When drivers in Albany and all over New York head out for work, recreation or on daily errands, they have gotten used to the erratic and careless driving habits of other drivers who share the road. Distracted or aggressive driving has caused more incidents of avoidable crashes in the past two years as more people speed, text while driving or engage in other activities that make them unprepared for sudden stops, turns, or observing traffic laws.
Although the penalty isn’t pricey for texters in New York, the whiplash that results from a collision can last anywhere from two or three weeks to a year or more. It is important to know what to do after an accident, not only to make sure that your injuries are covered but also to discover your options if another driver was at fault.
When whiplash injuries appear
The symptoms of whiplash often don’t show up right away, but instead take days or even weeks to appear. By then, it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause. Even low-impact collisions can result in whiplash injuries to the soft tissue, vertebrae and ligaments of the neck, causing symptoms that can include:
- stiffness
- dizziness
- headaches
More serious symptoms can affect daily work and activities, such as difficulty concentrating or even memory lapses. If the injured party does not seek help, the injury can develop into chronic pain that can last for years. Receiving prompt medical attention after the accident is vitally important, not only for health reasons but also to provide legal options if the accident was the result of another driver’s careless or illegal actions.
The cost of medical treatment
The injuries that result from a car accident can result in expensive medical bills, lost income and significant pain and suffering. According to the Centers for Disease Control, crash-related emergency room visits average $3,300, and hospitalization can cost $57,000 over the course of treatment or care.
The relief provided by personal injury law may not erase the damage done, but it can provide a path toward recovery. While it may be easier to assign blame for an intentional injury, it is possible to recover damages even for unintentional accidents that occur from the negligence of a distracted driver.