Whiplash: A Common But Problematic Injury

Although restraints and airbags have revolutionized passenger safety in accidents, there is little to stop a human head from being rocked back and forth with an impact. Whiplash injuries are common in car crashes and this type of injury can be more difficult to prove. 

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash can present itself in several ways and some of the effects can be delayed by hours or even days.

Neck pain and stiffness: This is a very common sign of a whiplash injury. The pain can be severe, and it may be difficult to move your neck.

Headaches: Whiplash can cause headaches that start at the base of the skull and radiate toward the forehead.

Dizziness: You may experience a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness after a whiplash injury.

Fatigue: Whiplash can also cause fatigue and a general feeling of weakness.

Shoulder or back pain: In some cases, the pain can radiate from the neck to the shoulders or back.

Tingling or numbness: Whiplash can cause a tingling sensation or numbness in the arms, hands, or fingers.

Difficult to Prove

Whiplash injuries can be difficult to prove in an accident for a few reasons.

Delayed onset of symptoms: Whiplash injuries often involve soft tissue damage to the neck and spine, which may not be immediately apparent after an accident. Symptoms may not appear until hours or even days after the accident, making it difficult to connect the injury to the accident.

Lack of medical evidence: Unlike a broken bone or a visible wound, whiplash injuries don't always show up on imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs. This can make it difficult to provide objective medical evidence of the injury, which can be important in proving liability and damages.

Pre-existing conditions: Some people may have pre-existing conditions that make them more susceptible to whiplash injuries, such as arthritis or degenerative disc disease. This can make it more difficult to prove that the injury was caused by the accident, rather than by a pre-existing condition.

Inconsistent symptoms: Whiplash symptoms can vary widely from person to person and may include neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms that can also be caused by other factors. This can make it difficult to attribute the symptoms solely to the whiplash injury.

Despite these challenges, it is possible to prove whiplash injuries in an accident. This may require the testimony of medical professionals, documentation of medical treatment and symptoms, and other evidence to connect the injury to the accident. It's important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you build a strong case and protect your rights.

Contact a car accident law firm like Bangel, Bangel & Bangel to learn more.