Whiplash is an injury that occurs as the result of a sudden jolt to the head. It can result in damages to the tendons, ligaments, muscles, or other soft tissues in the neck. Although we are dealing with sustaining whiplash from a car crash or other type of road traffic accident, you can suffer from whiplash as the result of many different accidents. Some people suffer whiplash due to slipping, for example.
When it comes to whiplash, symptoms can often take a while to develop. Most people will not notice any symptoms until a day or two after the crash. This highlights why it is vital to see a doctor immediately after a car crash, even if you are feeling fine.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of whiplash:
- Pain in the neck
- Restriction of movement
- Stiffness
- Back pain
- Pain in the arms / shoulders
- Muscle spasms
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Pins and needles
- Swelling
FAQ about making a claim for whiplash
If you have sustained whiplash in a car accident, you may want to make a claim with the likes of The Umansky Law Firm Car Accident Lawyer. Here are some common questions asked about doing so…
Can I claim if I have not seen a doctor? Unfortunately, it is extremely unlikely. A lot of people that have suffered from whiplash do not get professional medical treatment. This is often because their injuries are minor, and so they would rather cope with them themselves. However, if you want to have any chance of compensation, you need to see a doctor. Otherwise, you won’t be able to prove that you were injured in the first place. Plus, it is also vital to bear in mind the fact that injuries like whiplash can take a while to present themselves, and so it’s not worth risking anything getting worse.
Can I make a claim if I was only a passenger? Yes. If you were a passenger in a vehicle and the driver of your vehicle or the other car caused the crash, you can claim. The only reason you will not be able to claim is if for some reason you are responsible for the accident.
Will I have to go to court? We cannot give you a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer for this question, as there is always the possibility that your case will need to be settled in the courtroom. Nevertheless, it is extremely unlikely. In fact, most cases are resolved over the phone!
What should I do immediately after a car accident? Aside from ensuring you get the essential medical treatment for your injury from car accident, you should get contact information from the person that caused the incident, as well as anyone that witness it. Witness statements can help to improve your case exceptionally.
So there you have it: everything you need to know about whiplash, which is one of the most common types of injuries sustained in car accidents.
