Rear-end collisions are common and can occur anywhere, from bumper-to-bumper traffic to stop lights or signs. Rear-end collisions make up about 40% of all car accidents. Neck pain after a rear-end collision is common, but in some cases, it could be pointing to a serious injury. How can you tell whether your neck pain is whiplash or something worse? Here is what you need to know about neck pain after a rear-end collision and what you can do to ensure you get the help you need for a full recovery.
What Causes Neck Pain in a Rear-End Accident?
When you get hit in a rear-end collision, you are often driven forward by the force of the impact. Seatbelts prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle by keeping you in your seat. Rear-end accidents can cause whiplash to the victim, which occurs when the head is forcefully thrown forward and backward, injuring the muscles, bones, and tissues in the neck.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury that is caused by a rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck. This type of neck accident most commonly happens after a rear-end collision but it can also be the result of an amusement park accident, train accident, boating accident, and assault.
Symptoms of Whiplash
If you are conflicted as to whether you sustained a whiplash injury from your accident, here are symptoms that could be a tell-tale sign.
- Pain in the neck, back, and shoulders
- Stiffness of the neck
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Muscle Spasms
- Tenderness of the neck or shoulders
- Difficulty sleeping due to pain
- Difficulty concentrating
How Is Whiplash/Neck Pain Treated?
Unfortunately, there is not much that a doctor can do for whiplash or neck pain. Most doctors will recommend taking Tylenol or aspirin. In some cases, they may prescribe stronger painkillers and muscle relaxers. For worse cases, physical therapy may be needed to help loosen and stretch out the neck muscles.
How Long Does a Neck Injury Last?
Neck injuries like whiplash can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months. If the injury is more severe, then the pain can last for even a couple of years.
Can My Neck Pain Be Caused By Something Other Than Whiplash?
Yes. Severe rear-end accidents can lead to broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and paralysis.
Regardless of whether you feel any pain after an accident, you should always get checked out by a health care specialists. Often, injuries do not show themselves until a few hours or even a day after the accident, as adrenaline pumps through the body’s system. Seeing a health-care professional can help rule out serious injuries such as a spinal cord injury, concussion, or broken bones.
Can I Claim Compensation for a Neck Injury After a Rear-End Collision?
After a rear-end collision that was caused by another’s negligence, you shouldn’t be left footing the bill. The dedicated attorneys at Hernandez Law Group, P.C. can help you claim the compensation you deserve for damages and medical expenses. Our car accident attorneys will work endlessly to ensure that you are being taken care of so that you can focus on recovering from your accident. With a no-win, no-fee contract and free no-obligation consultations, Hernandez Law Group, P.C. ensures that our clients are not putting themselves in an unnecessary risk when searching for compensation. Contact us today to start on the road to recovery.