As a Westfield accident lawyer, we’ve helped many clients who didn’t even realize they were seriously hurt at first. Whiplash is one of the most misunderstood injuries—often minimized by insurance companies and underestimated by the public. Vaughn Wamsley knows better. And we’re here to help you hold the negligent driver accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth motion. It’s most commonly associated with rear-end car accidents, but it can happen in almost any kind of collision. The rapid movement stretches and tears muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck and upper back.
Symptoms of whiplash include:
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end crashes make up about 29% of all motor vehicle accidents in the United States. These collisions are a leading cause of whiplash injuries. Indiana consistently reports thousands of rear-end collisions each year. In Hamilton County, which includes Westfield, rear-end crashes are one of the most common types of accidents reported to local law enforcement.
Under Indiana law, injured victims have the right to pursue compensation when another party’s negligence causes them harm. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re awarded $50,000 in damages but found to be 10% at fault, you would recover $45,000.
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Indiana is two years from the date of the accident (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4). That means you have two years to file a lawsuit—or you risk losing your right to recover any compensation at all.
That’s why it’s important to consult a Westfield accident attorney as soon as possible. We can help gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and build a strong case before time runs out.
Whiplash injury claims in Indiana vary depending on the circumstances of the crash, the severity of your injuries, and how much your daily life has been disrupted. Compensation typically covers:
According to national data, average whiplash settlements range from $10,000 to $100,000, though amounts can be higher in cases involving permanent impairment or significant financial losses. In Indiana, back and neck injury settlements can be as high as $250,000 to $450,000 in cases involving surgery or long-term complications (Lawsuit Information Center).
However, insurance companies often downplay whiplash injuries or offer lowball settlements. They may argue that your injuries are exaggerated or pre-existing. As a dedicated car crash lawyer in Westfield, we push back with medical evidence, accident reconstruction, and strong legal advocacy.
If you’ve been in an accident, what you do next can have a major impact on your case. Here’s what we recommend:
Insurance companies may act like they’re on your side—but they have one goal: paying out as little as possible. If you don’t have an experienced attorney in your corner, you risk accepting an unfair settlement or having your claim denied outright.
As your legal team, we can:
Our team has handled a wide range of whiplash injury claims, and we know how to build a case that insurance companies take seriously.
While whiplash can happen in any type of crash, some of the most common causes include:
As a Westfield accident attorney, we investigate all angles to determine how and why the crash occurred—and who is responsible.
Building a strong whiplash claim requires more than just saying your neck hurts. We work closely with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and your treatment team to document the true impact of your injuries.
We may use:
The more evidence we have, the stronger your claim will be. That’s why calling a car crash lawyer in Westfield early on is so important.
Our team is proud to serve the people of Westfield and surrounding communities. We treat every client with compassion and respect—because we know what you’re going through. You’re not just a case number to us. You’re a person whose life has been disrupted through no fault of your own.
We don’t charge any legal fees unless we win your case. Our goal is simple: to help you move forward with the financial security and peace of mind you deserve.
Yes, we recommend seeking medical attention immediately—even if you don’t feel pain right away. Whiplash symptoms can be delayed, and getting a prompt diagnosis creates documentation that links your injury to the accident. Insurance companies may question your claim if there’s a gap between the crash and your first medical visit.
Yes. A traffic citation can help your case, but it’s not required to prove fault. Indiana uses comparative fault, so as long as we can show the other driver was at least 51% responsible, you can pursue compensation. Police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence can all help support your claim.
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Your consultation is free, and you don’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
Technically, yes—but it’s risky. Insurance companies often minimize whiplash claims and may pressure you into a low settlement. As experienced Westfield accident attorneys, we know how to push for full and fair compensation. You shouldn’t have to settle for less than you deserve.
If you or a loved one suffered whiplash in a car crash in Westfield, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and building your case.
We’re ready to listen. We’re ready to fight for you. Call Vaughn Wamsley today for a free consultation with a Westfield whiplash injury lawyer.
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