Not all car accident injuries are created equal. Some, like traumatic brain injuries and damage to the spinal cord, can leave a victim permanently disabled. Others, like minor cuts and bruises, may leave no long-term impact on an accident victim. Yet, just because your injuries are not as bad as they could have been does not mean that you should just consider yourself lucky and move on. If you have incurred financial losses as a direct result of a car accident caused by the negligence of another, then you may be entitled to compensation.
One injury that could give rise to such a situation is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the neck and head are subjected to a quick jerking motion. The injury often results in neck pain and stiffness, as well as headaches. However, more severe cases of whiplash can result in losing range of motion in the neck, memory problems, and even depression. Although many whiplash sufferers are able to heal within a few months merely by resting and taking medication, others need more extensive medical care, which may include a significant period of rehabilitation.
Paying for this medical treatment can be problematic, especially during a time when a whiplash sufferer may be unable to work. His or her lost wages, in combination with unexpected medical expenses, can throw him or her into dire financial straits. This is unfair and unacceptable, which is why accident victims in this situation need to carefully consider pursuing a personal injury claim.
When it comes to litigating such a claim, a victim needs to ensure that he or she is documenting the course of medical treatment taken to recover from the injury. In the case of whiplash, this may include emergency room care, follow up visits to the doctor, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation. Armed with this knowledge, and a firm understanding of how to go about imposing liability, a car accident victim may stand a strong chance of recovering his or her damages.
Source: Mayo Clinic, “Whiplash,” accessed on May 5, 2017
