For more than 35 years, Miller & Tischer, P.C. has been defending the rights of car accident victims who have suffered whiplash injuries as a result of another driver’s negligence. Our accomplished personal injury attorneys have in-depth knowledge of Michigan no-fault insurance laws and the strategic skills to provide you with outstanding legal representation both in and out of the courtroom. Contacting us is a major step towards obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Choosing Miller & Tischler Gives You an Edge
Our experienced attorneys have a well-earned reputation — among our peers as well as our clients — for winning substantial damages. We pride ourselves on our integrity, efficiency, and the detail-oriented personal attention we offer to those in need of our services. Our initial consultation is free. If we determine that you have a viable case, we will work diligently to obtain the damages that will allow you to get a fresh start.
What exactly is whiplash?
Whiplash is the sudden forward/back motion of the neck that frequently occurs when the car you are in is rear-ended. In spite of all the safety offered by airbags and seat belts, whiplash is extremely common. Although most people who suffer whiplash get better within weeks, some people can experience debilitating pain in the neck and upper back and greatly restricted range of motion. In some cases, brain injury may also occur when the force of the whiplash causes the brain to bang against the skull.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash
Although some whiplash victims experience immediate pain, difficulty turning their neck, and numbness in their arms after a whiplash injury, some symptoms only become evident after a few days. This is why it is important to file a police report and have a full medical checkup immediately after a collision (even if you believe you are just “shaken up”). Also, you should never sign any insurance forms before consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Again, many cases of whiplash resolve over a period of weeks or months. However, a significant number result in long-term, even permanent, injuries. First treatments for whiplash, unless the injury is so serious that urgent surgery is required, usually include rest, temporary immobilization of the neck with a soft brace, painkillers (oral or injected), muscle relaxants, and targeted physical therapy.
Your doctor will, however, most likely prescribe imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans, to check for a fractured cervical vertebra, herniated discs, torn ligaments or muscle, or nerve damage. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may suspect that you have suffered brain injury and order further testing.
Whiplash can result in a broad range of symptoms, including
- Restricted range of motion in the neck
- Severe neck or upper back pain
- Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms
- Numbness down the arms
- Worsening of pain with neck movement
- Headaches at the base of the skull
- Dizziness and fatigue
If your whiplash has resulted in a concussion, you may also experience:
- Blurred vision
- Confusion and difficulty concentrating
- Mood instability (depression, irritability, rage)
- Memory problems
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Sleep disorders
The worse your whiplash injury is, the more likely the court is to hold the negligent party accountable. Usually, more severe whiplash injuries occur when both vehicles are traveling at high speed.
How the Court Determines Fault in a No-Fault State Like Michigan
Since Michigan is a no-fault state, you can make a claim for any personal injuries through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy whether or not you were at fault.
PIP will cover medical costs, lost income, nursing care, and replacement services (also known as household chores benefit). However, depending on the level of PIP coverage you have purchased, you may end up shortchanged. In any case, PIP will not provide funds to compensate for non-economic damages (i.e., pain and suffering) due to your personal injuries. In MIchigan, you can only sue for pain and suffering damages if your injuries meet one of three “thresholds.”
Our personal injury attorneys are adept at working with your doctor to prove that your injury reaches one of the no-fault “thresholds” so that we can pursue the damages you deserve to compensate for your paina and suffering. We also have extensive experience navigating the complexities of no-fault law in Michigan. This is why it is essential to have one of our capable attorneys as your counsel. We will fight vigorously to seek the damages you will need going forward.
What Our Legal Team Will Do While You Focus on Recovery
We are well aware of the trauma of suffering a serious injury and will do all that we can to take over logistical matters so you can relax and heal. We will cover all the bases by:
- Negotiating with opposing attorneys and insurance adjusters
- Filing all necessary paperwork in a timely fashion
- Investigating the site of your accident
- Examining damage to involved vehicles
- Reading police reports and medical data
- Investigating the defendant’s prior traffic offenses
- Interviewing witnesses
- Consulting with experts whose testimony will support your case
In a lot of cases, we work on a contingency basis. This means that you will pay us no attorneys’ fees until we win you damages.
Damages We Will Seek for Your Whiplash Injury
Because your whiplash injury may result in ongoing problems for you and your family beyond the scope of no-fault coverage, our highly skilled whiplash attorneys will strategize how best to fight to win you compensation for:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income
- Personal attendant care
- Replacement services
- Pain and suffering
Contact Miller & Tischler’s Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys Now
If you are suffering due to a serious whiplash injury, don’t delay. The sooner you contact our competent attorneys, the sooner we can begin helping you and your family seek the compensation you need to secure your future.