Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents and most often occurs after a rear-ending accident. Caused by sudden motion, whiplash may not produce symptoms immediately, but they can worsen over time. While some may assume that this is a minor injury, whiplash can cause long-term pain and complications if not treated properly.

If you have been injured in an accident, there are some important facts to note about whiplash injuries in Pennsylvania, including your rights and how filing a claim works. A personal injury attorney at Lowenthal & Abrams can help you navigate this process and ensure that you do not suffer the repercussions of your injuries alone.

Understanding Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash injuries are caused by the neck moving rapidly back and forth. The rapid motion can strain or tear the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck and upper back and generate symptoms of neck pain and stiffness, dizziness, and headaches. More severely, whiplash can cause cognitive issues such as memory problems or difficulty concentrating. These symptoms not only cause physical pain but also financial problems, as—depending on the severity and your job responsibilities—whiplash can limit your ability to work.

Whiplash symptoms do not always appear immediately after an accident. Symptoms of pain and strain in the neck can take hours, or even days, to develop. Due to this delay, it is important to seek medical attention, even if you feel fine at first. Acquiring medical documentation in Pennsylvania is an important part of filing any personal injury claim for whiplash.

Whiplash and State Laws

The state uses a no-fault auto insurance system. This means that drivers can choose between limited-tort and full-tort insurance policies. If you select limited tort, the ability to sue for the pain and suffering caused by whiplash may be restricted unless the injuries match certain noted criteria in Pennsylvania. For instance, the whiplash injury must be a proven long-term impairment for limited tort to consider it a serious injury. However, hiring an experienced lawyer can help assess each unique situation.

Legal Action

Suffering from whiplash due to someone else’s negligence should not be ignored. Keep documentation of your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and any expenses related to treatment.

You should note that Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years after the accident, so do not delay seeking legal guidance for whiplash. An experienced personal injury attorney can gather crucial evidence to support your claim.

Contact Us Today for Facts About Whiplash Cases in Pennsylvania

At Lowenthal & Abrams, our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and can provide some facts to know about whiplash injuries in Pennsylvania.

We are dedicated to guiding you through this process—from negotiating with insurers to collecting medical referrals—because you deserve fair compensation for your injury. Contact us today for a free consultation.