Whiplash is the result of a sudden, forceful back-and-forth motion of your neck that causes injury and commonly occurs after rear-end collision. There are several symptoms you may experience after an accident that may be the fault of trauma from whiplash.
If you sustained an automobile accident injury and suspect it is whiplash, it is a good idea to gain a better understanding of the required steps in a claim process and determine if it is the right course of action for you to take.
Knowing if you have whiplash
To know if your recent accident has resulted in whiplash, there are symptoms to look out for that may develop. Whiplash victims often experience neck stiffness, pain, dizziness and headaches. The pain and stiffness may cause your neck limited range of motion, and you may sustain injuries to ligaments and discs.
You may experience other difficulties, such as problems concentrating or memory loss. In the majority of cases, peoples’ symptoms lesson within a few weeks; however, for some, the whiplash has look-term effects that may cause issues for years.
Collecting documentation
If you are unable to collect evidence for your claim, it may be difficult to successfully file one for compensation. It is important to collect medical records and keep detailed data documenting your injuries from the accident.
Since you cannot prove whiplash through X-rays or MRIs, you need proof through detailed documentation of your symptoms and medical visits. In addition, creating a comprehensive list of the financial loss due to the injuries you suffered and the damages your vehicle sustained may be beneficial.
Pursuing a claim
To pursue this claim, the next step is to go forward with a case against the negligent party. In some cases, you may be able to settle and receive payments that cover your medical expenses, at the minimum. Discussing your case with legal counsel may be useful for determining how to proceed.