Seeking compensation for a whiplash injury related to a motor vehicle accident in Western Australia? Soul Legal motor vehicle injury lawyers can help you get the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
According to Main Roads the last 5 years have seen over 145,000 crashes on WA roads. If a driver or vehicle owner is involved in a crash, be aware you’re required to report the incident to the Insurance Commission of Western Australia.
Most whiplash injuries occur in motor vehicle accidents, as a result of impact. Whiplash injury compensation is available thanks to the Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance Act 1943).
The Soul Legal team have a combined 7 plus decades experience as lawyers. We work hard to ensure your vehicle accident claim achieves the best possible compensation results.
Wait, what does whiplash mean?
Health Direct Australia defines whiplash as injuries to the muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues of the neck, caused by the head suddenly moving vigorously, sideways, backwards or forwards.
Symptoms of whiplash can range from non-existent, to severe. Common symptoms cited by Health Direct include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Swelling and tenderness in the neck
- Temporary loss of movement, or reduced movement in the neck
- Headaches
- Muscle spasms
- Pain in the shoulders or arms
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Pins and needles, numbness or pain in the arms and hands
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty swallowing
- Blurred vision
- Vertigo
- Tinnitus
Please note this list offers the most common symptoms, and is NOT all-inclusive.
Who pays my Motor Vehicle accident injury compensation?
The Insurance Commission of WA often referred to as ICWA. You can make a claim for compensation if the car is registered in WA (or are involved in a hit and run and can’t identify the vehicle), and if you’re not totally at fault.
How do I figure out my compensation needs?
This is where Soul Legal comes in. We make sure you don’t short-change your future self. Symptoms could take days to manifest, and result in long-term pain and discomfort that requires ongoing treatment.
How does whiplash affect my life?
Aside from physical impairments, there could be cognitive and psychological issues down the track that affect the quality of life. Eventually, eight hour working days may prove too painful.
Without being fully aware of costs of care that can accumulate, you could seek compensation only to accept a low offer from the ICWA. The money from your claim may run out, leaving you scrambling to meet treatment fees.
How long am I eligible to claim?
The statutory claim period is generally up to three years post-event for an accident filed with ICWA. The Soul Legal team are happy to answer any questions you have regarding the process.
What kind of compensation should I expect?
According to the Insurance Commission of Western Australia Annual Report 2019, Finalised 2019 Motor Injury Insurance Claims By Cost Band saw the most common category for claim payments at $20,000-$50,000 (averaging out at $34,936).
This data can include whiplash personal injury claims, but be aware there is the possibility of compensation falling in lower or higher payout ranges. Every situation is different, depending on a number of factors.
Trust us to help. We’re experienced car accident lawyers in Perth committed to minimising stress with our no win, no fee approach. Contact us today for a free, no obligations claim assessment.
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