Rear-End Collisions Can Result in Chronic Whiplash Injuries

 Posted on December 12, 2018 in Car Accidents

With winter driving conditions comes a higher likelihood of car accidents. Due to the icy roads, rear-end collisions are among the most common car accidents that occur during winter months. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), upwards of 1.7 million rear-end collisions occur throughout the United States each year, and these collisions account for approximately 40% of all annual motor vehicle accidents. Due to the sheer number of these accidents, it is important to know what types of injury risks they can present. The most common injury suffered during a rear-end collision is whiplash. 

Why Whiplash Can Cause Concern

Whiplash injuries can occur in even the most minor of rear-end collisions. Whiplash is defined as a process in which a rapid back and forth movement caused by extreme force results in injury to the neck. Whiplash can lead to chronic neck pain, severe stiffness, and painful headaches. While many people believe that whiplash injuries have a limited impact on one’s life, these injuries can come with a number of painful symptoms that can result in the loss of work hours and expensive physical therapy. From blurred vision to cognitive difficulties, whiplash injuries can change a person’s life for extended periods of time. Do not take a whiplash injury lightly. 

Steps to Take After a Rear-End Collision

In the aftermath of any automobile accident, it is important to know how to react. After an accident, barring severe injury, you should take pictures of all vehicles involved in the collision and exchange insurance information with the other drivers. In rear-end collisions, it is extremely important to receive medical treatment as soon as possible, even if injuries are not present immediately after the accident. Symptoms of whiplash injuries can be delayed, and they may not appear until hours or even days after the initial impact. What may seem like a minor whiplash injury could in actuality be a severe spinal injury that will have a long-term impact on one’s health. 

Schedule a Meeting With a Waukegan Automobile Accident Lawyer

At Salvi and Maher, L.L.C., our legal team is dedicated to ensuring that car accident victims receive the compensation they need to fully recover from their injuries. With our legal assistance, you can focus on your recovery rather than worrying about medical bills or missed work. To set up a free consultation with our Lake County personal injury attorneys, call our office today at 847-662-3303. 

Sources: 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2015/06/08/there-are-about-1-7-million-rear-end-collisions-on-u-s-roads-each-year-heres-how-to-stop-them/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.44b86ab80fa5