Whiplash is a common yet often underestimated soft tissue injury affecting the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It is prevalent among car accident victims and can lead to significant complications if not properly addressed. Individuals who suspect they have sustained a whiplash injury due to a crash or collision should consider seeking legal advice to cover medical expenses and potential other financial losses.
The Mechanism Behind Neck Injuries in Car Accidents
Contrary to common belief, even minor car accidents can result in whiplash. Research, including a study featured in the European Spine Journal, indicates that whiplash can occur at speeds as low as nine miles per hour. Rear-end collisions are particularly notorious for causing whiplash, as the impact forces the occupants of the front vehicle to experience a rapid, violent motion of the neck. This motion can stretch or tear the neck’s muscles and ligaments, leading to strains (muscle injuries) or sprains (ligament injuries). Whiplash, also known as a cervical strain or sprain, can arise from various types of vehicle crashes and is the most reported car accident injury in the United States. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) highlighted that in 2007, neck sprains and strains accounted for approximately $8.8 billion in insurance claims, representing 25% of the total payouts for crash injuries. For further insights, our infographic on neck pain illustrates its prevalence among other types of crash injuries.
The Consequences of Neglecting Whiplash Treatment
Whiplash injuries can be challenging to diagnose due to their invisibility on X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans, leading some insurance companies to underestimate their severity. However, untreated moderate to severe whiplash can lead to debilitating symptoms, hindering normal movement and requiring treatments such as pain medication, foam collars, physical therapy, or trigger point injections. According to John Heller, MD, a professor of orthopedic surgery at Emory University, the lack of X-ray abnormalities does not negate the presence of pain. The initial adrenaline rush following an accident may mask pain, delaying symptom recognition. Symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain and stiffness, potentially extending to the back and upper shoulders, accompanied by swelling and reduced mobility. Headaches and base-of-the-skull pain are also common.
- Tinnitus is characterized by hearing non-existent noises such as ringing, hissing, or humming.
- Vertigo causes sensations of falling or spinning, along with dizziness or faintness.
Seeking medical attention within 72 hours of an accident is advisable to prevent insurance claim denials and avoid long-term complications, even for seemingly minor injuries. Untreated whiplash can lead to chronic pain and stiffness, with some patients experiencing symptoms for over a year. A study in the Neurology journal found that 7.8% of participants had not resumed their usual activities or work a year after the injury due to ongoing pain and stiffness.
FAQs About Whiplash Injuries
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is an injury to the neck’s soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons, typically caused by sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck, often resulting from rear-end car collisions.
How is whiplash diagnosed?
Whiplash is diagnosed through a combination of physical examinations and patient history. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be used to rule out other injuries but often do not show soft tissue damage directly.
Can whiplash lead to long-term issues?
Yes, if left untreated, whiplash can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and other long-term issues such as headaches, dizziness, and reduced range of motion in the neck. In some cases, victims may be eligible for compensation for long-term injuries resulting from whiplash.
How long does it take to recover from whiplash?
Recovery time varies depending on the injury’s severity, but many patients begin to see improvement within weeks or months. However, a small percentage may experience symptoms for over a year.
What treatments are available for whiplash?
Treatment options include pain management through medication, physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, foam collars to support the neck, and trigger point injections to alleviate muscle pain.
Is it necessary to see a doctor after a minor car accident?
Yes, seeking medical attention within 72 hours of any car accident, even if the injuries seem minor, is advisable to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment and support any potential insurance claims.
Can I claim compensation for a whiplash injury?
If you’ve sustained a whiplash injury due to a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. Consulting with a legal professional can help you understand your options.
How can I prove my whiplash injury in a legal claim?
Proving a whiplash injury typically involves medical records, testimony from healthcare providers, and possibly expert witnesses to demonstrate the injury’s impact on your life and well-being.
What should I do immediately after experiencing whiplash?
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, document your symptoms and any treatments received, and consider consulting with a legal professional to discuss potential compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim for a whiplash injury?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims varies by state. In Oklahoma, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim, but it’s best to consult with a legal professional for specific guidance.
Seeking Legal Assistance for Whiplash Injuries
If you or a loved one has suffered a whiplash injury due to a car accident, understanding your legal rights and options is vital. Hasbrook & Hasbrook offers comprehensive legal support for individuals seeking compensation for their injuries. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and how we can assist you in navigating the legal process for a whiplash injury claim.