In the event that you have suffered an injury as a consequence of a car crash, you most likely have a thousand unanswered questions. How will I get to work? Who will pay my hospital bill? What if I can’t work? Can I get a rental car? I don’t feel too bad now, what if my injuries get worse? And the list goes on.
The worst way to answer these questions is to speak with insurance adjusters. Insurance companies' sole goal is to minimize the amount of money they pay on a claim. They have been known to intentionally mislead car accident victims for their own financial gain.
Instead, you should speak with a knowledgeable and reputable attorney who regularly handles car accident cases. Call an experienced attorney, like a Philadelphia car accident lawyer, today to learn more about your options.
Head, Neck, and Back Injuries
The type and severity of injury experienced in a collision can vary greatly from accident to accident. The most common injury we find in crash victims is whiplash injuries to the neck and back which can range from soft tissue damage to disc herniation and nerve damage. People who are advanced in age, or have had prior neck and back issues, are often more susceptible to this type of injury. This holds true, even when the crash appears relatively minor or results in minimal property damage.
The most severe injuries are often to the head. Damage to the head can cause concussion and traumatic brain injury, or TBI, and happen when the head strikes the window, steering wheel, or other objects. Recent studies have also indicated that whiplash injuries can result in traumatic brain injury even in the absence of a person’s head physically striking an object. Traumatic brain injuries regularly include symptoms such as bruising, bleeding or swelling of the brain, skull fractures, concussion, and severe headache. If you experience these symptoms you should seek immediate medical attention.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
All auto insurance policies written in PA are required to provide medical benefits known as PIP or personal injury protection. These benefits provide, at a minimum, five thousand dollars in medical coverage to persons injured in auto accidents. Therefore, you should not worry about seeking medical assistance after an accident because medical care, such as an ambulance or emergency room visit, will be paid for by insurance (assuming the driver is insured.) It is always better to be safe than sorry. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical treatment and evaluation immediately.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Wieand Law Firm for their insight into common car accident injuries.
