Damage compensation after a whiplash injury from a car accident in Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania – July 20, 2021
Personal injury is a residual effect of many car accidents with some minor injury occurrence, or more catastrophic physical harms that can last a lifetime. Whiplash is a common injury that affects many motorists and can have long lasting negative health consequences, so it is prudent to consult with an accident attorney to discuss medical screening and the need for compensation over no fault insurance. Most of the time, the signs and symptoms of whiplash develop within several days of an accident injury, and commonly include:
- Stiffness and pain in the neck
- Inability to move the neck without pain
- Headaches near the base of the skull
- Shoulder, upper back, or arm soreness
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Blurred vision, fatigue, or dizziness
- Ringing ears or sleep disturbances
- Unusual irritability or depression
- Memory or concentration difficulties
Whiplash injuries.
Whiplash is a neck injury usually caused by a forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip, commonly caused by rear-end car accidents. Whiplash can also result from sports accidents, physical abuse, and other types of traumas, such as a fall. Most people with whiplash get better within a few weeks by following a treatment plan that includes pain medication, exercise, stretching and sometimes chiropractic care. Some people may end up with chronic neck pain and other long-lasting complications after a car accident, requiring an extended period of physical therapy and chiropractic care that necessitates damage compensation from the at fault party. A Pennsylvania auto accident attorney will assist with insurance claims and communications to gain access to sufficient compensation to cover losses caused by the accident.
Insurance and medical costs.
Pennsylvania is a no fault insurance state and drivers are required to carry their own protection to cover damages, regardless of fault in an accident, which guarantees that injured motorists can receive immediate medical screening and treatment. The first party benefit (FPB) enables coverage for medical costs to covered drivers and passengers to pay hospital bills, medical, dental, and nursing services related to the accident. Pennsylvania requires policy coverage for FPB in the amount of $5,000 per person. If insurance coverage is not enough to pay for injuries, an accident victim may have to initiate legal action to request necessary compensation. The tort option determines a policyholder’s right to sue another driver for pain and suffering and drivers should be aware that if they selected the limited tort option, they may be restricted from suing another driver for non-monetary damages. An auto accident attorney can explain how insurance coverages in Pennsylvania will impact damage compensation outcomes after a car accident results in whiplash injuries.
Residual expenses over insurance coverage.
If an accident victim has a good health insurance policy, residual costs over auto insurance claims payments may be covered. Some policies may not cover certain treatment modalities including chiropractic care, and physical therapy which may be necessary for prolonged periods of time after an accident and are expensive.
Seek legal counsel.
Car accident whiplash victims should call an accident attorney in the Philadelphia area to determine “fault” and necessary actions toward a legal proceeding to address any damages and injuries sustained that insurance will not cover. An experienced car accident lawyer will fight for a victim’s right to compensation to cover treatments related to their whiplash injury and any chronic condition related to the accident.
PhillyLaw, LLC
2021 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 515-2050
Sources:
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.071.002.000..HTM
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921
