Whiplash neck sprains are common. Many people involved in car crashes develop neck pain (with or without other injuries). Women are more prone to a whiplash sprain than men as their neck muscles are less strong.
Some people are surprised at having symptoms after a minor car crash. Even slow car bumps may cause enough jerking of the neck to cause symptoms.
Less commonly, a whiplash neck sprain can occur after a sporting injury, or even with everyday activities such as jolting the neck when you trip or fall.

If your insurance company refuses to pay for your treatments and occurred medical expenses, you still have options and should consider obtaining legal advice:

1. Negotiate: have your legal representative notify your insurance company that you will be disputing the insurer's decision and attempt to resolve the dispute.
2. Mediation: if you cannot resolve your dispute with the Insurance Company, then you can file for Mediation, where a mediator is appointed to your file by FSCO (Financial Services Commission of Ontario) Dispute Resolution Services.
3. Legal: if the mediation failed, then you may file for Arbitration, Lawsuit or Evaluation.
4. Time Limit: you have a maximum of 2 years to file for Mediation and/or Arbitration, Lawsuit or Evaluation form the date that the insurance company refused to pay.

1- If the police have not been notified, they must be informed of the accident. If no police present at the scene then you should go to the nearest accident/collision reporting centre to report the accident with other driver/s involved in the accident/s. Make sure to get the other driver/s information such as name, address, driver’s license number, insurance company name and policy number as well as their vehicle license plate number. Take pictures of the car/s, location, license plate/s and other related objects if you have a cell phone with a camera. Get the name and phone number of witnesses and record all related information. Do not admit fault. Do not compromise yours and other occupant’s safety. Stay calm. 
 
2- If the ambulance has been called you should go to the emergency for examination if you have serious injuries. Takes your valuables with you or give them to someone you know and notify a family member. 
 
3- Contact us as soon as possible to book an appointment if you suffer from any pain or injuries. 
4. It is important that your own insurance company be advised of the accident. If you do not have an insurance company, you will need to contact an insurance company that is involved with the accident such as the company that insured the vehicle in which you were a passenger or the company that insured the vehicle that struck you if you are a pedestrian. Likewise, you should notify any other insurance company that may provide coverage following your accident such as any private disability insurance you may have or any insurance through your employment. Application for benefits under these policies must be made in a timely manner. In respect of automobile accidents, applications for insurance benefits must follow strict provisions and must be accessed immediately in order that you can obtain benefits regardless of fault and before your claim has even been commenced against any responsible party.
 
5. Your school or your employer should be notified that you have been involved and injured in the accident.
 
6- Make sure not to fall into the scam of some of tow truck drivers or body shops who may try to refer you to lawyers and medical clinics. They sell your case and make money off your injuries. Do not accept any money. This is illegal and you should report them to the authorities. You may jeopardize your insurance claim by doing this. 
 
7- It is your legal right and it is your choice to attend any medical clinic, body shop, mechanic shop and seek legal advice from any licensed paralegal or lawyer specialized in personal injury law. Remember that your insurance company, family doctor or lawyer may only suggest and cannot force you despite of your will to attend any service provider including body shops, mechanics and rehabilitation clinics.

8- You must inform your Insurance Company regardless of you being at fault or not if you have been injured in an automobile accident. You must complete and sign the Accident Benefit Form (OCF-1) and other related forms before commencement of any treatment/assessment. We will complete other forms such as Disability Certificate (OCF-03), Treatment and Assessment Plan (OCF-18) and Treatment Confirmation Form (OCF-23) on your behalf. All of the above forms must be signed by you before we submit them to your Insurance Company for their approval.
If you have any additional questions regarding the Injury Claims Process, please do not hesitate to ask your health provider at our facility, or visit:

http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/en/auto/Pages/default.aspx

The materials provided on this site are for information purposes only. These materials constitute general information relating to areas of rehabilitation. They do NOT constitute medical or legal advice or other professional advice and you may not rely on the contents of this website as such. The contents of the website do not necessarily represent the opinions of ProCare Health Group or its health care providers and directors. For medical emergencies please go to the nearest hospital or contact your family doctor. For legal matters related to your case consult a lawyer specialized in personl injury law.