Many neck injuries, including whiplash, are the result of rear end collisions. Whiplash occurs when the occupant of a vehicle suffers neck injuries caused by over-extension of the neck. Whiplash is particularly common in rear end collisions as the driver or occupant of a vehicle that is struck from behind accelerates forward and then snaps back into their seat (usually because of a seatbelt or airbag).

Whiplash can be very painful and long-lasting, depending on the extent of the injury. If you believe you have whiplash or other neck injuries, you should know that whiplash injuries can worsen over time, especially when not properly treated.

Neck injuries like whiplash do not hinge upon the force of impact. Your whiplash and rear end collision injuries can be just as severe in a low-speed car accident as in a high-speed collision, especially if the head restraint was further than 2.5 inches from the back of your head at the time of impact.

Treatment for Whiplash and Rear End Collision Injuries

A common misconception exists that whiplash is a minor neck injury. The reality is that whiplash and rear end collisions account for the majority of all insurance claims relating to neck injuries.

An estimated average of 25% of all rear end accidents result in whiplash injuries.

These statistics, combined with the moderate to severe pain and the inability to fully move the neck associated with this injury, make a strong case for whiplash as a prominent, serious condition in the class of neck injuries.

Whiplash Therapies

Treatment for whiplash and rear end collision injuries depends on the severity of your condition. For example, if your range of motion is limited, your treatment may include spinal manipulation therapy to help realign your neck with your spinal column.

Treatment of neck injuries for whiplash can include prescription medicine, X-rays, heat and ice therapy, ultrasound therapy, massage, exercise, and neurological evaluation. It’s important to seek medical treatment immediately after an accident to ensure any potential neck injuries are identified and treatment can begin before the condition worsens.

Take Whiplash Seriously

All of these whiplash treatments are most effective the sooner they are undertaken. Therefore, it is very important for you to seek medical advice and treatment rather than letting the injury “heal on its own”. Do not let someone who says, “It’s probably just whiplash” deter you from seeking treatment.

Your whiplash pain is real and your neck injuries may be substantial. Even if your whiplash symptoms are only moderate now, they can worsen over time if left untreated or undiagnosed.

Costs for treating your whiplash neck injuries also should not delay your care. In Massachusetts, a personal injury lawsuit attorney can help you file a claim to seek compensation for your car accident medical bills and treatment.

If you have been seriously injured as a result of someone else’s negligence in Massachusetts, visit http://www.tomkileylaw.com/swat/index.cfm to learn about your rights and options under the law.

Massachusetts personal injury lawyer, Thomas M. Kiley, has been representing individuals against insurance companies since 1976. He was referred to as the “Million Dollar Man” in a featured article by the Boston Herald Sunday Magazine in it’s “Personal Best Series.” This was based on his record of obtaining million dollar verdicts and settlements in complex cases in which he represented injured victims against insurance companies.

Mr. Kiley is a respected member of numerous professional organizations including the American Association for Justice, the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys, and the Massachusetts Bar Association. He has achieved the highest possible rating (AV) for both legal ethics and ability by Martindale-Hubbell, the definitive guide to America’s leading lawyers and law firms.