(275+)Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries reported in Philadelphia. It is a form of soft tissue damage (neck strain) that has the potential to be extremely painful and, in bad cases, debilitating. There are even some studies that suggest that most people involved in a crash suffer at least some form of whiplash. At Gibbons & Crichton, we know how to handle even the most complex of whiplash injury cases. Here, our Philadelphia car accident attorney provides a guide to navigating whiplash injuries after a crash in Pennsylvania.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash (a cervical acceleration-deceleration injury) happens when the head and neck are suddenly and forcefully jerked backward and then forward. It is a common injury in traffic accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. The rapid motion associated with a serious crash can stretch and/or tear muscles, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue in the cervical spine. That can happen without visible fractures but with significant functional impairment. Because symptoms may not appear immediately, prompt medical attention is a must. Indeed, whiplash often arises with a delayed onset after a crash. You may not fully feel it for 24, 48, 72 hours, or even longer.
Whiplash is a Common Car Accident Injury in Philadelphia
Whiplash is a shockingly common motor vehicle accident injury in Philadelphia. Some studies find that up to 80 percent of traffic accident victims experience some form of cervical acceleration–deceleration injury (whiplash). That is cited from a peer-reviewed study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In the United States alone, more than three million people suffer from whiplash or similar neck trauma each year. Although many whiplash injuries are thankfully mild or moderate, many others are extremely serious.
Suffered Whiplash After a Car Accident? Get Immediate Medical Attention
All whiplash injuries (and suspected whiplash injuries) require immediate medical care from a licensed physician. Immediate medical attention after a crash is critical for both health and legal reasons. If you experience neck pain, stiffness, headaches, or fatigue following a collision, seek medical evaluation without delay. Get yourself to a doctor even if symptoms seem minor. Early diagnosis and treatment will help facilitate your recovery. Beyond that, it will also mean that your injury will be properly documented. Your medical records are needed to establish a clear link between the accident and your whiplash injury claim. If you do not see a doctor, you will not be able to pursue compensation for whiplash in Pennsylvania.
Know the Long-Term Effects of Whiplash From a Car Accident
Whiplash is an acute injury that has the potential to have serious long-term effects on the victim. With bad whiplash injuries, it is common for the victim to report adverse symptoms for months, years, or, in some cases, even permanently. Here are some of the most common long-term effects that are associated with whiplash car accident injuries in Philadelphia:
- Chronic Neck Pain and Neck Stiffness: Lingering discomfort or reduced range of motion in the cervical spine may persist for months or even years after the initial accident.
- Headaches, including Migraines: The trauma of the neck acceleration-deceleration can trigger recurrent headaches. It can result from nerve irritation or muscular strain.
- Neurological Symptoms: Some victims report numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms and shoulders. That suggests nerve impingement or cervical disc involvement.
- Psychological Impact: Ongoing pain and functional limitations can lead to anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and diminished quality of life.
- Degenerative Changes and Associated Injuries: Whiplash may accelerate cervical spine degeneration. That can increase the risk of herniated discs and affect long-term spinal health.
- Reduced Mobility and Problems With Posture: Long-term soft-tissue inflammation can alter posture and cause compensatory strain in the shoulders and upper back.
- Cognitive/Concentration Issues: Some people experience lasting “brain fog,” difficulty focusing, or short-term memory issues linked to pain, fatigue, or mild traumatic brain injury.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for Car Accident Whiplash
Did you suffer a whiplash injury in a car accident in Philadelphia? You must be able to secure the full and fair financial compensation that you are entitled to under Pennsylvania law. Our firm can help. Do not trust an insurance company to properly value your claim. A person who has a whiplash injury may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other health care costs;
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative care;
- Loss of wages and diminished ability to earn;
- Pain and suffering and mental distress;
- Disability or physical impairment; and
- Reduced quality of life.
How Our Philadelphia Whiplash Injury Attorney Can Help
Whiplash cases can be complicated. While whiplash can be an extremely painful and debilitating injury, it can also be challenging to prove. Insurance companies use every tool in their power to protect their own interests. They want to pay out less. At Gibbons & Crichton, we have the experience that you can trust. Our Philadelphia car accident lawyers have a strong record of case results and client testimonials. We are ready to protect your rights.
With a law office that is conveniently located on Market Street in Philadelphia, we are well-positioned to handle cases throughout the entire region. Our car accident lawyers know Philadelphia well, and we represent injured victims all across the city, including in whiplash claims. Your initial consultation with our Philadelphia car crash attorney is free, completely confidential, and carries zero additional obligations.
Contact Our Philadelphia Auto Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review
At Gibbons & Crichton, our Philadelphia car accident attorney has the skills and experience to take on whiplash claims. If you or your loved one suffered a serious whiplash injury, we can help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. With an office in Philadelphia, we handle motor vehicle accident cases throughout the entire region, including in the following zip codes: 19120, 19124, 19111, 19143, 19149, 19134, 19140, and 19148.
