Although the “rear-ender” type of accident represents only 20% of motor vehicle accidents, it causes over 80% of injuries giving long-term and persistent symptoms.
1. What to do after a car accident?
Whether you have been to the emergency room or not after an accident, you are recommended to visit an injury specialist immediately for evaluation. ER doctors may tell you that your x-rays look normal and then write a prescription for pain relief, but they are not specialized in whiplash and soft tissue injuries.
The most obvious symptom of whiplash, even in mild cases, is neck and shoulder pain. But other symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, stiffness, nausea, numbness and tingling in the arms or hands, weakness, swelling, back and chest pain, and blurred vision.
*An untreated sprain/strain type of injury to the neck is 6.5 times more likely to develop into arthritis later in life.
2. Do I have to pay for my treatment?
Whether you are at fault or not, if you have automobile medical payment in your car insurance you can use it to pay for treatment. If you don’t have automobile medical payment and the accident was not your fault, our office can claim your treatment against the at-fault party’s insurance company. There are absolutely no out of pocket expenses for your treatment. (Certain restrictions apply)
3. Whom to get first, doctor or lawyer?
It is always best to visit a doctor’s office first for evaluation and examination. To be considered a good case, time should not be wasted to find a lawyer. Instead, it should be used to start treatment right away, hiring a lawyer can wait.