How do Car Accidents Cause Whiplash?

If someone says you’re “lucky” because you escaped your car wreck with “only” whiplash, there’s a good chance they’ve never had the injury. While it’s true the accident could have been much worse, you’re still in a great deal of pain. This article will go into some of the reasons why whiplash is common after motor vehicle accidents.

You should contact the Jones Law Group immediately if you suffered whiplash or any other injury in a car accident that wasn’t your fault. We’ll pursue the at-fault party (or parties) for the full compensation you deserve. Use our online form or call (727) 571-1333 for a free consultation.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a nuanced and often misunderstood injury, yet it’s one of the most prevalent consequences of car accidents. It occurs when the neck violently and suddenly moves backward and forward. This motion is like the snapping of a whip. This type of injury frequently occurs in the context of car accidents, particularly in rear-end collisions.

The Mechanics of a Car Accident

There were nearly 400,000 car wrecks in Florida in 2022, leading to more than 250,000 injuries. It’s not a stretch to say tens of thousands of those injuries were whiplash. The first step toward understanding how whiplash happens is learning a little about the physics surrounding car wrecks. 

Two of the leading forces contributing to whiplash are sudden deceleration and acceleration. Here’s a brief explanation of each.

Sudden Deceleration

This concept, defined by Newton’s first law of motion, highlights that objects in motion tend to stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force. In the context of a car accident, when a vehicle suddenly comes to a stop due to a collision or rapid reduction in speed, the occupants inside continue moving forward at their previous speed. The body’s inertia is momentarily unaffected by the car’s abrupt halt.

Acceleration

On the other hand, when a car experiences rapid acceleration or is struck from behind, the occupants’ bodies are thrust forward with considerable force. This acceleration effect forcefully pushes the body toward the impact, leading to a sudden change in speed. These fluctuations in speed—both deceleration and acceleration—can exert significant forces on the body, particularly the neck.

How Car Accidents Cause Whiplash

The intricate mechanism through which car accidents induce whiplash can be broken down into several key factors:

The Sudden Jolt

A rear-end collision is a common scenario for whiplash. The impact causes the car to lunge forward while the occupant’s body remains momentarily stationary due to inertia. This difference in motion is what causes the whiplash effect. 

The head and neck initially move backward and then rapidly forward, creating a whip-like motion. This rapid and forceful movement places immense strain on the neck’s delicate structures, including ligaments, tendons, muscles, and spinal discs.

The Role of Seatbelts and Headrests

Seatbelts play a pivotal role in safeguarding occupants during a collision by restraining their upper bodies. However, while they help prevent more severe injuries, they can also contribute to whiplash. 

While the seatbelt effectively secures the upper body, the head remains free to move. This unrestricted movement can intensify the forces acting on the neck. Properly adjusted headrests can offer some protection by constraining the backward movement of the head, but their effectiveness hinges on correct positioning and design.

Types of Car Accidents

The nature and severity of whiplash can vary depending on the type of car accident. As stated earlier, rear-end collisions are notorious for causing whiplash due to the pronounced acceleration and deceleration involved. In contrast, side-impact collisions (or “T-bone” accidents) may result in lateral forces, potentially straining the neck differently.

Symptoms of Whiplash

It’s essential that you see a doctor immediately after a car wreck. Whiplash symptoms might not show themselves right after a car accident. Instead, they can emerge much later. These symptoms often include:

• Neck stiffness and severe pain
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Constant headaches
• Radiating pain or numbness extending into the shoulders and arms

Whiplash can also lead to cognitive and psychological symptoms, such as memory problems, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. The long-term effects of whiplash can quickly become a practical and financial burden to car accident victims.

Treating Whiplash After a Car Accident

Doctors treat whiplash in many ways. These are some of the more common treatment methods.

• Rest is vital during the initial stages to allow the injured neck tissues to heal.
• Physical therapy aids in restoring neck mobility and strength, reducing pain, and preventing long-term complications.
• Pain management strategies may involve over-the-counter pain relievers for milder cases or prescription medications for more severe pain.
• Your physician may prescribe muscle relaxants to alleviate muscle spasms.
• A doctor may recommend supportive measures, such as a collar or neck brace, to help speed healing by holding the neck in place.

How Much Does Whiplash Cost?

The cost associated with whiplash depends on the injury’s severity and recovery length. Expenses typically encompass medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages resulting from time off work, and potential long-term expenses for chronic pain management or psychological therapy.

In general, someone with whiplash can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 for treatment, depending on how badly they’ve been hurt.

Can I File a Lawsuit if I Only Have Whiplash After a Car Accident?

You can file a lawsuit even if you’ve “only” suffered whiplash. Again, anyone who says that when describing your injury probably hasn’t ever experienced it. 

Whiplash can lead to substantial medical bills, income loss, and pain and suffering. If another party’s negligence caused the accident, you should take action to get the money to pay for these damages or accident-related financial losses. 

Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer for My Whiplash Injury?

You’ll need a lawyer to have any realistic chance of obtaining compensation for your whiplash injury. Car accident attorneys possess the expertise to ensure victims receive the money they deserve. Self-represented accident victims rarely succeed. 

Contact Jones Law Group to Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve suffered whiplash in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, it’s essential to consult a car accident lawyer as fast as possible. Jones Law Group car accident attorneys have extensive experience in cases similar to yours. We also have a long track record of success. You’ll be able to rest easy knowing we’ll fight passionately to protect your rights.

Schedule a free case review by calling (727) 571-1333 or contacting us online.