How to Avoid Whiplash in a Car Accident

Learn how to avoid whiplash in a car accident, and what to do if you sustain this type of neck injury.

Summary

• Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs most often in rear-end car accidents.
• Symptoms of whiplash can include persistent pain in the neck, shoulder and back, headaches, and mood changes.
• Car occupants may avoid whiplash in an accident by ensuring their headrests are adjusted properly and wearing their seatbelts.
• Jones Law Group car accident attorneys can help injured clients with whiplash recover damages for lost wages, medical bills, and pain.

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When another vehicle hits your car, you may have seconds to react to protect yourself. That is why it is important to take preventative measures to avoid injuries like whiplash.

By correctly adjusting your headrest, you may be able to reduce your risk of sustaining a whiplash injury in a car accident. However, even if you follow this safety tip, it is still entirely possible that the force of impact will cause you to suffer whiplash.

Generally, this is a minor to moderate car accident injury, but the side effects can linger for weeks. A straightforward rear-end car accident at a relatively low speed could end up costing you a decent sum due to medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

If you were unable to avoid whiplash in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, our team of personal injury attorneys can help you recover fair compensation for your damages.

Reach out to us at (727) 571-1333 or go through our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a relatively common injury that involves the sudden acceleration then deceleration of the head and neck. It is most commonly associated with rear end collision car accidents.

Typically, if a car accident occurs where one car is rear ended by the other, the occupants of the front vehicle will have their head and necks accelerate forward until the seat belt halts their forward progress.

Then the head and neck will be violently stopped and snapped back, which is how car accidents causes whiplash. This type of injury was first associated with train accidents prior to the invention of the automobile and was called “railway spine.”

Early Medical Intervention Can Help Avoid the Long-Term Effects of Whiplash

Whiplash is not usually a life threatening injury, but it can lead to extended periods where the person may be partially disabled. Early medical care is important in the treatment of whiplash.

Care may include range of motion exercises and chiropractic care. Failure to properly diagnose and treat whiplash can lead to more serious issues such as depression.

Can Whiplash be Prevented?

Recent studies have indicated that up to 35% of whiplash injuries avoidable.[1] The research has found that most people have either poor quality head rests in their vehicle or have the head rests adjust improperly. There are a few things you can do to address this:

1. Avoid purchasing a dangerous vehicle with poor safety ratings.

You want to ensure that your car is built to withstand an impact in the event of a crash, unlike many of the most dangerous car models. Furthermore, it’s important to check that the headrests are good quality to avoid whiplash in a car accident.

Aim for a durable headrest that is soft enough to absorb the impact of your head but firm enough to maintain its position.

2. Position your headrest to prevent your head from snapping back too far in a car crash.

Use websites like the IIHS rankings to determine whether the head rest in your current car is of a good quality. According to a Consumer Reports guide, to properly adjust your head rest you want the top of the head rest slightly above the top of your head.

The head rest should positioned so that it is nearly touching the back of your head. The seat back of your seat should be in a fairly upright position. The goal is to keep the seat back and head rest as close to your back and head as possible.

3. Use your seatbelt and let it catch you during impact.

In addition to choosing a safe vehicle and properly adjusting your headrest, one of the most effective ways to avoid whiplash in a car accident is to wear your seatbelt. A seatbelt contains your momentum and limits how far your head is jerked back and forth.

What are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

It is important to remember that the symptoms of whiplash may not be felt at all for 24 hours and may actually grow worse over a period of days. Most people will experience some of the following symptoms in the days following the accident:

1. Neck pain and stiffness;
2. Pain in the shoulder or between the shoulder blades;
3. Pain in the lower back;
4. Pain radiating into arm or hand;
5. Headaches;
6. A ringing in the ears;
7. Vision issues;
8. Cognitive or memory issues; and
9. Irritability and fatigue.

It is important to remember that infants can suffer whiplash, as well. However, the parent of an infant will need to be on watch for the following symptoms:

1. Irritability;
2. Change in personality;
3. Decreased alertness;
4. Loss of consciousness;
5. Breathing issues;
6. Pale or bluish skin;
7. Loss of appetite; and
8. Vomiting.

If your infant exhibits any of the symptoms described above, it is urgent that you seek medical care immediately. Seeking medical attention following a car accident is always wise, even if you think you managed to avoid whiplash or other injuries. 

Doing so creates a record that you sought treatment, which is necessary to access PIP benefits and maintain a credible claim for compensation. Neglecting to seek medical care can leave you vulnerable to the long-term effects of whiplash, as well as skepticism from insurance companies.

What to Expect from a Jones Law Group Whiplash Lawyer

Have you or a loved one been injured in an accident? Contact an experienced St. Petersburg whiplash lawyer at Jones Law Group today. Our team is thorough, dedicated, and connected to the local community.

When you contact our office we will immediately set an appointment where you will meet your attorney and be provided with their personal contact information. If you do not have transportation or you cannot drive, your car accident attorney will travel to meet you and discuss your case with you.

We understand whiplash injuries and the issues that they can cause in your daily life. Our law firm will always work to make sure you are compensated fairly. You can trust us to handle your car accident case with care.

Contact Jones Law Group Today to Review Your Car Accident Claim

Whether you were a pedestrian, a bicyclist, or the occupant of car, motorcycle or boat and have been injured in an accident, you should immediately call an experienced personal injury attorney in St. Petersburg.

You can reach Jones Law Group at (727) 571-1333 during regular business hours or (727) 753-8657 on weekends or after regular business hours. We will evaluate your case for free and you will never pay us a dime unless we recover compensation for your injuries.

You may not have been able to avoid whiplash in a car accident, but you can avoid being taken advantage of by an insurance company looking to devalue your claim. Let Jones Law Group simplify the personal injury claims process for you and negotiate for the settlement you deserve.

Jones Law Group
5622 Central Avenue
St. Pete, FL 33707