Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the neck violently moves back and forth. This soft tissue injury often happens in a rear-end car accident. A whiplash injury can lead to different health problems that can last for months or even years. Because of this, victims may not be able to work for a while and enjoy the things they used to do. Plus, medical treatment, rehabilitation services, and physical therapy can be costly, which adds a burden while victims work toward recovery.
If you have sustained whiplash in a car accident because of the negligent actions of another driver, you may be eligible for financial compensation. You can seek this compensation by filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. You should hire a car accident attorney in Stockton who can walk you through the process involved and guide you each step of the way. When you build a claim for a whiplash injury, here are the steps you should take:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After a car accident, do not think about forgoing a doctor’s visit just because you feel okay. Keep in mind that some injuries and trauma may not present symptoms right away. Sometimes, it can take hours, days, weeks, or even months for symptoms to surface. But you don’t have to wait for these symptoms to appear since a doctor can evaluate your condition during your visit. You will go through a series of tests to know if something is wrong with your body after the crash. Often, whiplash symptoms include pain in the arm, upper back, and shoulder, arm numbness, blurred vision, irritability, memory problems, and depression. By visiting a doctor right away, you get an early diagnosis and treatment. Also, this allows your doctor to document your injuries. Medical documentation is an important piece of evidence you can provide to the insurance company.
Gather Evidence
For your claim to stand in evaluations and negotiations, you must provide evidence of your injury. This includes your medical records before and after the accident, test results, and expense documentation. Also, you should obtain copies of the official police report and any photos taken of the crash scene.
Hire a Lawyer
An experienced car accident attorney will build a strong case for you and negotiate with the insurance company to make sure you secure maximum compensation from them. They can guide you when you file a claim or lawsuit if the insurer refuses to agree to a reasonable settlement.
