Whiplash is one of the most frequent injuries from car accidents. Each year, over three (3) million people experience whiplash in the United States. If you or a loved one has developed whiplash from a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, among other losses. Contact our firm anytime for a free case evaluation by calling (401) 431-1990 or by completing an online contact form.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is an injury that occurs in the soft tissue of the neck, including neck muscles, ligaments, nerves, and tendons. Whiplash can also affect neck bones and discs.
Whiplash is caused by a rapid back-and-forth motion of the head. It is a common result of car accidents, which often involve abrupt impacts that cause the head to move forward and back quickly.
Factors That Affect Whiplash from Car Accidents
Although anyone can experience whiplash, there are some factors that make it more likely that someone will suffer from whiplash in a car accident.
- Sex – Females are more likely to experience whiplash than males for several reasons. First, biological sex differences in the spinal column—mainly the space between the spinal bones—make females more prone to neck and spine injuries. Also, females tend to be shorter than males overall, which can cause more injuries, as discussed below. Lastly, on average, females have less muscle than males, so they have less shock absorption, which is also detailed below.
- Age – Older individuals, especially those sixty-five (65) years old or older, are more susceptible to muscle and bone injuries, so whiplash in this population is more common than in younger people.
- Height – People who are shorter may experience whiplash more often than taller people, mostly because their car’s headrest may not adequately support shorter individuals’ heads.
- Muscle – Muscle can function as a shock absorber, which can help reduce the impact of a car accident on a person.
- Vehicle Factors – Vehicles with ineffective or defective headrests or seat backs can affect the severity of a person’s injuries during a car accident.
- High Speed – The higher the speed at which a car is moving, the higher the impact a car will have if it collides with an object. For example, a car traveling twenty-five (25) miles per hour will have a smaller impact than if it is traveling fifty (50) miles per hour.
- Pre-Existing Injuries – People with pre-existing neck or back injuries are more susceptible to whiplash because the impact of a car accident can make these previous conditions worse.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
People often notice whiplash symptoms within the first twenty-four (24) hours of a car accident. However, some individuals may not experience signs for days or weeks after the impact. It is important to consult a medical professional as soon as you notice any symptoms of whiplash so that they can accurately diagnose and treat you. People with whiplash typically experience the following symptoms:
- Pain or stiffness in the neck, back, shoulder, upper arms, or jaw
- Decreased range of motion in—or inability to move—neck
- Headaches (usually stemming from the bottom of the skull)
- Arm or finger numbness or tingling
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears (also called tinnitus)
- Vision problems, including blurriness
- Problems remembering or focusing
- Issues with sleep
- Depression
- Irritability
- Fatigue
Types of Whiplash
Medical professionals established a grading system to distinguish between types of whiplash. This system is called “The Quebec Classification of Whiplash-Associated Disorders,” and it ranks whiplashes into five (5) categories:
- Grade 0. This occurs when a patient has no pain and has no physical symptoms.
- Grade 1. The patient experiences neck pain, stiffness, or tenderness, but there are no physical signs of whiplash.
- Grade 2. Neck pain, stiffness, or tenderness is present, and the patient has physical musculoskeletal symptoms, such as decreased range of motion, sensitivity when touched, muscle spasms, bruising, swelling, or pain that radiates to nearby areas.
- Grade 3. The patient suffers from neck pain, stiffness, or tenderness, plus physical musculoskeletal symptoms, as well as neurological symptoms, like lack of reflexes, tendon or muscle weakness, numbness, headaches, problems with vision, or dizziness.
- Grade 4. The most serious grade of whiplash includes complaints of neck pain, stiffness, or tenderness; physical musculoskeletal signs; neurological symptoms; and broken, dislocated, or misaligned neck bones.
How Is Whiplash Treated?
Depending on the severity of a person’s whiplash, treatments vary. Below are common whiplash treatments:
- Immobilizing the neck, particularly by wearing a cervical (neck) collar
- Pain and muscle relaxer medication
- Pain management
- Physical therapy
- Injections
- Surgery
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Whiplash?
