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Whiplash and concussions are two of the most common injuries after a car accident. They can happen in high-speed collisions on I-87, low-speed rear-end crashes on Central Avenue in White Plains, or even in pedestrian knockdowns at busy Bronx intersections. While these injuries vary in severity, both can cause long-term pain, lost income, and mounting medical bills. If you’ve been injured, a skilled car accident lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Norman Gershon has spent over 35 years representing accident victims in Westchester County and the NYC metro area. Known as the lawyer other attorneys call for their toughest cases, he has secured multi-million-dollar verdicts for clients with neck and head injuries. Understanding how these cases are valued can help you know what to expect — and why having the right attorney matters.
Understanding Whiplash and Concussion Injuries
Whiplash happens when a sudden force snaps the head back and forth, straining neck muscles and ligaments. Even a seemingly minor rear-end collision on the Bronx River Parkway can cause lasting neck stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries. They can occur from a direct blow to the head or from violent head movement during a crash. Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, memory loss, nausea, and trouble concentrating. Sometimes these symptoms don’t appear until hours after the accident, which is why immediate medical evaluation is critical.
Factors That Affect Settlement Value
There is no single “average” number for a whiplash or concussion settlement, but most fall within certain ranges depending on key factors:
- Severity of Injuries
More serious injuries with lasting effects bring higher settlements. A concussion requiring hospitalization will generally settle for more than a mild, short-term injury. - Medical Costs
Settlements should cover emergency treatment, follow-up care, rehabilitation, and any future medical needs. - Lost Wages
Compensation includes both time missed from work and loss of future earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work. - Pain and Suffering
This accounts for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life you experience. - Insurance Coverage
Policy limits for both your coverage and the other driver’s coverage can impact the total recovery. - Liability and Evidence
Strong proof that the other party was at fault — such as police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony — strengthens your case and increases settlement potential.
Typical Settlement Ranges
While every case is different, many whiplash and concussion claims fall within these ranges:
- Whiplash only: $10,000 – $100,000
- Concussion only: $20,000 – $80,000
- Whiplash and concussion together: $50,000 – $200,000
Cases involving surgery, permanent impairment, or significant time off work can exceed these figures. Norman has achieved much higher verdicts for clients with severe spinal or brain injuries — including $3 million, $5 million, and even $16.5 million results in motor vehicle injury cases.
How Insurance Companies Approach These Claims
Insurance adjusters use your medical bills, wage loss, and other costs as a starting point, then apply a “multiplier” based on the severity of pain and suffering. The problem is that these calculations often undervalue real human impact. Without legal representation, accident victims are more likely to accept a low offer.
Norman has decades of experience negotiating with insurance companies. If they refuse to pay fairly, he is prepared to take the case to trial — a fact that often changes the tone of negotiations.
The Claims Process for Whiplash and Concussion Injuries
- Medical Evaluation
See a doctor immediately after the accident and document all symptoms. - Gathering Evidence
Collect police reports, photos, witness contacts, and all medical records. - Filing the Claim
Your attorney prepares and submits a detailed demand backed by evidence. - Negotiation
Settlement discussions begin, often involving multiple rounds of offers and counteroffers. - Litigation if Needed
If the insurance company won’t agree to a fair settlement, your lawyer can take the case to court.
Why Choose Norman Gershon for Your Injury Case
Norman has a proven record of winning high-value cases for accident victims in White Plains, Yonkers, the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan. He knows the local roads, understands how to build cases for New York juries, and has recovered life-changing results for clients with neck and brain injuries.
“Norman worked his magic and got me a bigger settlement than I expected. He’s kind, compassionate, and tough when it counts.” – Nancy Joyce, former client
Get a Free Consultation Today
If you’ve suffered whiplash, a concussion, or both after a car accident in Westchester County or NYC, don’t leave your future in the hands of an insurance company. Call The Law Offices of Norman Gershon today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
The Law Offices of Norman Gershon
1 Barker Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601
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