Whiplash and concussions may not seem like serious injuries at initial thought. But sometimes, they can turn chronic and not heal for months or even years after a car accident. Follow along to find out why whiplash and concussions are so common after a car accident and how a proficient Panama City car accident attorney at Manuel & Thompson, PA can work on your behalf after your accident.
Why are whiplash and concussions common after a car accident?
First off, whiplash occurs when there is a forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck. And so, this type of neck injury is so common because a driver and their passengers typically cannot fully prepare for the impact of a car collision. This is especially the case if this was a rear-end collision that could not be anticipated.
Secondly, concussions occur when there is a blow to the head. This is common in car accidents because a driver may bang their head against a seat, window, or steering wheel upon collision. Notably, even the impact of an airbag can cause a collision. Concussions are interesting because their symptoms look different for adults and children. That is, adults often experience headaches, ringing in the ears, and sensitivity to light and sound, while children often display crankiness, loss of balance, and changed eating and sleeping patterns.
What should I do if I suffer a head and neck injury after my car accident?
Before anything else, the first thing you should do after you are involved in a car accident is to call for medical attention. Importantly, this should be your first step regardless of whether you feel injured. This is because head and neck injuries, like whiplash and concussions, can take days to become evident. And so, you will need to receive the proper tests at the scene, in the emergency room, and at follow-up appointments with your physician. With this testing, you will need to collect the proper medical documentation and medical bills that state the severity and cost of your injuries.
In addition, you should take the following approach if you suffer whiplash or a concussion after your car accident:
- Call a law enforcement officer to the scene to conduct an official accident report.
- Capture the scene with photos and videos of your personal injuries, car damages, and contributory hazards.
- Collect the contact information of all other drivers involved (i.e., name, phone number, email address, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance policy number, etc).
- Collect the contact information of witnesses who are willing to provide testimony (i.e., name, phone number, email address, etc).
- File your personal injury claim before Florida’s four-year deadline (i.e., the statute of limitations).
For more information, contact one of the talented Panama City auto accident attorneys today.
