Kentucky Accident Blog

American Justice Association List of Worst Insurance Companies for Consumers

The American Association for Justice last week released a report with a list of the nation’s worst insurance companies for consumers. At the top of the list was Allstate. The list is for those insurance companies who refuse to pay just claims, employ hardball tactics against policyholders, reward executives with extravagant salaries, and raise premiums while hoarding excessive profits. The top five offenders were:

1. Allstate

2. Unum

3. AIG

4. State Farm

5. Coseco

The report was compiled over a six month period using information obtained from court documents, SEC and FBI records, state insurance department investigations and complaints, nationwide news accounts, and testimony of former insurance agents and adjusters. Allstate blames trial lawyers for making unreasonable demands, indicating that the tactics used are an effort to resist those demands.

People injured in car accidents have had a hard time reaching a reasonable setlement for what have been described as low impact soft tissue injuries or whiplash claims. Often these injuries do not show up on testing and it is only the injured party's word that is proof of the pain and injuy itself. Many insurance companies have succesfully targeted this type of claim with lower offers of settlement. Hardball tactics on these types of claims is hoped to force an injured person to take a low settlement offer. Often the only alternative for the injured inthis case is to file a lawsuit and take their case to trial.

Mike Schafer is a Louisville, KY attorney who handles accident case. For more information go to mikeschaferlaw.com

Whiplash Injuries, Causes and Possible Treatments

Whiplash occurs when the soft tissues of the neck are injured by a sudden jerking or “whipping”of the head. This type of injury is associated with rear end auto accidents. Whiplash is also referred to as a soft tissue injury. This motion will strain the muscles and ligaments of the neck beyond the comfortable range of motion.  The ligaments in the neck, although smaller, are similar to those in your knee or ankle. Anyone who has ever injured their knee or ankle knows how painful it can be and the length of time it can take to heal. This can be several months or even longer.

Anyone who has been in a car wreck can understand how whiplash can happen.  When a car is stopped suddenly or is hit from the rear the seatbelt will keep the torso from being thrown forward while the head will forcefully go forward and then back.

Symptoms of whiplash are pain and stiffness in your neck, also there may be pain in the surrounding muscle groups, arms, chest, and shoulders.  As for treatment doctors will recommend over the counter pain relievers, light activities for a few weeks.  This means no heavy lifting, sports or any activity that may cause more strain to your neck.  In some cases doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants for a short period and possibly a neck collar. 

If you have been in a car accident it is always a good idea to have a doctor check you out.  You may have injuries that you don’t realize are there.  Some injuries don’t immediately show up, they may take a few days to manifest.  Some symptoms that will need medical attention are recurrent neck pain and stiffness.  Radiating pain in your arms and shoulders as well as weakness, tingling or numbness.  Also, if you have pain when you move your head. These symptoms are your body’s way of telling you something is wrong.

All injuries can be serious but when looking at head, neck, or back injuries a person has to be extremely careful.  If not treated correctly they can cause huge problems in the future. 

For more information on Louisville, Ky attorney Mike Schafer go to www.mikeschaferlaw.com.