Can You Get Whiplash from A Minor Car Accident?

How do you know if you've got whiplash? It can cause a variety of symptoms, and the experience may vary from person to person. Common symptoms of whiplash after a minor car accident include:

• Neck pain: Neck pain after a car accident is one of the most common symptoms of whiplash. It can be mild to severe and may feel like a dull ache, sharp pain, or a constant throbbing discomfort.
• Stiffness: Whiplash often causes stiffness and reduced range of motion in the neck. 
• Headaches: Whiplash can lead to headaches, which can vary in intensity and may be experienced at the base of the skull, temples, or forehead.
• Radiating pain: Pain may radiate from the neck into the shoulders, upper back, or down the arms. This can be due to nerve compression or irritation.
• Muscle spasms: Muscles in the neck and upper back may go into spasms, causing additional pain and discomfort.
• Tenderness: The neck and surrounding soft tissues may be tender to the touch.
• Fatigue: Whiplash can lead to fatigue and make it harder to concentrate or stay alert.
• Dizziness: You may experience dizziness or vertigo after sustaining whiplash.
• Cognitive issues: Whiplash can result in difficulties with memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function. This is often referred to as "brain fog."
• Visual disturbances: Blurred vision, difficulty focusing, and other visual issues may occur.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus): Whiplash can lead to the sensation of ringing or buzzing in the ears.

The duration of whiplash can vary from person to person. It often depends on the severity of the injury, individual healing capabilities, and the effectiveness of treatment. In many cases, whiplash symptoms improve within a few weeks to a few months. However, some individuals may experience lingering symptoms for a more extended period. Here are some general guidelines for the duration of whiplash:

• Acute whiplash: Acute whiplash, referring to the immediate and early symptoms after an injury, typically improves within the first few weeks. Most individuals with whiplash experience a reduction in pain and stiffness during this time.
• Subacute whiplash: Subacute whiplash includes symptoms that persist beyond the acute phase but improve over the next few months. In many cases, individuals experience significant relief during this period.
• Chronic whiplash: Chronic whiplash occurs when symptoms continue for six months or more. Chronic whiplash can be more challenging to manage and may require ongoing medical care

If you've been involved in a car accident and suspect you may have whiplash, it's important to take specific steps to ensure your well-being and protect your legal and financial interests. 

Here's what to do after a car accident involving whiplash:

• Get prompt medical attention: Even if you don't immediately feel the effects of whiplash, it's crucial to seek a medical evaluation. Some symptoms may have a delayed onset, and early diagnosis is important for effective treatment.
• Notify your insurance company: Let your insurance company know that you were in a car accident and provide all relevant information. 
• Get witness information: If there were witnesses, collect their contact information. They may be valuable in verifying the details of the crash.
• Keep all medical records: Maintain a record of all medical appointments, treatments, and expenses related to your whiplash injury. This documentation will be important when pursuing a car accident claim.
• Follow all medical recommendations: Adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. Attend follow-up appointments, take prescribed medications, and follow recommended exercises or therapies.
• Avoid certain activities: Avoid activities that can worsen your condition or disprove your claim, even if you have to take time off from work. 
• Contact an attorney:  Consult with an experienced car accident attorney. They can help you understand your legal options, assist in filing a personal injury claim, and advocate for your rights.

Car insurance injury payouts for whiplash from a minor car accident can vary. A whiplash settlement can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $100,000. It typically depends on the impact the whiplash symptoms have on your life, the severity of the injury, and the amount of damage inflicted in the crash. 

You’ll need an experienced attorney to tally up your damages and place an accurate value on your claim. That includes your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and any pain and suffering related to your injury. 

Will insurance companies dispute whiplash from a minor car accident?

The other driver’s insurance company may dispute your whiplash claim. In many cases, minor car accidents leave little or no damage. Additionally, insurance companies may scrutinize medical records for pre-existing conditions or inconsistencies in the reported symptoms and medical diagnoses.

They may also look for gaps in treatment or failure to follow medical advice as indicators that the injury is not as serious as claimed.

Consulting with an attorney is simple. Just contact a Law.com Premier Attorney in your area and set up a free consultation. Our verified attorneys know how to handle claims involving whiplash from a minor car accident. They’ll be glad to answer any questions you have and help you explore your legal options.

Best of all, the legal services of a Premier Attorney won’t cost you any money upfront. That’s because they work on a contingency fee basis. You only pay if they successfully recover damages on your behalf.