Whiplash associated disorder or simply whiplash. Like what any auto accident lawyer Port St Lucie FL can attest to, this is one of the most common injuries obtained by road accident victims.
If you’ve recently been involved in a car crash — minor or major — and you suspect yourself of having this disorder, you’d need legal assistance if you are to file a claim. Read on to find out more about this topic.
What is Whiplashs
When you experience a quick jolt to your head or neck, it can lead to an injury called whiplash. This is common in road accidents (especially rear-end accidents) where your head has the tendency to continue moving forward while your body remains still.
Many fail to seek immediate help from a car accident lawyer Port St Lucie FL because they don’t immediately feel the symptoms of a whiplash. This is because of the release of body hormones that temporarily numb our bodies. Once their numbing effect subsides, here are some symptoms that will start to surface:
Pain in your neck, shoulder and back
Soreness and pain in your jaw
A ringing sound in your ear/s
An impaired vision
Dizziness and vomiting (in some cases)
What You Need to Do
Getting involved in a road accident is a stressful situation. And depending on its extent, it can also be life-changing. Whether you have a whiplash injury or not, here’s what you need to do.
Document the accident scene. To make your claim strong, you have to have evidence showing the impact of the accident. Whenever possible and allowable, take or acquire photos of the site and gather interviews from potential witnesses.
Get medical treatment immediately. Your health and safety should always be your top priority. Even if your car crash is only minor, it’s always best to seek medical attention.
Keep your medical records. When you get medical treatment, be sure to keep important records including hospital bills, X-rays, and more.
Seek legal help from a reputable lawyer. Besides calling your insurance provider, you also have to hire a car accident lawyer Port St Lucie FL. As what will be discussed in the next section, he or she can help you navigate through the intricate process of pursuing a personal injury claim.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help
First and foremost, an auto accident lawyer Port St Lucie FL will assess your situation from a legal standpoint. He or she will advise you if your strong case is enough for you to be able to successfully file a personal injury claim. He or she will also guide you throughout the process — from preparing pertinent documents to having discussions with the other party.
A car accident lawyer is also skilled when it comes to discerning whether you’d be better off if you negotiate settlement outside the court. Depending on your circumstances, you can get a higher amount if you take this route — and receive compensation in a quicker manner. Trials are known to be long, elaborate and resource-consuming.
The money you will receive can include coverage for your medical expenses, loss wages, and compensation for stress and emotional damage.
