What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash after a Rear-End Car Accident?

Rear-end accidents are alarmingly common. Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that nearly one-third of all collisions involve one vehicle striking another from behind.

There are many reasons why rear-end crashes happen so often. Common causes include:

Distracted driving;
Driving too fast for the conditions; and
Not maintaining a safe following distance.

Although tailgating is listed by the NHTSA as a primary factor in just 2,000 fatal accidents across the United States every year, it is responsible for up to 950,000 injuries. Victims who are lucky enough to survive a rear-end crash often face an uphill climb to recovery, which is compounded by expensive medical bills and lost income.

If you were injured in a rear-end collision, you may be entitled to compensation to pay for these damages. If the incident happened in Texas, contact a Tyler personal-injury lawyer from the Cooper Law Firm.

Accident attorney N. Eric Cooper will guide you through the process of making a claim. He is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and the Gregg County Bar Association.

Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about car accident injury lawsuits.

Let’s take a look at the common symptoms of whiplash after a rear-end crash:

8 Symptoms of Whiplash after a Rear-End Car Accident

Car accidents in Texas are becoming a serious problem. Data from the Department of Transportation shows that crash rates are on the rise. In 2014, more than 17,000 people were injured in wrecks, and 3,534 died.

That year, the deadliest days to drive in Texas were January 1 and April 19, while October was the most dangerous month to drive. Sadly, there was not a single deathless day on the road in Texas in 2014.

If you were involved in a rear-end crash, then you may have experienced a sudden jolt of your neck as it jerked forward and backward abruptly. This sudden movement can cause trauma to the neck and head area, which is often referred to as “whiplash.”

Common signs of whiplash after a rear-end accident include:

Pain or stiffness in the neck;
Reduced range of motion;
Persistent headaches;
Dizziness;
Blurry vision;
Discomfort in the shoulders or back;
Unusual sensations such as tingling in the arms; and
General fatigue or trouble concentrating.

Treatments for Whiplash

If you only suffered minor whiplash, then it may heal without medical intervention. Your doctor may recommend that you take NSAIDs for pain and ice the area every three hours to reduce swelling. Your physician also may recommend that you wear a neck brace or collar to promote a faster recovery.

If you were injured in a rear-end crash with a drunk, distracted or otherwise negligent driver, contact the Cooper Law Firm. N. Eric Cooper is a Tyler personal-injury lawyer who helps clients throughout east Texas. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation.