What Are Some Common Signs of Whiplash From Car Accidents?

Whiplash is a type of injury that commonly occurs in car accidents, especially if the impact involves a sudden blow from the rear end. This injury happens when the neck and head are forcefully and rapidly whipped back and forth, causing damage to the soft tissues in the neck.

Although whiplash is often linked with car accidents, it can also result from physical abuse or sports-related incidents. In addition, the severity of whiplash symptoms can vary, and signs may not appear until hours or even days after the accident.

Some common signs of whiplash from a car accident include:

• Neck pain and stiffness (the pain may worsen when you move your neck).
• Headaches due to tension in the neck muscles.
• Dizziness or a feeling of lightheadedness.
• Fatigue and trouble sleeping.
• Back pain, especially in the upper back and shoulders.
• Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Memory problems.

You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident. An experienced auto accident doctor will evaluate your injury, grade it based on severity, and then provide the required treatment.

How Are Whiplash Injuries Graded?

The grading system for these injuries depends on the severity of the symptoms and the extent of the damage to the neck. Here is a commonly used grading system for whiplash and its meaning:

Grade 0: No physical signs of injury or pain in the neck area.

Grade 1: Some evidence of injury, such as pain, stiffness, or tenderness in the neck area. However, there are no other symptoms present.

Grade 2: Includes symptoms from Grade 1 plus musculoskeletal signs of injury, such as limited range of motion, muscle spasms, or joint tenderness.

Grade 3: Includes symptoms from Grades 1 and 2 plus neurological signs of injury, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands.

Grade 4: Evidence of a fracture or dislocation in the neck area.

The grading system helps doctors determine the appropriate treatment plan for the patient. For example, mild whiplash injuries may only require rest, pain medication, and physical therapy. On the other hand, severe injuries may require more extensive treatment, such as immobilization, injections, or surgery.

What Are Some Common Causes of Whiplash in a Car Accident?

Some common causes of whiplash in a car accident include the following:

• Rear-end collisions
• T-bone collisions
• Head-on collisions
• Collisions at high speed
• Improperly adjusted headrests

How Long Does Whiplash Take to Heal After a Car Accident?

The approximate healing time for whiplash depends on the severity of the specific injury and the individual's overall health. As mentioned earlier, mild cases of whiplash may take a few days to a few weeks to heal, but more severe cases may take several weeks or even months to recover fully.

The activities you engage in during the healing process will also determine the length of the recovery. For example, you should avoid lifting heavy objects while recovering from a whiplash injury. Rather, ensure you get proper rest and follow your doctor's directions.

In addition to getting sufficient rest, physical therapy and exercises can also help improve range of motion and strengthen the neck muscles, speeding up the healing process. 

How Do I Know if My Whiplash Is Serious?

Contrary to popular belief, whiplash injuries are serious and require immediate medical attention. That said, your whiplash may be more serious if you experience any of the symptoms we discussed earlier. Again, only after getting checked by a professional car accident doctor will you fully understand the true extent of your injuries.

Can a Minor Car Accident Cause Whiplash?

Yes, even a minor car accident, such as one caused by a low-speed collision or a fender bender, may lead to whiplash.

In fact, some studies have shown that low-speed collisions can actually increase the risk of whiplash because the force of the impact is not absorbed as much by the car. This means that more of the force is transferred to the car's occupants, including the neck and spine.

How Can I Prove Whiplash After a Car Accident?

Proving whiplash after a car accident can be challenging, especially if you do not have an attorney. But even before seeking legal counsel and possible representation, you should know the basic steps you need to take to strengthen your case, as discussed below.

The first and most critical step is calling 911 and seeking medical attention immediately after the accident. Keep in mind that whiplash occurs due to different types of accidents. So, if you do not seek medical attention immediately, the insurance carrier could claim that you did not get injured in the car accident. And when that happens, it will be much more difficult to prove them wrong.

In addition, a qualified car accident doctor can evaluate your condition and document your symptoms, which will be important evidence in your claim. Once you find a good doctor, you should follow their instructions. Doing so is good for your health and also proves that you are taking your injury seriously and doing everything you can to recover.

