Whiplash Injuries from Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end car collisions are one of the most common form of vehicular accidents. Though they have a reputation for being minor, they can cause severe property damages and injury. These damages can be more severe when a heavy, high-riding vehicle such as a van or SUV collides with a smaller car. If you have suffered any injuries from a rear end collision, make sure to speak to a Las Vegas car accident attorney immediately.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a common term, but what does it really mean? Whiplash is a term used to describe a range of injuries to the soft tissue in the neck. Whiplash occurs when there is a sudden change of movement of the neck, sort of like an extreme nodding. This injury commonly results from rear-end car accidents.

When a rear-ending occurs, the passengers are forced forward, stretching the neck into an extended nodding position, only to be suddenly whipped back. This sudden and extreme whipping or snapping is referred to as whiplash. Suffering from this type of injury can be minor or major and in any circumstance, should be discussed with a personal injury attorney. There are many reasons a rear-ending may occur, such as:

  • Following too closely
  • Not paying attention to the slowing or stopping of the car in front
  • Distracted driving, such as texting, using the radio, eating or drinking, road conditions, such as rain or construction, poor visibility, trying to make a light that’s turning red, excessive acceleration, losing the grip on the break, sudden stopping of the car in front, cutting in front without enough room or at too high of a speed

Many people imagine that whiplash is caused by high-speed, serious car collisions. In reality, it’s common for whiplash to occur in low-speed, low-intensity collisions. Whiplash is a complicated injury that has many contributing factors beyond simply the force of impact. Additional factors can include:

  • The position of the passenger’s head at the time of impact
  • The position of the passenger’s body at the time of impact
  • The height and weight of the individual involved
  • The position of the head and seat restraints
  • The size and weight of the impacting vehicle compared to that of the vehicle being impacted

Due to the various factors, it’s critical you contact a Las Vegas attorney for legal advice as you may be entitled to compensation. Another misconception people have about whiplash is that it isn’t a very serious injury. Since it involves soft tissue and the symptoms often don’t seem too serious, people believe the injury isn’t anything to worry about. In reality, the soft tissues of the neck are very important for the health of neck, spine, and overall body. Left untreated, whiplash can result in long-term effects. It’s important to seek medical attention after a rear-end accident even if your symptoms don’t seem serious.

Though symptoms are not always obvious and may not appear immediately, sometimes taking even several days. It’s important to understand what the symptoms are so you can identify the injury as soon as possible. Signs of whiplash can include the following:

  • Neck pain
  • Stiffness in the neck
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Shoulder, arm, or back pain
  • Atypical sensations such as burning, prickling, tingling
  • Problems sleeping
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating

The term “whiplash” tends to be avoided by injury lawyers as it gained an association with false injury claims in recent years. Exaggerated or false personal injury claims have given injury law a bad name and thus the term “whiplash” is generally avoided by attorneys. In more professional settings, these injuries are referred to by more technical names, such as hyperextension/hyperflexion injury, myofascial injury, neck sprain, neck strain, or cervical strain/sprain. Regardless of the terminology specified, having a Las Vegas attorney on your side is important.

Dealing with Whiplash

After a collision of any sort, it’s important to seek medical attention to be sure you’re healthy. Even if it was a low-speed rear-end collision and even if there aren’t obvious signs of injury, you really ought to be checked out by a medical professional. If you are sent home after an initial screening and later develop new symptoms, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible – it often takes days to feel the effects of whiplash.

Your Rights

If you have been involved in a rear-end car collision that was not your fault, you may be entitled to recover compensation for injuries, damage to property, missed work, and other consequences of the collision.

Since whiplash is a soft tissue injury, it can often be overlooked by the victim. This is why it’s so important to seek medical attention immediately after a rear-end collision and when any symptoms come up and then contact a Las Vegas attorney. These injuries are not obvious to the eye and may not be visible on x-rays and other tests, so they are often contested in court.

It’s important to contact an experienced and knowledgeable attorney as soon as is feasible. Almost always, the driver that hit the car to the front is to blame. When an injury is caused by another person, the victim deserves to be compensated. The problem with whiplash is that the victims themselves don’t take it seriously until it’s too late. Be sure to seek medical attention and legal advice as soon as you can after a rear-ending collision.

Call Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers Today

Although it can be minor, whiplash injuries can be serious and entitled to compensation. With over 15 years of experience, Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers put your needs first to make sure you get what you deserve. Give us a call at (702) 384-1414 or contact us online.