You’d never want to plan to get in a car accident, but unfortunately anyone can fall victim to a collision. One thing you can do to prepare is understand the characteristics and causes of a common injury known as whiplash.
Knowing the signs of whiplash can help you receive proper treatment, while knowledge of prevention can save you from mild to extreme injuries. You should seek immediate medical attention if you or a loved one has fallen victim to a crash, and be aware that medical compensation might be attainable.
What is whiplash?
According to Mayo Clinic, whiplash is a quick back-and-forth neck motion that can cause pain that is temporary or even chronic. Victims of rear-end collisions often experience whiplash.
Common symptoms often include:
- Headaches, fatigue, and/or dizziness
- Neck pain that worsens with movement
- Shoulder or upper back pain
- Arm pain or numbness
How can I prevent whiplash?
There are some adjustments you can make to the way you sit and safety tips that can help you prevent whiplash. First off, creating ample neck support while you drive could make going behind the wheel safer. Make sure head restraints are as close to the top of your head as possible. And if the position of your head restraint is at an angle, double-check that it’s not further than four inches from your head.
The goal is to not get into a crash, so don’t forget that checking on the cars driving behind you can be just as important as keeping tabs on the traffic ahead. If you do look out your back window and see a vehicle that looks like it’s going to ram into you, make sure you sit up straight. That way, if a collision does happen, your headrest can actually catch and protect your head and neck from whipping around. Wearing a seatbelt can also help you keep your head lined up with headrest.
Can I receive compensation for whiplash?
In New Jersey, whether the car accident happened because of you or the another driver’s mistake, you can be eligible to receive damages to pay for accident-related medical expenses. If you believe you deserve compensation to make up for the medical bills you’ve accumulated or pain you’ve endured, then you can file a claim. Just be sure to keep any reports of the accident and medical documents to serve as evidence, and to file your lawsuit within two years of your accident.
A personal injury attorney can aid in proving that you are deserving of compensation in order to properly recover.