Whiplash injuries occur when the head is thrown forward and then backward at a high speed. This most often happens in a car crash, but can also happen on a high speed rollercoaster, during a contact sports game, or as a result of other activities.
Whiplash injuries are often not felt immediately, because the initial symptoms can be subtle, or not appear for a few hours or days after the injury. While whiplash injuries can be minor and heal completely with no further problems, severe injuries can cause long term difficulties. Accident victims may be eligible for whiplash injury compensation, but only if they can prove the whiplash occurred in the accident.
If a person is in an accident, and they believe there is a possibility they suffered a whiplash injury, it is important to take steps immediately, before any symptoms develop. At the crash, get the other drivers information: full name, driver’s license number, insurance information and license plate. Make sure that the police are called, and that an accident report is filed.
After the accident, they should either see their doctor, or go to the hospital. Tell the doctor that they have just been in an accident, and want to be examined for any injuries, and especially the possibility of a whiplash injury.
Once the exam is over, the doctor will be able to estimate how likely it is that a whiplash injury occurred. If the doctor says an injury is likely, then it is important to be alert for signs and symptoms of whiplash over the next few days.
Symptoms of whiplash injuries include:
- Pain in the neck
- Swelling in the neck
- Stiffness or inability to move the head
- Headache
- Muscle spasms or tenderness in the back or side of the neck
- Pain shooting down into the shoulders and arms
If a doctor hasn’t been seen already, it is important to call one as soon as any of these symptoms develop.
Once an injury has been diagnosed, it is important that a person wishing to seek whiplash injury compensation contact a lawyer who can assess their case and advise them on the process. Keep a record of all doctor’s visits and expenses related to the injury to show the lawyer as well. Often, if compensation is awarded, these fees will be included in the amount of compensation.
Many lawyers handling whiplash injury compensation cases will not expect to be paid up front, but rather will take a percentage of the awarded compensation. This means that if they do not win the case, they do not get paid.
Once a compensation case has been filed, the other parties insurance will often offer settlement compensation. If the victim accepts this payment, the case does not go to court and the victim cannot file a case again in the future.
Always discuss such an offer with a lawyer before accepting. Sometimes these offers are made in good faith, other times they are far lower then the amount a court would award, and will not cover long term medical expenses that may be associated with a whiplash injury.
