Neck injuries are common end results of a car accident, especially when the occupants of the car have been rear ended by an arrogant or careless motorist who is far too close to them. Neck pain does not always reveal itself straight away, but can be insidious in its onset and lead to a chronic and debilitating condition. More serious neck injuries can cause a loss of feeling in the lower parts of the body or even, in the worst case scenario, total paralysis.
The most important thing to do after being hit in a car accident is to get immediate medical treatment, but make sure you collect meticulous records of the diagnosis and treatment applied to your injuries as well as every scrap of paper that documents how much you have had to spend.
Your right to claim compensation
All accidents of this type should mean that you are able to make a claim for damages as long as the accident was not your fault and there is a reasonable chance of proving who caused the accident.
The paradox is that if you are seriously injured, then you are likely to be shifted off to hospital too quickly for you to be able to record details of who witnessed the accident or collect any other useful evidence, even if you were physically able to do so. The less serious your injuries or because just your car was damaged, then the easier it is to stay behind after the accident to collect evidence that more convincingly points the finger at the person who was to blame.
Whatever the degree of severity of your injuries, you should remember that it is a legal right to make a claim for compensation from any negligent driver. You will need to make your claim through a competent personal injury attorney who has had experience with car accidents, particularly those that result in more severe injuries like neck injuries.
Whiplash is a common result from a rear end collision
One common injury that can result from rear end collisions is whiplash. Many people do not feel the effects of whiplash for a few days or even a week or two after the collision, but the symptoms and their effects on your life are real enough. Pain can be persistent and long lasting and it may be some time before you feel able to return to work.
All accidents have a number of effects on somebody who has been injured. These effects are heightened by the knowledge that you were not to blame and the worry about how much it is all going to cost you and your family.
A successful claim for compensation through the help of an accident lawyer will help you to get through this difficult period in your life and allow you to concentrate on a full recovery.
It is important that when calculating the full claim to be settled with the insurance company of the person at fault that your needs in to the future are calculated carefully, otherwise you may find that you are left out of pocket several years down the track.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, learn how to protect your rights with a free consultation. Contact an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer.