Can I Get Compensation for Whiplash After a Car Accident?
Serious car accidents can result in severe and even fatal injuries. However, even minor crashes can leave victims in pain. The jolt that often occurs when one vehicle slams into another can damage the head, neck, and spine. The most common type of injury is whiplash. Some types of whiplash are minor, but others can be debilitating. Whiplash after a car accident doesn’t always present symptoms immediately so it may be days before you realize you were injured.
However, you are entitled to get compensation for all injuries resulting from the accident. Whiplash doesn’t show up on x-rays and scans, so insurance companies often challenge claims for this type of soft tissue injury. Therefore, you’ll need to ensure you get examined by a doctor immediately after the crash. You may need time off from work to rest, pain medication, and physical therapy to assist in your recovery. These all come at a cost so you should contact a Baltimore, Maryland car accident attorney as soon as possible. This will help to ensure you get all the compensation you deserve.
Symptoms of Whiplash After a Car Accident
Whiplash occurs when the head moves back and forth rapidly. It often results from rear-end collisions. Most people get better within a few weeks, but others end up with chronic neck pain. In addition to neck pain, whiplash is characterized by:- Shoulder pain
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
Damages You Can Claim If You Suffer Whiplash After a Car Accident
Whiplash may not be the only injury you suffered in your car accident. You may have received other injuries along with related losses. Claims cover a variety of damages including medical bills, lost income, lost earning capacity, and property damage. Each person’s case is different, and whiplash can impact a victim’s life in varying ways. Some people may be able to work after a week or two while others may need a longer recovery period. If you received additional injuries like broken bones or head injuries, these will affect your claim. Whiplash cases can be settled for varying amounts depending on the treatment the doctor recommended and how the victim is affected. Other important factors include:- The strength of the evidence
- The skills of the Indianapolis car accident attorney handling the case
- The skills of the insurance adjuster dealing with the claim
- The policy of the insurance carrier
- The victim’s willingness to settle out of court
How to Support Your Claim for Compensation in Indianapolis
If you get into a car crash, what you do afterward matters. To protect your right to get compensation, you should:- Get medical attention right after the accident. If you delay, the insurer may say you made your condition worse or exaggerated your injuries.
- Follow the doctor’s advice regarding treatment.
- Keep records of your injuries, treatment, and expenses.
- Not sign any statements or accept settlement offers without talking to a car accident attorney.