car accident victims what you need to know about whiplash

If you were diagnosed with whiplash after a car accident, you know how hard it can be to move forward while dealing with lingering pain and medical bills. While whiplash is a relatively common car accident injury, the effects of this type of medical problem should not be underestimated. After an accident, it is important to understand whether your injury is a valid ground for a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania.

Whiplash is an injury to the neck, caused by the motion of the head and neck in a collision. The symptoms of this type of injury typically manifest within 24 hours of an accident, but they may be dismissed as the normal soreness and discomfort often felt after a crash. Whiplash symptoms include soreness, loss of range of motion, headache, localized pain, and tenderness and fatigue. Other serious effects include memory problems, dizziness, depression, difficulty sleeping, concentration problems and more.

Victims who suffer from whiplash may require extensive medical treatment. These injuries can take months to heal, may limit normal activity, and can necessitate therapy or even surgery. When whiplash begins to cause a financial burden or causes a significant negative impact on your life, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.

No Pennsylvania car accident victim should carry the financial and physical burden of a whiplash injury alone. While this type of injury is often dismissed as minor, you should never assume that you do not have a valid claim to compensatory damages. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case and provide an opinion regarding available legal options for you. 

Source:  mayoclinic.org, “Whiplash Symptoms“, Feb. 15, 2016