Whiplash is one of the most common injuries people suffer in St. Charles car accidents. Even low-speed crashes can produce enough force to violently whip the head forward and backward. The result can be days, weeks, or even months of pain, stiffness, headaches, and limited mobility. Some people develop chronic symptoms that disrupt many aspects of daily life. An experienced auto accident attorney in St. Charles can help seek justice for your injuries suffered.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury affecting the neck’s muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerves. It occurs when the head is suddenly thrust forward and backward, much like the cracking motion of a whip. Although it is classified as a soft-tissue injury, whiplash can be extremely disruptive and painful.
Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Headaches (often at the base of the skull)
- Shoulder or upper-back pain
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Dizziness or fatigue
In many cases, symptoms may develop hours or days after the crash. Treatment typically involves medication, physical therapy, chiropractic care, or other rehabilitative techniques.
What Car Accidents Cause Whiplash?
Whiplash can occur in almost any type of collision, but certain crashes are especially likely to result in neck injuries.
Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end accidents are the most common cause of whiplash injuries. When one vehicle strikes the back of another, the occupants of the front vehicle may experience a rapid, unexpected jolt. The suddenness may prevent them from bracing for impact.
T-Bone (Side-Impact) Collisions
Side-impact crashes can also generate sudden, violent motion of the neck and spine. These collisions often happen at intersections.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes put tremendous strain on the neck and upper back. Drivers and passengers may be thrown forward and suffer whiplash.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Chain-reaction crashes may create multiple impacts as vehicles are struck several times. This can increase the risk of whiplash injury.
What Compensation Is Available After a Car Accident Claim Involving Whiplash?
If your whiplash injury was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. You may be eligible to recover economic damages for your financial losses and non-economic damages for your personal, non-monetary losses.
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses, including doctor visits, physical therapy, medication, chiropractic care, and future treatment needs
- Wages lost while recovering or attending medical appointments
- Reduced earning capacity if lingering symptoms affect your ability to work
- Pain and suffering, limited mobility, headaches, and emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket costs, such as transportation to medical appointments, medical devices, etc.
A St. Charles’ car accident attorney can help you track and calculate all your damages related to whiplash. Your lawyer’s goal will be to recover compensation for all your losses and help put you as close as possible to the position you were in before your accident.
If you sustained whiplash in a St. Charles car crash, you deserve accountability for what you’ve suffered and the disruption to your life. Contact Feagans Law Group to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your rights and legal options.