Analyzing the symptoms is the easiest way to identify a whiplash injury after a car crash. The main whiplash symptoms include neck pains, headaches, shoulder pains, and stiff necks. A stinging sensation in the arms, back, neck, or shoulders and inability to lower the chin when standing could also be a sign of a whiplash injury.
What is a Whiplash Injury?
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the head suddenly and quickly moves backward, forward, or laterally. This movement causes soft tissues in the neck to stretch, tear, or contort.
What to Do After a Whiplash Injury
People can recover from Whiplash injuries, but they need to go through treatment. This can entail physical therapy that could run for a few weeks to months, depending on the severity of the injury. If there are neck sprains or soft tissue damage, taping can help support the neck. That way, the patient can have minimal discomfort when moving his or her head around the neck. In severe cases, pain medication may help ease neck pains.
Seeking Compensation After a Whiplash Injury
Victims who have suffered whiplash in a vehicle accident have the option of pursuing personal injury claims or submitting a claim through their insurance providers. The victim’s car insurance coverage, health insurance, or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage can take care of medical costs resulting from the injury. If someone else caused the accident, the victim may receive compensation for the medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages from the liable party or the liable party’s insurance company.
If someone opts to file a lawsuit, there must be proof that the other party caused the accident that led to the injury. The accident victim must document the accident scene, record witness contact information, obtain an accident or police report, see a doctor, and gather all copies of the required medical documents. A Kingman car accident lawyer can analyze all the available evidence and interview key witnesses to show the other party was to blame for the car accident. The lawyer can also help negotiate with the relevant insurance companies to ensure maximum compensation.
Whiplash Injury Prevention
Wearing seatbelts at all times when driving or riding a car is an effective way of preventing a whiplash injury. Wearing a seatbelt keeps motorists from hitting their face on the steering wheel in the event of an accident.
