Average Settlement for Whiplash in Oklahoma City

If you’ve been in a car accident in Oklahoma City that’s left you with a sore, stiff neck and persistent headaches, you’re likely suffering from whiplash – one of the most common injuries we see in our personal injury practice at 222 Injury Lawyers.

While whiplash is often dismissed as a “minor” injury, the pain and limitations it causes are very real. If someone else’s negligence led to your accident, you shouldn’t have to suffer the physical, emotional, and financial consequences on your own.

As you focus on your physical recovery, you’re probably wondering what your whiplash injury claim could be worth. In this blog post, we’ll explain the factors that impact the average settlement for whiplash, share some real-life case examples, and let you know how our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, often compared to the cracking of a whip. This sudden, forceful motion stretches and tears the muscles and tendons in the neck. Rear-end car accidents are a leading cause of whiplash, but it can also occur in side-impact collisions, front-end accidents, and other personal injury scenarios.

Common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Shoulder, upper back, or arm pain
• Unusual fatigue

Some people with whiplash also experience difficulty concentrating, memory problems, ringing in the ears, sleep disturbances, and depression. Symptoms usually appear within 24 hours of the accident but may take a few days to develop. While whiplash can get better in a few weeks with proper treatment, some people suffer chronic neck pain and headaches for months or years after their injury.

Factors That Affect Your Whiplash Settlement

Several key factors will influence the value of your whiplash claim:

Severity of Your Injury

Generally, more severe whiplash injuries lead to higher settlements. Important considerations include:

• Intensity of your pain, stiffness, and other symptoms
• Duration of your symptoms
• Extent of any disability or physical limitations
• Objective signs of injury on X-rays or other imaging tests

Required Medical Treatment

The nature and cost of your whiplash treatment will impact your settlement. Chiropractic care, pain medication, and physical therapy for a few months will likely result in a smaller settlement than a more serious injury requiring injections, surgery, or years of therapy and rehabilitation.

Impact on Your Work and Life

If your whiplash prevents you from working, caring for your family, sleeping comfortably, or taking part in hobbies and activities you enjoy, your settlement should account for those losses. More significant effects on your life tend to increase your compensation.

Your Own Degree of Fault, if Any

Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be partly at fault for your accident, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of the blame. As long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation.

Average Whiplash Settlements

Since every case is unique, putting an exact dollar figure on a whiplash claim is impossible. However, based on our experience, some rough ranges are:

• Mild to moderate whiplash: $2500 to $10,000
• Moderate to severe whiplash that requires more extensive treatment and significantly impacts your life: $10,000 – $30,000
• Severe, chronic whiplash resulting in disability: $30,000 – $100,000+

Of course, there’s no guarantee your claim will fit neatly into one of these ranges. At 222 Injury Lawyers, we’ve resolved whiplash claims for anywhere from a few thousand dollars to six figures, depending on the specific circumstances.

Real Oklahoma Settlement Examples

To give you a better idea of potential settlement values, here are some real cases we’ve handled:

• $750,000 verdict for a client who suffered a herniated disc after a rear-end collision involving minimal property damage (Glass v. Cross Country Freight, et al.)
• $1,000,000 settlement for a client who suffered injuries in a rear-end crash with no visible vehicle damage, obtained after a two-week trial (Likowski v. Jim Norton Toyota)

While your specific whiplash settlement will depend on the unique facts of your case, these examples demonstrate our commitment to fighting for maximum compensation, even when the insurance company argues the collision was too minor to cause real injury.

We know whiplash is no minor matter, and we’re here to help you get the medical care and financial recovery you need to move forward after an accident.

Getting Fair Compensation for Your Whiplash Injury

Unfortunately, getting a reasonable settlement isn’t always easy, especially in whiplash claims. Insurance companies are often quick to deny or devalue these injuries. They may claim your whiplash isn’t that serious or even suggest you’re exaggerating. Don’t let these tactics pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.

At 222 Injury Lawyers, we know the impact whiplash can have on your life. We’re here to listen to your story, thoroughly investigate your claim, and advocate aggressively for your rights. With decades of experience standing up to insurance companies and at-fault parties, we have the knowledge and determination to pursue the maximum compensation possible.

Take advantage of our free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn more about your legal options and the potential value of your whiplash claim. We’re ready to put our skills, experience, and dedication to work for you. If someone else’s negligence caused you pain, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden alone. Contact 222 Injury Lawyers online or call us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to see a doctor if I think I have whiplash?

Yes, always seek medical attention after an auto accident, even if your pain seems minor. Whiplash symptoms may take time to appear, and prompt diagnosis and treatment can improve your recovery. Seeing a doctor also documents the injury for your legal case.

What is the average settlement for a whiplash injury in Oklahoma?

There is no set average settlement, as each case is unique. However, whiplash settlements generally range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the injury severity, required treatment, and impact on your life. In cases of chronic whiplash pain and disability, settlements may exceed $100,000.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for my whiplash claim?

At 222 Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs, and we only collect a fee if we win compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement, so you never have to worry about affording quality legal representation.

What if the insurance company denies my whiplash claim?

Insurance companies often try to deny or minimize whiplash injuries. If this happens to you, don’t get discouraged or accept an unfair offer. An experienced whiplash attorney can gather evidence, build your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.