Passenger Whiplash Compensation Claims

If you have recently been involved in a vehicle collision, be it with another driver or a stationary object, you may now be feeling severe pain in your neck, this discomfort is what is referred to as car accident whiplash. The sudden jolt experienced during a collision can damage the ligaments, tendons, muscles, and other soft tissues that are found within the neck.

When people talk about whiplash, it is natural to think that this is a problem caused by being involved in a car crash, but, it is a condition that can be the result of other situations such as trips, falls, slips, physical assault, and sports injuries. The symptoms of whiplash are not just confined to the neck, though this is where most discomfort is felt.

If, after being involved in a car accident, you have a restriction of movement of your head, as well as sharp pains and stiffness, there is a good chance that you are suffering from this painful condition. Other symptoms include swelling, pins, and needles in the arms and hands, back pain, lethargy, nausea, and dizziness.

Usually, the symptoms can have a delayed onset, it may take a day or two for the pain to develop and many weeks or longer before it gets better, and in a few cases, it can take years to make a full recovery. The severity of the injury can vary massively, it depends upon such factors as the speed at which the vehicle was traveling, and the exact posture of the individual upon impact. Vehicle head restraints can also play a role in the extent of the damage caused.

A whiplash injury can be treated in a number of different ways, though for the majority of people suffering from this problem it is just a matter of waiting for the natural healing process to do its work. If there is any swelling in the neck or surrounding tissue, ice packs can be placed on the area of damage to minimize discomfort. A doctor may prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to allow an individual a better quality of life until the pain has subsided.

If you believe you are suffering from whiplash, it is important to consult your physician before taking any medication so that they can correctly assess the extent of the damage. Initially, it may be required to rest an injured neck to minimize the pain, but after a short period of time, it can be advisable to carry out a series of simple exercises so as to prevent muscles from stiffening up. A chiropractor can provide information as to the type and frequency of exercises that would need to be used.

If the car accident you were involved in was not a result of your own negligence, it may be worth contacting a lawyer or attorney to find out whether or not you can make a personal injury compensation claim. A passenger in a vehicle involved in an accident that has resulted in a whiplash injury should direct their claim against the insurer of the party responsible.

Whenever you are involved in an accident, it is essential that you make a note of all the details on the actual day of the event. Not only would this information be required by a lawyer and the insurer if you are to make a claim, but it would also be helpful for your doctor so that they can put together an effective treatment plan.

If possible, take photographs of the accident location, as well as the names, telephone numbers, and addresses of any of the parties that were involved or witnesses. If the accident is of a serious nature, in all likelihood the police would also get involved and may want to interview you.

There are certain steps you can take to reduce the chance of suffering from a whiplash injury when traveling by road. To start with you should ensure that you always wear a seat belt when in a vehicle, it is no use just draping the seat-belt over your shoulder and not securing it in place as some passengers and drivers do. The seat belt is there to prevent injury and should not be thought of as an inconvenience. If you believe an accident is about to take place, you should brace yourself, sit as far back in your seat as possible, but do not become excessively tense. If immediately after the collision you believe you have damaged your neck and head, it is important to stay seated until medical assistance arrives.