If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you know that the impact can do strange things to your body. Even if you walk away without visible injuries, the force of a crash can cause damage you might not notice right away. One of the most misunderstood injuries? Concussions caused by whiplash. If you’ve been involved in an accident, working with a car accident lawyer is important to protect your rights.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash happens when your head snaps forward and then violently backward, like a whip cracking. This sudden movement strains the muscles and ligaments in your neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and sometimes long-term discomfort. It’s a common injury in rear-end car accidents, but it can also happen in sports or falls.

According to a study published in the journal Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, “Whiplash is the most common injury associated with motor vehicle accidents, affecting up to 83% of patients involved in collisions, and is a common cause of chronic disability. The overall economic burden of whiplash injury, including medical care, disability, and sick leave, is estimated at $3.9 billion annually in the US”. Note that this amount doesn’t include litigation costs.

Symptoms of whiplash

According to the Mayo Clinic, you may have whiplash if you experience any of the following symptoms after a car accident, sports injury, or other accident/injury involving violent head and neck movements:

  • Pain and stiffness in the neck
  • Pain that increases when moving the neck
  • Loss of range of motion in your neck
  • Dizziness
  • Pain in the shoulder or upper back
  • Headaches, usually starting at the base of the skull

Can whiplash cause a concussion?

Absolutely. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head. While many people assume you have to hit your head to get a concussion, that’s not the case. The rapid back-and-forth motion of whiplash can cause your brain to slam against the inside of your skull, leading to a concussion, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

Signs you might have a concussion from whiplash

The tricky part about whiplash-related concussions is that their symptoms often overlap. According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), if you’ve been in a car accident and experienced any of the following, you might have a concussion:

  • Headaches that won’t go away
  • Dizziness or balance issues
  • Blurry vision
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Trouble concentrating or remembering things
  • Mood swings or irritability
  • Fatigue or trouble sleeping

Many of these symptoms might not appear immediately. Sometimes, it takes hours or even days for a concussion to make itself known. Never assume that just because you didn’t notice any symptoms after an accident, you’re fine.

Why concussions from whiplash often go undiagnosed

After a car accident, doctors and first responders usually focus on the most obvious injuries, like broken bones, bleeding, or visible trauma. Since whiplash and concussions don’t always show up on imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, they can easily be overlooked.

Many people dismiss their symptoms as stress or general soreness from the crash, not realizing they have a brain injury. And, as mentioned, many people don’t even feel symptoms right away. Between the rush of adrenaline, worry about other people involved in the accident, stress, and the normal delayed onset of muscle pain, it’s normal not to feel any symptoms for a day or even longer after the initial accident.

How is a concussion from whiplash treated?

If you suspect you have a concussion, don’t ignore it. A mild concussion can usually heal with rest, but a more serious brain injury needs medical attention. According to the University of Michigan Health, your doctor may recommend:

  • Physical and cognitive rest: Skip any strenuous activity and screen time to let your brain recover. Rest is often the best medicine.
  • Pain management: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen can help, but avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen because they can increase bleeding risk.
  • Physical therapy:If your whiplash causes long-term neck pain, physical therapy can help restore movement and reduce movement-related pain.
  • Gradual return to activity:Take it slow when resuming work, exercise, or driving. Don’t push yourself to return to anything before you’re really ready. Trying to do too much too soon could make things worse.

More serious injuries may need more intensive treatments, including surgery in some instances.

What if your concussion is serious?

Most concussions heal within a few weeks, but some people experience post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist for months or even years. If you have ongoing headaches, cognitive issues, or emotional changes, seek specialized care. According to the Cleveland Clinic, post-concussion syndrome is not curable, but it can be treated, including rest, low-impact exercise, and lifestyle changes that support health challenges, like light sensitivity.

Can you file a claim for a whiplash-related concussion?

Yes. If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A car accident lawyer can help prove that your whiplash led to a concussion and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Why you need a car accident lawyer

Insurance companies often downplay soft tissue injuries like whiplash and concussions, arguing that they’re not serious or weren’t caused by the accident. An experienced car accident lawyer knows how to fight these claims, gathering medical records, expert opinions, and accident reports to support your case.

If you’ve been in a car accident and suspect you have a concussion from whiplash, don’t wait. Get checked out by a doctor, document your symptoms, and talk to a lawyer who understands the complexities of these injuries.