Whiplash injuries are among the most common types of injuries in car accidents, but that doesn’t make them any less harmful. If you were struck from behind, from the side, or if you hit the vehicle in front of you, these types of jolting motions could easily cause a whiplash injury. Whenever the head or neck is whipped back and forth in a forceful motion, it can strain the neck muscles, resulting in painful damage.
If you think you may have suffered a whiplash injury after a car accident, make sure you follow these key steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
1. Seek Medical Attention: First and foremost, you need to seek medical attention after a car crash. Even if you think your injuries are only minor, you should still see a doctor just in case. Medical professionals can spot symptoms you might not have realized you exhibited, and this is especially important in cases of whiplash injuries. Whiplash symptoms might remain dormant for days, even weeks before the injured party realizes he or she was harmed. Seeing a doctor early on can help prevent the damage from getting worse, and it could also help with your insurance claim.
2. Exchange Information With the Other Driver: As with any type of car crash, it’s important for drivers to exchange information with one another. When you file your insurance claim, you want to know your options regarding the other driver’s insurance. Additionally, if you do need to file a personal injury lawsuit, you certainly need the faulty party’s information.
3. Gather Evidence: After your accident, you only have a brief period of time to gather evidence while the scene of the crash remains intact. If you weren’t severely injured, use your phone to take pictures of the crash, the surrounding area, the damaged vehicles, and your own injuries. If you are too injured to gather evidence, ask a friend, family member, passenger, or even a bystander to do this for you.
4. Take Care of Yourself: Whiplash injuries can be extremely painful and may affect your daily life in multiple ways. You may have to take time away from work as you heal, and caring for your pets or children could be difficult. To help with your recovery, use an ice pack on your neck to reduce the swelling, or take necessary medications prescribed by your doctor. In extreme cases, you may have a neck brace or collar recommended by your doctor. If your doctor asks you to wear this collar, make sure you follow his or her specific directions, otherwise your injury may not heal properly.
Seek Legal Representation After Your Accident
If you suffered whiplash injury after a car accident, and you believe someone else’s mistake or negligence ultimately caused your injury, or firm is here to help. Whiplash injuries can be extremely painful, and may affect your ability to work and return to your daily life. In some cases, whiplash might also lead to long-term or chronic pain, headaches, or joint, disk, or ligament damage. To hold the liable party accountable for your injuries, you need to discuss your case with an experienced attorney at Kershaw Talley Barlow.
Contact our attorneys at Kershaw Talley Barlow to schedule a free consultation with our firm.