Whiplash is a common injury that can occur in car accidents. It is caused by the sudden back-and-forth movement of the head and neck. The force of the impact can cause the ligaments and muscles in the neck to stretch or tear. This can lead to pain, stiffness, headaches, and other symptoms. This article discusses what you need to know about Allstate whiplash settlement.
Average Allstate Whiplash Settlement
Allstate is one of the largest auto insurance companies in the United States, and they handle a significant number of whiplash claims each year. The average Allstate whiplash settlement is between $10,000 and $20,000. However, the settlement amount can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The severity of the injury: The more severe the injury, the higher the whiplash settlement amount will probably be.
- Medical expenses: The cost of medical treatment can also affect the settlement amount.
- The time the victim could not work: If the victim could not work for a significant period, this can also increase the settlement amount.
- The victim’s age and health: The victim’s age and health can also affect the settlement amount. For example, a younger victim with a good health history is likely to receive a higher settlement than an older victim with a poor health history.
- The state where the accident occurred: The state where the accident occurred can also affect the settlement amount. Some states have laws that favor victims of car accidents, and this can lead to higher car accident settlement amounts.
Allstate‘s Approach to Whiplash Claims
Allstate is known for being one of the most aggressive insurance companies when it comes to handling whiplash claims. They have a long history of challenging the severity of whiplash injuries, disputing medical expenses, and lowballing settlement offers.
In fact, Allstate has been accused of using a “whiplash playbook” to minimize the amount of money they pay out for these claims. This playbook includes a number of tactics, such as:
Challenging the victim’s medical records: All State may challenge the victim’s medical records by arguing that they are incomplete or inaccurate. They may also argue that the victim’s symptoms are not consistent with whiplash.
Hiring independent medical examiners (IMEs): All State may hire IMEs to review the victim’s medical records and render an opinion on the severity of their injury. These IMEs are often paid by Allstate, and they may have a financial incentive to find that the victim’s car accident injuries not as severe as they claim.
Lowballing the settlement offer: Allstate may lowball the settlement offer by offering a fraction of what the victim is entitled to. They may also try to pressure the victim into accepting a low settlement by threatening to take the case to trial.
These tactics have been used by Allstate to minimize the amount of money they pay out for whiplash claims. However, it is important to note that not all Allstate claims are handled this way. Some victims of whiplash have been able to get fair settlements from Allstate.
You should also be aware of the tactics that Allstate may use to minimize the amount of money they pay out. By being prepared, you can increase your chances of getting a fair settlement.
What to Do If Allstate Lowballs Your Whiplash Claim
If Allstate lowballs your whiplash claim, it is important to remember that you have options. You can:
- Negotiate with Allstate: You can try negotiating with Allstate for a higher settlement offer. However, Allstate is known for being difficult to negotiate with, so this may not be successful.
- Arbitration: Usually, if you cannot negotiate with Allstate, the next stage is arbitration, where a third party acts as a mediator, evaluates the case and decides what is a fair settlement. There are two types of arbitration, binding and non-binding. Allstate has a binding clause, meaning that the decision of the arbitrator cannot be appealed in court.
- File a complaint with the Department of Insurance: You can file a complaint with the Department of Insurance in your state. The Department of Insurance may investigate your complaint and take action against Allstate if they find that they have violated any laws or regulations.
- Hire an attorney: You can hire an attorney to help you with your whiplash claim. An attorney can help you negotiate with Allstate, file a lawsuit, and represent you in court if necessary.
The Hidden Costs of Whiplash
We often think whiplash is a minor car accident injury but can have long-term consequences. Some of the hidden costs of whiplash can include:
- Chronic pain: Whiplash can cause chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain. This pain can make it difficult to work, sleep, and enjoy activities you used to.
- Headaches: Whiplash can also cause headaches. These headaches can be mild or severe and last for days or weeks.
- Fatigue: Whiplash can cause fatigue. This fatigue can make concentrating, focusing, and completing tasks difficult.
- Depression: Whiplash can also lead to depression. This is because whiplash can make it difficult to live your life as you used to.
The hidden costs of whiplash can be significant and can have a major impact on a person’s life and the victim usually bears them. Therefore, ensuring that you receive maximum compensation from the All-State insurance company is important.
Allstate Whiplash Injury Settlement Examples
- A woman in California was rear-ended at a stop sign by an Allstate-insured driver on a busy highway. The impact caused her head and neck to snap back and forth violently, resulting in whiplash. She suffered neck pain, headaches, back pain, and fatigue. She could not work as a nurse for several weeks, resulting in lost wages. She refused Allstate’s initial settlement offer of $5,000 and hired an attorney. The attorney negotiated a settlement of $25,000 for her.
- A man in Florida was involved in a head-on collision with an Allstate-insured driver. He suffered whiplash and other injuries that required surgery. He experienced neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, and dizziness. He could not work as a construction worker for several months, resulting in lost wages. He refused Allstate’s initial settlement offer of $10,000 and hired an attorney. The attorney negotiated a settlement of $50,000 for him.
- A woman in Texas was rear-ended by an Allstate-insured driver on a city street. The impact caused her head and neck to snap back violently, resulting in whiplash. She suffered neck pain after the car accident, as well as headaches and numbness in the arms, all of which gave her great difficulty sleeping. She could not work as a teacher for several weeks, resulting in lost wages. She refused Allstate’s initial settlement offer of $15,000 and hired an attorney. The attorney negotiated a settlement of $75,000 for her.
Final Thoughts
While we understand that money from the insurance company may not completely ease your pain and suffering, knowing that you will be reimbursed for your out-of-pocket expenses can help ease your mind and focus on your recovery. Don’t forget to document your expenses and injuries, as you will need them during the Allstate whiplash settlement process.
