Various injuries can occur when your vehicle is struck by another vehicle. One of those injuries is whiplash. This is one injury that might not be readily apparent. It could be days or weeks before you realize that something is amiss. If you plan on seeking compensation for whiplash, there are some points that you need to keep in mind.

One important step that you can’t skip is going to the doctor. You need to get an official diagnosis so that you can state that in your claim for compensation. Ideally, you will go to the doctor right after the accident so that you can be checked out. This is important even if you don’t think that you need medical care.

Once you have a diagnosis, you should let the insurance company know. You might need to get specific forms filled out. In some cases, you will have to fight for coverage. If this is the case, you should make sure that you understand your rights so that you know what to do to assert those rights.

There are some instances in which you may have to go to court for the compensation you deserve. This might happen if the case is especially expensive or if there are some unusual elements to it. If this is the case, make sure that you understand the way you must handle your claim.

You might also need to seek compensation if it is believed that you will require a lifetime of medical care because of the injury you suffered. Seeking compensation might make that possible.

Source: FindLaw, “Whiplash Injury Compensation: How to Make Your Claim,” Ephrat Livni, Esq., accessed Aug. 26, 2016