The severity of a whiplash from a car accident is one of the primary factors in determining the value of a whiplash car accident settlement. But how can you tell if your whiplash is serious? If you experience severe and persistent symptoms—such as numbness, tingling, or changes in vision—it is possible you may have a severe whiplash injury. Milder cases may involve neck pain and stiffness that gradually improve over time without lasting impairment.
Regardless of the severity of your symptoms, you should take two immediate actions after your car crash: seek medical attention and consult with experienced car accident lawyers in California.
If you do not have health insurance or are unsure where to go for an evaluation, call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807. We can connect you with a local, independent physician to assess your injuries and recommend the most appropriate treatment. You will not pay out-of-pocket for our legal services; our fees, along with the doctor’s costs, are covered by the final settlement we secure for you.
What is a Whiplash from a Car Accident?
According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash “is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip.” In the context of car crashes, whiplash injuries are especially common in rear-end accidents. Symptoms are not always noticeable immediately; in some cases, it may take several days after the crash for them to appear.
This delay is one reason why it’s critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident—even if you don’t feel any symptoms at first. Prompt diagnosis not only helps you begin treatment sooner but also creates a medical record linking your injury to the crash, which is essential for an eventual whiplash car accident settlement.
How Do I Know I’ve Got Whiplash from my Car Accident?
The only reliable way to confirm you have whiplash from a car accident is through a medical evaluation. While checking for symptoms can give you an idea, only a qualified healthcare provider can diagnose the injury and document it for your claim.
Common signs of whiplash include:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
- Shoulder or upper back pain
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
What Can You Claim for a Whiplash From a Car Accident?
In California, a whiplash from a car accident claim can include far more than just the cost of your medical treatment. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses – Emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs), specialist consultations, physical therapy, medications, and future treatment needs.
- Lost income – Wages you missed while recovering, plus loss of earning capacity if the injury limits your ability to work in the future.
- Property damage – Repairs or replacement for your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the crash.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical discomfort, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the injury.
- Out-of-pocket costs – Transportation to medical appointments, home medical equipment, or other accident-related expenses.
Because insurance companies often undervalue whiplash claims—especially when symptoms are delayed—it’s important to have an experienced car accident lawyer assess the full extent of your damages and negotiate on your behalf. If you’re not sure about hiring legal aid for your claim, you can find more information in these original articles by Megeredchian Law:
Is it Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident in 2025?
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident? Why, When, and How
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do? Should I Hire One?
How Long Does a Whiplash Claim Take in California?
In California, the time it takes to resolve a whiplash from a car accident claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injury, the strength of your evidence, how clear liability is, the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate, and your attorney’s negotiation skills and experience.
State law also sets certain timelines: insurance companies must acknowledge a claim within 15 days and accept or deny it within 40 days after receiving all necessary documentation. However, these deadlines only cover initial claim handling—actual settlement can take longer, especially if treatment is ongoing or the insurer disputes your case.
A whiplash claim may settle within a few months if the injury is mild, liability is clear, and you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) quickly. More serious injuries, extended medical treatment, or disputed liability can push the process closer to a year or longer. If the case requires litigation, the timeline can extend to 18 months or more.
It’s also important to remember California’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which means you must file a lawsuit within two years of the accident to preserve your right to compensation.If you want a more accurate estimate for your case, call us at (866) 359-0807. We can evaluate your accident in just a few minutes. After that, Megeredchian Law can assign you an experienced attorney to handle your claim. Your attorney will fight aggressively to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve and will take your case to court if necessary.