Suffering from neck pain in the wake of a car crash can indicate serious injuries, such as whiplash or other cervical spine damage. Taking thoughtful medical and legal steps can help to better ensure that your health is prioritized and your legal rights are protected as you begin your healing journey.
First and foremost, seek medical attention, even if your neck pain seems minor initially. Symptoms of serious injuries can take hours or even days to fully manifest. Medical documentation from your evaluation can serve as evidence that your injuries were directly caused by the car crash, and give you a strong sense of what steps you’ll need to take in order to heal.
Once diagnosed, it’s important to follow “doctor’s orders.” This may include taking prescribed medications, taking time off work to rest, etc. Adhering to your treatment plan can help you heal and can demonstrate your commitment to mitigating the effects of your injuries, which could make a difference if you opt to seek compensation from parties responsible for your harm.
The legal “side” of things
You’ll want to keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments and any related expenses. Documenting everything can help substantiate your claim for compensation.
And, if it hasn’t been already, report your accident to the police, as the police report may serve as a consequential piece of evidence as you seek compensation for your harm. In Texas, you can seek damages from other at-fault parties as long as you aren’t more than 50% to blame for what happened to you, so looking into your legal options is likely wise.
The name of the game in the wake of a crash is being proactive. By seeking medical care and personalized legal feedback, you can better ensure that you’re safeguarding your interests as you move forward.