Some television shows and movies poke fun at people who were involved in a car accident and suffered whiplash. These injuries are actually quite serious, so claims for compensation associated with them must be taken seriously. If you suffered from whiplash, you should learn about the settlement process so that you know what to expect.
What should I do if I have whiplash?
The first thing that you should do is seek medical care. This enables you to get the medical care that ensures you are stable, and it provides you with a treatment plan to follow. Additionally, your medical record serves as proof of the injury. You could then use that information to show that you were injured in the accident.
What can I expect when I seek compensation?
In many cases, you will deal with the insurance adjuster when you seek compensation. This could be for your insurance company or the insurance company of the driver who struck you. In either case, it is vital that you file your claim within the specified time frame that is set by law. If you allow this time to pass you by, you will lose your right to seek compensation. Once you file for compensation, you will either resolve the case with a settlement, drop the claim or go to trial.
It is important in these cases that you don’t admit fault for the accident. You should also make sure that you follow your medical provider’s plan for treatment. This shows that you are trying to get better so you can minimize the damages that you have because of the accident.
Source: FindLaw, “The Car Accident Whiplash Settlement Process,” accessed Nov. 17, 2016
