Steinberg & Spencer

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck injury to the muscles and ligaments that occurs when extreme force pushes them past their normal range of motion. If you have been involved in a car accident or have sustained neck injuries in another way, you will likely want to seek medical attention and may need the advice of an experienced attorney.

• Causes

One of the most common causes of whiplash is a rear-end car accident. Other causes may include injury from contact sports or other physical trauma.

• Symptoms

Most people begin to experience symptoms within 24 hours of their injury, though it may be a few days before symptoms arise. The most common symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, memory problems, sleep disturbances, irritability, or ringing in the ears. The Mayo Clinic advises that you contact your doctor immediately if you begin experiencing pain in your shoulders or arms, you experience pain when moving your head, or you feel unusual sensations (numbness, tingling, or weakness) in your arms.

• Diagnosis

Standard X-rays usually cannot reveal damage to soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments damaged in whiplash injuries. This means that CT or MRI scans may be needed to diagnose whiplash.

• Treatment

Because the severity of whiplash cases can vary, the treatment of your injury will depend on how badly you are injured. Some people are able to treat whiplash with ice and over-the-counter pain medications. More severe cases may require prescription medications and physical therapy.

At Steinberg & Spencer, we focus our energy on helping those who have been injured in car and truck accidents. We are experienced attorneys who treat our clients with respect and advocate for their rights. Call (310) 450-5960 to learn how we can help if you have been injured in a car accident.

Examining California's Statute of Limitations of Discovery Rule for Personal Injuries

If you have been injured in an accident, then you undoubtedly have a lot on your mind. Your first thought was probably not about contacting an attorney, but this is an important step in protecting your rights in a personal injury case. You may have a right to seek compensation from the party responsible for your injuries, but this right does not last forever. Here is what you need to know about California law:

• What Is a Statute of Limitations?

The statute of limitations is a law that restricts the time in which a plaintiff may file a lawsuit. Once the statute of limitations runs out, you cannot make a claim. Laws vary between states and the federal government. The statute of limitations also varies depending on the type of claim.

• What Is the Discovery Rule?

The discovery rule may affect when the statute of limitations begins to run. If an injury was not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations will likely begin to run when the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.

• What Is the Law in California?

California law provides two years from the date of the injury in personal injury cases. If you did not discover your injuries right away, you will have one year to make a claim from the date on which the injury was discovered. 

Determining when the statute of limitations runs is often not as clear as you might think. An experienced personal injury attorney can explain the statute of limitations as it applies to your case, but you should not wait to seek counsel. The attorneys at Steinberg & Spencer will provide you with first-class treatment and are there for you at every step in your case. Call (310) 450-5960 to schedule a consultation.

About Third-Party Auto Accident Liability

Most car accidents are caused by careless driving, but this is not always true.

As this video explains, accidents can also be caused by defective cars, improperly designed roads, poor road maintenance, and a variety of other mistakes. The people responsible for these errors may be liable for your car accident, even if they were not involved in the accident.

There are special rules that apply in third-party liability cases, and you will want an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights. Contact Steinberg & Spencer at (424) 645-0920 to schedule a consultation.

Pursuing Compensation When Injured by an Uninsured of Under-Insured Motorist

Like all of the other United States, except New Hampshire, California requires drivers to carry automobile insurance. Despite the state’s requirements, 15 percent of drivers in California are uninsured. Many more may be underinsured—meaning that if the other driver is responsible for your car accident, they will not have sufficient insurance to compensate you for your injuries. If you have been injured in an auto accident, an attorney can explain your rights and options to pursue compensation, but here are a few answers to common questions:

• Can’t I Just Sue the Other Driver?

One option to pursue if you have been injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist is to seek damages from that individual. However, one of the most common reasons for drivers to go without insurance is because they cannot afford it. This means that there is probably nothing to be gained from seeking compensation from the other driver.

• What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance?

Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance is coverage that is likely a part of your insurance policy. It covers the other party’s legal liability to pay for your injuries or property damage when the other party is at fault.

• Does California Require Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

California does not require drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. However, every car insurance company must offer this type of insurance to its clients in California. If you reject this coverage, the company must have a signed waiver on file.

Car, Motorcycle, and Bike Accidents

If you have enjoyed our recent blog posts regarding car, motorcycle, and bike accidents, browse through the following resources to learn more:

• StateFarm offers advice on what to do and what you should and shouldn’t say after being involved in a car or truck accident on their website.
• Learn more about when to contact a car accident attorney after a wreck from this article.
• Safeguard yourself from common driver mistakes for a safe bike or motorcycle ride by following these biker tips.
• Read this pamphlet from the International Bicycle Fund for more driver and biker tips on avoiding serious injury accidents.
• Get more information about motorcycle safety by reading the California state laws regarding motorcyclists.

If you live in or around the Santa Monica/Los Angeles area and are in need of a personal injury lawyer, contact Steinberg & Spencer today at 424.645.0920.