews, and stay-at-home advisories, fatal accidents are up in Ohio, WSYX News reported earlier this month. Across the state of Ohio, fatal accidents are up more than 5% compared to last year. In Franklin County, fatal accidents are up about 13% over last year.
These numbers are alarming considering the number of people staying home from work and school during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of the first of December, 105 fatal accidents had been reported in Franklin County, up from 92 fatal accidents in the same period in 2019.
The City of Columbus is certainly aware of the magnitude of the problem. On their Vision Zero Columbus website, they monitor vehicle crashes, bicycle crashes, pedestrian crashes, and motorcycle crashes. However, deaths are happening at an alarming rate despite these stay-at-home initiatives.
This is not just a local issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that nationally, during the first half of 2020, the number of traffic deaths per mile driven went up, despite Americans driving a lot less in the first six months of the year. The reason for this disturbing rise in fatal accidents is likely due to:
A certain amount of people engaged in their usual careless habits despite stay-at-home orders, and;
Motorists driving at unsafe speeds with fewer vehicles being on the roadways.
The spike in traffic deaths has been a disturbing side-effect of this national pandemic.
Who Is Liable For COVID-Era Car Accidents?
Although every accident has its own unique set of circumstances, many of the car accidents we are seeing in 2020 involve gross negligence and disregard for the rules of the road and the safety of others. Recklessness and negligence may involve driving at high speeds and running red lights or operating a vehicle while distracted by cell phones or while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Protecting Your Rights and Future
Protect yourself and your passengers by knowing and following the speed limits, never driving while impaired or fatigued, and not driving while distracted by cell phones. Taking your eyes or mind off the wheel for even a couple of seconds can result in life-changing tragedies. Also, make sure you have plenty of insurance — not just the minimum required by the state. An estimated 1 out of 8 drivers in Ohio are operating without insurance, and many drivers have just the minimum. Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) Insurance protects you and your family when injured by someone else who is uninsured or underinsured.
Get Legal Help Following a Columbus Car Accident
GB Law is here to help and offers a free consultation to evaluate your legal rights following an accident. Our Columbus car accident lawyers will answer your questions and explain your legal options to file a personal injury claim. As with every case, if we represent you, we will never charge any legal fees unless we recover money for you. Call us at 614-222-4444 for your free consultation.
Following an injury accident that was caused by the driver of a tractor-trailer, semi-truck, or large commercial truck, it may seem logical that the trucking company is liable for your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. While trucking companies are often liable for the actions of their negligent employees, multiple other parties can be liable, including:
The truck driver;
Shipping companies that load trucks and trailers; and
Truck part manufacturers.
At GB Law, our team understands how much is at stake when you are seriously injured. Our Columbus personal injury lawyers are serious about recovering maximum damages for our clients, and getting them full and fair compensation for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you would like to know more about your legal rights following a truck accident, we are here to offer guidance, assistance, and award-winning legal representation, with no fees unless we win your case.
When is the Driver Responsible For a Truck Accident?
As the operator of a large commercial vehicle, the truck driver is responsible for all aspects of safely completing a trip. This requires detailed inspections, trip planning, and constant monitoring of vehicle speeds, other traffic, and road conditions.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation that regulates the trucking industry, has identified drivers as the critical reason in about 87% of accidents. The primary driver factors attributed to a large sampling of trucking accidents include:
Traveling too fast for conditions
Unfamiliar with roadway
Over-the-counter drug use
Inadequate surveillance
Fatigue
Pressure from trucking company/employer
Illegal maneuvers
Inattention
External distraction
Internal distraction
Following too close
Jackknifing
Alcohol
Illegal drugs
Some truck drivers are owner-operators, meaning they are the driver and also the owner of the vehicle. Comparative negligence laws in Ohio allow multiple parties to share liability for your medical care expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
Why Are Trucking Accidents Complex Injury Claims?
Personal injury claims involving commercial trucks are more complex than claims involving passenger vehicles for several reasons:
Commercial vehicles are required to have much higher amounts of insurance coverage. Because large amounts of money are at stake, insurance companies will spend large amounts of time and money defending claims.
Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to numerous federal regulations. Violations of federal regulations for hours of service, truck maintenance, and driver training.
Trucking companies and drivers are required to keep detailed records. Following a truck accident, a truck can be towed hundreds of miles away within a few hours. While the trucking company will arrange their own investigation to preserve evidence that will help them, the truck may be quickly repaired, destroying evidence that could help your claim. Hiring an attorney promptly can allow an independent investigation and preservation of relevant documentation like driver training records and maintenance logs.
Get a Free Consultation for Your Truck Accident Case
At GB Law, our Columbus truck accident attorneys have recovered more than $200 million for victims of serious injury in Ohio. Before you accept a settlement for your injuries or a loved one’s wrongful death in an Ohio trucking accident, call us at 614-222-4444 to discuss your legal rights and options. The consultation is free, and we are only paid if we recover money for you.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the term “whiplash” was first used in 1928 to describe a neck injury resulting from a traffic accident. Almost 100 years later, whiplash is still the most common injury resulting from a car accident, and Ohio car accidents are no exception.
While many people report improvement as their injuries heal in the days and weeks following a car accident, whiplash is one injury that can get worse in the aftermath of an accident. In fact, symptoms may not show up for days, and in rare cases, even weeks following an accident. Whiplash may be difficult to see on an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.
Whiplash Injuries Can Affect You For Months
Neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, reduced range of motion, and headaches are some of the most common short-term symptoms of whiplash. The long-term effects of whiplash injuries that may develop in the following days and weeks include:
Chronic pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders
Blurry vision
Difficulty sleeping
Jaw pain
Memory problems
Numbness, weakness, or sensory symptoms in the hands, arms, or legs
After an accident, you should always seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even though a whiplash injury may not cause immediate symptoms, both legal and medical experts recommend seeking medical attention immediately. Stiffness, loss of motion, and other serious side effects occur most often when untreated. Your record of getting medical care is also an important part of your personal injury claim.
Don’t Accept Less Compensation Than You Deserve
If you report a rear-end accident and whiplash injury to an at-fault driver’s insurance company, they may be quick to tell you that they accept liability and assure you that they will take care of you. Accepting a check for a few thousand dollars may resolve some immediate financial burdens and seem to be a straightforward resolution to a problem. However, an immediate solution can be a problem later. If you accept a quick settlement, you will not be able to request more compensation later for your additional medical expenses, time away from work, and pain and suffering.
Insurance companies want to pay you quickly for one reason: as part of the terms of accepting your payment, you will waive all rights to ask for more money later. Paying you quickly makes sense to them because it will save them a lot of money in the long run. You should never accept a personal injury settlement if you do not know how your injuries will heal and affect you months and years down the line. In the first few days and weeks following an accident, it is impossible to predict that your neck pain could be causing painful spasms and severe headaches a year later.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Don’t take on the insurance company alone. At GB Law, our Ohio car accident attorneys offer a free consultation to answer your questions and discuss your legal rights. Call us today at 614-222-4444. If we represent you, we will not charge any fees unless we recover money for you.
