Neck injuries such as whiplash are frequent in car accidents, which are characterized by a sudden jerk of the neck forwards and backwards. Such injuries can cause lifetime impacts on your physical and psychological health. The actions to be taken soon after a whiplash injury can have a huge influence on the outcome of any compensation case. This guide offers a comprehensive plan of action as well as tips from whiplash claim solicitors.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
First of all, it is advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Whiplash symptoms may not occur in the first few hours or the first few days after the accident but can occur later. A medical examination will not only help you get the required medical attention but will also be very helpful in the documentation of the injuries which are very vital in any legal cases.
Document the Accident Scene
If you are physically capable, then you should try to collect as much evidence as possible from the scene of the accident. Document the vehicles at the scene, the injuries, if any, and the scene in general. This visual evidence can be useful when piecing together what happened prior to the injury and proving your case.
Collect Witness Information
Get contact information of any witnesses who are present at the scene. Their testimonies can support your version of the accident and assist you in building a solid case. Make sure you get the name, phone number and address and if possible, get witness statements in writing of what they witnessed.
Report the Incident to the Authorities
Inform the police of the accident and make sure that there is a police report made. A police report is a formal statement of the event, which can be very useful for your case. Be sure to obtain a copy of this report for your files.
Inform Your Insurance Company
You should inform your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Ensure that they are informed of the details of the occurrence and the extent of your injuries. However, avoid talking about fault or details because such statements can be beneficial to the other party in the future.
Maintain a Detailed Record
Ensure you maintain a detailed record of all the treatments, appointments, and costs that relate to your injury. This ranges from the prescriptions, therapy sessions, and any other associated expenses. Also, describe how the injury affects your daily activities, employment, and hobbies, as this can help with the compensation process.
Avoid Discussing Your Case Publicly
Do not talk about your accident or injury on social media sites or to any person except your solicitor. Oral statements can be misleading or sometimes used against you when pursuing your claim.
Consult with a Whiplash Claim Solicitor
It is recommended that you consult a whiplash claim solicitor to help you with the legal procedures. A professional solicitor is in a position to explain your legal position, estimate the worth of the claim and engage the insurance companies for you. They will make sure that you are adequately compensated for the injuries and any other losses that you have incurred.
Follow Your Treatment Plan
Comply with the recommended treatment by your doctor. Going for all follow up appointments and adhering to medical advice not only helps in the healing process but also shows that you are serious with the injury that you have and this may be of benefit to your case.
Monitor Your Symptoms
It is important to monitor any shift or progression of your symptoms. Report new or worsening symptoms to your doctor and your solicitor as this information may affect your treatment plan and the value of your claim.
Stay Organized and Patient
It is also important to note that the process of filing a whiplash injury claim can sometimes take a long time and is often rather complicated. As for documents and correspondence, it is helpful to maintain a file for each case and keep all related papers in it. Time is of essence, but one needs to be patient as rushing the process often results in low compensation.
It is important to note that after a whiplash injury, the actions one takes will go a long way in determining the results of the healing process as well as the legal process. In this difficult period, you should go to the hospital, write down what happened, and contact whiplash claim solicitors for advice. Adhering to this guide will assist in guaranteeing that you get the proper care and compensation that you are entitled to.
