Symptoms of Whiplash from Rear-end Accidents
A rear-end crash happens when a vehicle hits the one in front of it. According to the NHTSA, rear-end accidents are quite common in the United States of America. The NHTSA estimates that nearly 30 percent of all accidents are rear-ended accidents. Rear-end accidents can occur for various reasons, but most rear-end accidents in the U.S. happen because of driver negligence. Some negligent behaviors that result in rear-end accidents include tailgating, inattention or distraction, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and brake checking. Unfortunately, rear-end accidents can result in serious injuries. One serious injury you can suffer in a rear-end accident is whiplash. If you were in a rear-end accident, it is vital that you know the symptoms of whiplash. Read on to learn about the symptoms of whiplash from a rear-end accident.
Defining Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the head suddenly and forcefully moves from one direction to another. This type of injury is quite common in rear-end accidents, although it can happen in any kind of accident. In a rear-end accident, whiplash occurs when the head suddenly and forcefully moves back and forth due to the impact of the crash.
Symptoms of Whiplash From Rear-end Accidents
Often, the symptoms of whiplash do not develop immediately after a rear-end accident. According to the Mayo Clinic, it usually takes days for the symptoms of whiplash to develop. The following are some of the symptoms of whiplash from a rear-end accident;
- Neck pain and stiffness – This is the most common symptom of whiplash from a rear-end accident, and it can manifest immediately or several days after an accident. The pain may be mild or severe. It may be localized or spread throughout your neck and shoulders. Whether the pain is mild or severe will depend on the force of the accident, whether you have any pre-existing condition(s), and whether you were wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
- Headaches – Headaches, especially at the back of the head, are common after someone suffers whiplash in a rear-end accident.
- Shoulder pain – If you suffered whiplash in your rear-end accident, you might experience pain in your shoulder or between the shoulder blades.
- Numbness or tingling – It could be a sign of whiplash if you feel numbness in your neck, arm, shoulder, fingers, or hand. Numbness or tingling could indicate that a spinal nerve root is compressed or inflamed.
- Dizziness – Sometimes, people who have whiplash experience a dizzying sensation where they file like they are spinning. If you suffered whiplash in your rear-end accident, you might begin to feel like the world around you is spinning, and that may make you dizzy.
- Lower back pain – Whiplash is a spinal injury, and the spine goes all the way to the lower back. Lower back pain is a common symptom of whiplash.
- Brain fog – This is when you are confused, forgetful, and lack focus and mental clarity. Brain fog can be a sign that you suffered a traumatic brain injury or whiplash in your rear-end collision.
What Should You Do if You Experience Symptoms of Whiplash After a Rear-end Accident?
If you experience the above-discussed symptoms and any other symptoms not discussed in this article, you should see a doctor immediately. A doctor can help you determine if you have whiplash. If you do, they can recommend a treatment plan. Treatment for whiplash may include rest, physical therapy, pain medications, massage, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and in some instances, injections or surgery.
After noticing symptoms of whiplash, you may feel tempted to wait and see what happens, but this goes against medical and legal advice. If you wait to see a doctor, your health condition might worsen. What you think is a minor injury might become a severe injury and adversely affect your health. Delaying seeking medical attention may also adversely affect the outcome of your car accident claim. If another driver’s negligence caused your rear-end accident, you have the right to file an accident claim against the negligent driver and recover compensation for your injury. If you delay seeking medical attention after you file your claim, the at-fault party may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. The at-fault party may argue that you suffered your injury in a different incident.
For reference, here is source information.
Contact a Naples Car Accident Attorney
If you experience symptoms of whiplash after being involved in a rear-end accident because of another driver’s negligence, our qualified Naples car accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro can help you recover the compensation you deserve. We have years of experience helping whiplash victims recover the compensation they deserve. You can reach us by calling 239-329-7829 or filling out our online contact form.
