Symptoms of Whiplash from Rear End Collisions
Whiplash, a common neck injury in automobile accidents, is a major financial burden for individuals and their insurers. A 1999 study found that whiplash injuries in the U.S. cost more than $8.5 billion each year. Obviously, that number is much higher now. Despite the fact that this injury is so common and so expensive for society, whiplash is not well understood. Because whiplash is a soft-tissue injury, it often does not show up on x-rays or other tests. It is a strain of the muscles in the neck and head, as well as the muscles connected to the neck and head, and can be quite painful, even if it’s not detected by medical technology
Rear-End Accidents are Among the Most Common Causes of Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury that happens when something causes the neck or head to rapidly jerk backward and then forward. The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, widely considered one of the nation’s top medical centers, has found that, while other causes are possible, whiplash is most commonly suffered in rear-end traffic accidents. Upon being rear-ended, a person’s butt is lifted up out of their seat slightly while their back is simultaneously being compressed against the back of their seat. This causes their head to hyper-extend backwards (thus, the need for a head rest). It’s only when the vehicle’s forward motion comes to a stop (either on its own or upon hitting something in front of it, e.g., another car), that one’s head then snaps forward (into hyper-flexion) as the vehicle’s shoulder harness engages and prevents further forward motion of a person’s upper torso. Because the motion resembles the action of a bullwhip, the injury gained the name “whiplash.”
Whiplash symptoms usually develop almost immediately after the accident that causes the injuries. These symptoms can include:
- Neck stiffness and pain
- Dizziness
- Problems sleeping
- Headaches
- Pain in the shoulders, upper back or arms, as well as tingling or numbness in the arms
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
While placing enormous strain upon neck muscles, a whiplash injury also can result in a brain injury. If severe enough, the whiplash action can, in essence, bounce the brain against the inside of the skull, resulting in brain bruising. This can result in more serious symptoms. In cases where the whiplash is more severe, the symptoms may include:
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Problems with concentration and memory
- Depression
Whiplash injuries, while common, usually do not last long. Most whiplash victims recover completely in a matter of weeks. Sometimes full recovery takes a few months. In a very small minority of whiplash cases, victims suffer from whiplash symptoms for longer periods, sometimes months or years after the injury. However, such cases are rare, with only about 5% of people who suffer whiplash still suffering symptoms sufficiently severe for them to remain on disability a year after their accident.
Contact The Law Office of Gary A. Peterson
If you have suffered whiplash as a result of an accident, you should consult a Tustin car accident lawyer to explore your options and potential compensation for your injuries. The Law Office of Gary A. Peterson can help. You can reach me at (714) 461-6003 or through my online contact form.