Understanding Car Accident Claims And Whiplash
Certainly there are an enormous number of car accidents on the road every day, and inevitably in a large proportion of those either the driver or passenger is injured. Although some of these injuries are minor cuts and bruises which won’t take long to heal, in some cases the injuries can be much more severe. In these cases an accident claim is often the best way of making sure that you can cope with the immediate uncertain future.
One of the most common injuries sustained when involved in a car accident is whiplash. A whiplash injury is caused when a vehicle behind you crashes into the back of your vehicle, pushing your vehicle forwards. Because of inertia, your head is thrown backwards against the headrest, and then rebounds forwards, possibly into an airbag.
But although an airbag can help to protect your face and skull from injury against either the steering wheel or the dashboard, this flexing of the neck backwards and then forwards very quickly is what causes a whiplash.
The symptoms themselves might not appear for several hours or even a day or two, but when they do they can often be very severe and long-lasting. Restricted movement or pain in the neck area is only one of the many symptoms caused by whiplash.
Other symptoms can involve headaches, nausea, memory loss, confusion, depression, vomiting, backache and even blurred vision. Clearly with any of these symptoms it is unlikely that the person will be able to drive, nor will they be able to work. The symptoms may last for a matter of days, weeks or even months. In a few very unfortunate cases whiplash can remain virtually permanently.
Whether you were a driver or passenger involved in a road accident probably one of the last things on your mind will be contacting a solicitor and making a claim. Indeed it is highly probable that the people who do think of this straightaway are those who end up giving a bad name to compensation.
For most people the immediate concern will be for their own health and welfare, and those of their passengers. It is important therefore to make sure that immediately after an accident medical attention is obtained.
It is also important to make sure that all details are recorded, including the registration numbers and details of other vehicles involved, the name and insurance company of the driver of any other vehicle, and details of any witnesses.
Once you have received the initial medical attention is then that you will be best advised contacting a personal injury solicitor and discussing your road accident claim.