One of the most common types of injuries that people suffer in a car accident is “whiplash,” which occurs from an abrupt back-and-forth flexion of the neck. Whiplash affects the muscles, discs, and ligaments in the neck and back. However, it may take several days or even weeks for the body to completely process the physical trauma it sustained—which is why many whiplash victims ignore seeking medical treatment immediately after the accident.
What happens if whiplash goes untreated?
Whiplash can cause long-term issues which negatively impact your ability to work and live life as you did prior to the crash. The damage is only exacerbated when the injury is not identified and treated early.
If you have recently suffered a whiplash injury in a car accident, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention if you feel even the slightest amount of pain or discomfort. Doctors will know what signs of whiplash to look for that may otherwise go unnoticed by the average person. Receiving treatment for your injuries is an important step in recovering compensation in your case.
Once you have a medically-documented case of whiplash (e.g. evidence from the scene of the accident, treating physician’s diagnosis, medical bills, prescription costs, rehabilitation expenses, etc.), do not hesitate to begin the claim process. In Texas, notify the other party’s insurance company—in writing—of your injuries and your intent to file a claim.
However, if the insurance adjuster fails to offer a reasonable settlement or if the person who caused the accident doesn’t have insurance, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to collect your damages and seek legal assistance from an experienced lawyer. An attorney can help protect your rights and provide honest advice as to whether you may be able to recover compensation for your whiplash injuries.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Texas, request a free consultation with our Austin personal injury attorney at The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC today.