Recovery time depends on the extent of one’s whiplash injury. Less severe whiplashes can heal in days or weeks, while people with serious whiplashes may take years to heal. Individuals with acute whiplash can also develop chronic pain.
What If I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?
Often, car accidents make pre-existing health conditions worse. Pre-existing conditions can make a car accident lawsuit more difficult because the other side will try to argue that any injuries sustained during the accident were from your pre-existing injury.
Nevertheless, individuals with pre-existing health conditions can still get compensation for their car accident injuries. It is especially important that people with pre-existing conditions carefully document and keep track of medical records, medical appointments, and any worsening of the pre-existing injury. We recommend consulting with a skilled car accident lawyer because they can help you through the complicated legal system.
How Can I Prevent Whiplash Injuries?
It is impossible to totally prevent whiplash due to its sudden and unexpected nature, but there are some ways to decrease the chance you will get whiplash and lessen its severity.
- Vehicle Headrest – The top of the headrest in your vehicle should be even with the top of your head or ears. Ensure your headrest is close to your head, preferably less than three (3) inches from the back of your skull. This can help limit the back-and-forth motion that causes whiplash.
- Seat Cushions – If you are shorter, consider purchasing and installing a seat cushion in your vehicle to increase your height. Height can affect the likelihood of getting whiplash and its severity.
- Wear a Seatbelt Properly – Make sure your seatbelt is worn across your chest and shoulder. It should be close-fitting against your body. Wearing a seatbelt properly can reduce your body from moving too far forward during a car accident.
- Practice Safe Driving – Even perfect drivers can get whiplash from an unexpected car accident, but driving safely can help prevent whiplash or reduce its effects. Leave enough space between your car and the vehicle in front of you so you can safely stop and do not have to slam your brakes. The ability to stop in time can prevent the car behind you from also stopping short and potentially crashing into your car.
- Look Forward – If possible, look forward so that your head is in line with the rest of your body. This can help reduce the strain on your neck.
What Should I Do After Getting Whiplash?
After getting a whiplash injury, you should follow these steps:
- See a medical professional as soon as possible. A medical provider can diagnose your injuries and prescribe appropriate treatment. Additionally, getting a medical evaluation documents your injuries, which may help you get proper compensation in a future lawsuit.
- Obey all medical advice or treatment plans. You should follow your healthcare professional’s directions and go to all medical appointments. Doing so protects your health by ensuring that your injury is correctly treated. In a lawsuit, obeying your doctor’s orders can prevent the other side from arguing that you contributed to or exacerbated your injury by not taking proper measures to preserve your health.
- Contact your insurance company. As soon as practicable, you should contact your insurance company to file a claim about the car accident. Supply essential information and documentation so they can process your claim.
- Document and keep all records related to your injury. Take pictures of the accident, or if you cannot safely do so, note the accident details as soon as possible. Make a list of all symptoms, medical appointments, treatments, prescriptions, and witnesses to the car accident. Get ahold of the police report to support your claim. This will help you prove your case in a lawsuit.
- Consult with an experienced whiplash injury lawyer. Speaking with a seasoned legal professional can help you understand your options and rights, walk you through the legal process, and advocate on your behalf. You can contact our firm 24/7 for a free case evaluation by calling (401) 431-1990 or completing an online contact form.
Contact Our Experienced Rhode Island Car Accident Whiplash Injury Lawyers Today
Our firm has over three (3) decades of experience in successfully representing injured car accident victims, and we are prepared to help you too! We routinely and skillfully negotiate with insurance companies so we can secure a fair settlement on your behalf. If your case does not settle, we are ready to advocate for your rights in court. There are no fees or costs until you receive an award or settlement for your injuries. Call us anytime at (401) 431-1990 or fill out an online contact form to get a free case consultation.