When is the Right Time to Claim for Whiplash Injuries?

The truth is, that at any instance of an accident, all injuries should be reported, especially. Firstly, taking out insurance policies serve a purpose; which is intended to serve the consumer as a means of compensation for their losses or injury.

Secondly, with the rise of fake claims, all instances of accidents should be reported as well as accurately accounted for. Thirdly, we must all remember that only valid claims must be reported, accompanying a doctor’s letter (not a hand written Dear John). Statistics have shown that 7 out of 10 consumers do not report accidents, and you don’t want to be one of them. Make use of your policy and the benefits that your insurer provides for you.

Whiplash injuries are a result of rapid acceleration or deceleration movement following accidents. One of the consequences of whiplash is long-term injury, thus, medical advice must be sought as soon as possible following an accident. Whiplash usually affects the neck or mid back. Most people think that only in cases of severe car accidents or crashes, that whiplash can occur. But in truth and fact, a car accelerating at a speed of 50 km per hour can come to a sudden halt and result in whiplash- leading to permanent cervical damage. Hence, this is the reason why insurers have provided a means of personal claims for this type of damage.

Cathryn and Julie embarked on a road trip down to Cornwall in separate vehicles. Cathryn, who always wore her seatbelt, and was usually a careful driver; however, as luck would have it, a dog ran across the street and Cathryn slammed down onto the brakes to avoid ending the animal’s life. Julie, driving behind, wasn’t in a position to avoid hitting Cathryn’s vehicle, and a collision resulted. Cathryn, buckled in her seatbelt, slightly jerked forward, and Julie jerked forward with more force.

Two weeks later, Julie was complaining of neck and back pains, and inability to move her jaw. She was unable to carry out her duties at work due to her constant dizziness and irritability. Unknowingly, Julie was suffering from whiplash. She had already submitted her accident claim, never did a medical examination and was too broke to pay all the medical bills for her condition.

As in Julie’s case, very often symptoms of whiplash can be delayed particularly after an accident when the body's defense mechanisms kick in and adrenalin takes over. It may well be hours or even days after the accident that the full effects begin to take hold. It is very important that anyone suffering from a whiplash injury seeks medical advice as soon as possible.
It is not essential that you seek medical attention for the purpose of a claim but for the benefit of your own wellbeing you should be checked over by a qualified practitioner. However, for the purposes of a claim, a doctor should certify your intended claim.

What Julie should have done was a complete medical examination; have her claim taken over by a qualified car accident claim specialist. This person would have been responsible for supporting her claim, having a medical expert examine and report on her condition and receiving her compensation from the insurer.

This was the method that Cathryn had taken. Cathryn took it upon herself to go for a complete medical examination and was diagnosed with whiplash with a one-year recovery period. Her injury was a little more severe that she realized, but was happy that she unearthed the problem before it got worse. Her doctor supported her claim and she was awarded £2500.00 from her insurer on her one-year recovery period.