How Serious is Whiplash? | Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.
legal blog

How Serious is Whiplash?

Written by Jared Staver

Read Jared's Bio

Jared Staver is a Personal Injury Lawyer based in Chicago, Illinois and has been practicing law for over 20 years.

Jared Staver

CATEGORY: Auto Accidents, Personal Injury


Whiplash is defined as the sudden jolting of the neck and shoulders during a car accident. Although it is typically the result of a rear-end collision, it can happen in almost any type of crash. Unfortunately, whiplash injuries can be incredibly serious and lead to severe pain and discomfort. In addition to seeking medical attention for whiplash, victims should consult a Chicago whiplash lawyer who can hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions.

How Whiplash Affects the Body

You may believe you’re okay right after a car accident takes place. However, if you’ve experienced whiplash, adrenaline and cortisol will eventually leave your body and cause you to feel the pain. Adrenaline and cortisol can conceal the pain for hours or even days after an accident.

Some victims may find the pain to be mild while others experience debilitating pain that significantly affects their ability to perform everyday tasks and live a high-quality life. Some of the most common symptoms of include:

  • Neck or shoulder pain and stiffness
  • Jaw pain or soreness
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Headaches
  • Irritability
  • Back pain or discomfort
  • Tinnitus or ringing of the ears
  • Arm weakness

Treating Whiplash Injuries

Minor whiplash injuries usually heal on their own. However, more serious injuries require treatment. In most cases, treatment includes over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, icing, and heating, physical or massage therapy, a neck brace, and stretching exercises. While most cases resolve within a few days to a week, some take weeks or longer to completely heal. Those with severe whiplash may experience residual effects of a serious injury for years.

Proving Whiplash Injuries

Unfortunately, whiplash injuries are difficult to prove because they can’t be identified through an MRI or x-ray. For this reason, they are often challenged by insurance companies who may claim that the pain is fabricated by the victim. The key to rejecting an insurer’s attempt to deny you financial compensation after an injury is working with an aggressive Chicago injury lawyer.

How Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. Can Help With Your Claim

Whiplash injuries are typically caused by car, motorcycle, truck, or traffic collisions. If a motor vehicle accident has caused you to suffer any injury, a Chicago accident lawyer can give you the representation you deserve aimed at securing maximum compensation on your behalf. When you work with Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., you can focus on recovering while we protect your rights.

Our no win no fee attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. Contact us at (312) 236-2900 for a free case consultation.

Free Consultation
(312) 236-2900
(312) 236-2900
Skip to content