This past weekend I was in an accident with a friend. She hit someone from behind while driving and swerved to the side and pulled over so we can you know get all the insurance info and check if they were ok. When we stopped though the people that she hit took off and were no where in sight. We waited a while and then took off. She got off lucky basically cause her front bumper was all messed up, I could only imagine what happened to the other car.Plus it was like her 3rd accident in like 3 months, her parents would have killed her! The problem now is my neck is really sore and my chest too I'm guessing from the seat belt since it hurts on the right side (was sitting passenger). What should I do?
2006-08-14 03:26:18 · 8 answers · asked by TheLight 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
Your friend should probably report this to her insurance company since you're hurt. If you end up not needing to see a doctor, they can close out the claim with no payment. Soft tissue injuries do resolve without treatment when given time, but what to do with regard to seeing a doctor is your call. You may just need to be checked out, and that is your decision. If there is medical coverage on her policy- it might cover you (not sure where you are) or you might be able to make a pain and suffering claim against her liability coverage or ask for the bills to be paid out of that coverage (if you don't want anything more than that). At the very least make sure she knows you're in pain so she can be prepared for telilng her parents and her insurance company. Maybe you might also want to be the one who drives or find someone with a better record. If it makes you feel better, I was in a car that got rear-ended by a tractor trailer and after about 5 days my soreness was gone, and I never went to the doctor.
2006-08-14 14:01:29 · answer #1 · answered by Chris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to whiplash. The seatbelt could have caused pressure upon the ribs. And the jerking motion from the car hitting and stopping has tweaked the neck. Very common, more common for side effects not to show up until later on. Part of this is because your adrenaline was pumped during the accident. You want to hide this for your friend? You better, not reporting an accident is illegal in most states. Tell the doctor you fell down some stairs and get them to look at you. You need x-rays and some nonsteriod anti flam. Perhaps a neck brace. GO TO THE DOCTOR.
2006-08-14 10:39:30 · answer #2 · answered by rab2344 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start by documenting the accident -- this is for insurance purposes because... if you are in pain, you should really seek medical treatment. Your health is more important than getting into trouble. But, medical treatment will cost you money. That is where the insurance would help. You may be eligible for coverage under your friend's auto insurance or another policy that you/your parents have. So, you should: make notes about the accident (where/when/what happened); see a doctor about your injuries (even if you're not gushing blood!); ask your friend (or their parents) and/or your own parents about insurance (if you make your parents take you to the doctor, I'm sure that they will get involved in the pursuit of insurance issues). Best of luck to you.
2006-08-14 10:39:16 · answer #3 · answered by Shibi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are experiencing soft tissue trauma. This is so very common whith the use of seatbelts in a frontal crash -- usually some Advil and a few days are all that is needed for this. Remember, injury is different from hurt, (i.e; sore muscles, bruised chest, etc.), so if you think you have a real injury please see a real doctor (not a quack chiropractor). Dr. visit should be covered under the vehicle Med. portion of the policy or use your medical insurance and you should be reinbursed.
2006-08-14 17:39:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you have to sue her, but you can submit hospital bills to her insurance company. You'll need the police report.
You should not have to pay for hospital bills yourself just because her parents will be mad at her if they find out about the accident. Maybe filing a claim will force her to grow up.
Also, I wouldn't drive with her if you can avoid it. She's obviously an irresponsible driver. Don't risk it; people do die in car accidents.
2006-08-14 10:32:09 · answer #5 · answered by Pam 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Count yourself lucky the other people took off, because your friend was clearly at fault. As to your medical bills, submit them to your friend's insurance company and they will pay under her medical coverage. And I think I'd find someone safer to ride with.
2006-08-14 11:14:04 · answer #6 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give it time. If the pain does not subside within two weeks, consult your doctor about a basic checkup. Tell him the truth and see what he recommends.
If you can afford an x-ray go for it.
The only real threat you'll probably encounter, is a punctured organ. Let's pray that's not true.
2006-08-14 10:32:58 · answer #7 · answered by dork_hollywood 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whiplash without a doubt,it took a couple of days for mine to develop,very painful,you have my sympathy.
2006-08-14 10:33:18 · answer #8 · answered by havanadig 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