If possible, document your symptoms, including when they started and how they have affected your daily life. This will help you remember important details and can be used as evidence in your claim.

Remember to obtain copies of your medical records. These include but are not limited to diagnostic tests, X-rays, and MRI scans. These records can help prove your injury and support your claim.

Next, obtain the contact information of any witnesses, if possible. Your attorney may help convince them to describe what they saw. These statements can help support your claim.

Do not forget to obtain a copy of the police report filed after the accident. The report may contain important details about the accident that can help support your claim. Besides, insurance companies will likely believe the police more than your own version of events.

Can Whiplash Symptoms Get Worse Over Time?

Sometimes, whiplash symptoms may not appear until days or even weeks after an accident. And when they do, they may slowly worsen without proper treatment. Therefore, if injured in a car accident, you should seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel any pain or discomfort at that particular moment.

When left untreated, whiplash can cause chronic pain and long-term disability. You may also experience additional symptoms, such as numbness and tingling in the arms and hands, headaches, dizziness, and pain and stiffness becoming more severe, making it difficult to perform everyday activities.

Proper treatment is essential to prevent whiplash symptoms from worsening over time. However, it is one thing to get proper treatment and a totally different thing to recover properly. For this reason, to ensure that your injury is treated properly, you must follow your doctor's instructions and attend all recommended appointments.

What Is the Whiplash Injury Compensation?

Whiplash injury compensation depends on the unique circumstances of the case. When determining compensation, the court may consider factors such as:

• the severity of the injury;
• the extent of medical treatment required;
• the impact of the injury on the person's daily life and ability to work; and
• the long-term effects of the injury.

A Morgan & Morgan car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and determine the potential value of your claim if you or your loved one has suffered whiplash after a car accident.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Whiplash Claim?

Some whiplash claims settle quickly, while others take several months or even years to settle.

One of the factors that can influence the settlement timeline is the severity of the injury. If the injury is relatively minor and minimal medical treatment is required, the claim can be settled more quickly. The claim may, however, take longer to settle for severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

The willingness of the insurance company to negotiate can also impact the timeline of a whiplash claim. If the insurance company is willing to negotiate a fair settlement, the claim may be resolved sooner than later. However, the process may take longer if the insurance company is uncooperative or disputes the claim.

In general, a whiplash claim can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to settle. However, every case is different, and the timeline depends on your circumstances. For this reason, you are better off working with an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands how to navigate the claims process and secure the compensation you deserve.

How a Morgan & Morgan Whiplash Lawyer Can Help 

Suppose you have been involved in a car accident and have suffered whiplash or any other injury. In that case, you should contact Morgan & Morgan immediately. There are several reasons why this decision is important.

Firstly, a Morgan & Morgan whiplash lawyer can assess the strength of your claim and help you understand the compensation you may be entitled to. They can also advise you on the steps you need to take to protect your legal rights.

In addition, insurance companies may try to settle your claim quickly and for a lower amount than you deserve. A seasoned car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Proving liability in a whiplash injury case can be complex, as the issue of fault may not be immediately apparent. But you should not be concerned about that when you have Morgan & Morgan. We are the nation's largest injury firm with powerful resources to conduct thorough investigations to determine liability and help you build a strong case against the other party.

Finally, there is usually limited time to file a claim after a car accident. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to compensation. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations and varies from state to state.

At Morgan & Morgan, we can ensure you meet all the legal deadlines and file your claim promptly.

Contact Morgan & Morgan for a Free Case Evaluation 

One thing that sets Morgan & Morgan above other injury law firms is that we are the law firm for the people. We fight for the common person who lacks the resources to face big, powerful insurance companies and other bullies. As a result, we've earned a reputation for our aggressiveness when it comes to fighting for the rights of the injured from coast to coast.

And, we have been doing that since 1988. To put things into perspective, Morgan & Morgan has recovered over $20 billion as compensation for the injured, and the numbers keep growing. You can check out our most recent results here.

Car accident claims are time-sensitive. Don't want any longer. You may be eligible for compensation. All you need to do is fill out our free case evaluation form.