With a population of over 400,000 residents, Atlanta is indeed a vibrant economic hub.
With this number of people and an almost equal number of cars, Atlanta roads do see their fair share of accidents and fender benders.
One of the most common injuries you can get from an accident is whiplash.
Unfortunately, when there is no pain, swelling, or bleeding, most accident victims assume they were not injured. That is until whiplash symptoms show up hours or even days after the accident.
Here is a more in-depth look into what whiplash is and what you should do about it.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury that results after your head is jerked forcefully, as is the case in most automotive collisions. This injury can extend to your shoulders and upper back as well.
Some of the symptoms include stiffness, a reduced range of motion, pain, swelling, and tenderness.
What to do After a Whiplash Car Accident
As any reputable Atlanta car accident attorney will tell you, it’s not possible to know if you have suffered whiplash immediately after your accident.
The reason for this is that your body has mechanisms that help cushion you from experiencing pain immediately after a traumatic event.
To be on the safe side, however, be sure to take the necessary steps to protect yourself.
Here is what to do.
1. Collect Evidence
If you are able to, collect evidence from the scene.
You can use your phone to take pictures. Also, take contacts of other road users that may have witnessed the accident.
Try to stay at the scene until the police arrive and record statements with those involved. Even if the other driver flees, remain at the scene.
If you do enlist the help of an attorney, later on, this information will come in handy.
2. See a Doctor
Right before contacting an Atlanta car accident attorney, get checked out by a doctor.
Detail the accident and any points of impact that you can recall.
You might not have any apparent injuries at this point or be in any pain, but if whiplash shows up later, then the doctor will follow up on a subsequent visit.
3. Secure Your Rights
Seeing an Atlanta car accident attorney is perhaps the second most important thing to do after seeing the doctor.
Following your accident, you might need to file insurance claims on your damaged car or even on your health.
Most insurance companies insist that you get in touch with them soon after your accident.
An Atlanta car accident attorney will give you direction on how to go about this. You will also get invaluable advice on insurance compensation procedures.
This can allow you to get the best medical treatment available and will ensure that you receive fair compensation in a timely manner.
If your accident was a hit and run, a qualified Atlanta car accident attorney can also hire an investigator and work with other law enforcement agencies to trace the errant driver.
Final Word
After an accident, the priority for most people is to regain good health. As such, you may not have the time to chase insurance companies. This is where an attorney comes in.
Have you or your loved one been involved in an accident recently?
At Ponton Law, we work diligently to safeguard your interests and negotiate the best settlement possible. Contact us today, and our Atlanta car accident lawyer will take up the fight for what you deserve.