Understanding Whiplash Symptoms After a Low-Speed Collision
When people think of whiplash, they often picture high-speed highway crashes. In reality, whiplash is one of the most common injuries we see after low-speed collisions, particularly rear-end accidents that occur in stop-and-go traffic throughout St. Louis and surrounding areas.
Even collisions at relatively low speeds can produce enough force to cause serious soft tissue injuries. Understanding how whiplash occurs, recognizing its symptoms, and knowing when to seek help are critical steps in protecting both your health and your legal rights.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head and neck. This motion can strain or tear muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the cervical spine. Rear-end collisions are the most common cause, but whiplash can also occur in side-impact crashes or sudden stops.
Why Low-Speed Collisions Still Cause Injury
Many drivers assume that if there is minimal vehicle damage, there cannot be serious injuries. However, the human body is far more vulnerable than a vehicle’s bumper. Even at low speeds, the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the head can place significant stress on the neck.
This is why whiplash frequently occurs in:
Rear-end crashes during rush hour
Stop-and-go traffic on local roads and highways
Minor-looking accidents at intersections or traffic lights
Common Whiplash Symptoms
One of the challenges with whiplash is that symptoms often do not appear immediately. In many cases, pain and discomfort develop hours or even days after the collision.
Common symptoms include:
Neck pain and stiffness
Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
Shoulder, upper back, or arm pain
Reduced range of motion in the neck
Dizziness, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating
Because symptoms can worsen over time, it is important not to ignore early warning signs.
Why Medical Evaluation Matters
Seeking prompt medical care after a collision serves two important purposes. First, it helps identify and treat injuries before they become more severe or chronic. Second, medical documentation plays a critical role in any insurance or injury claim.
Delaying treatment can allow insurance companies to argue that your injuries were unrelated to the accident or not serious enough to warrant compensation.
Protecting Your Rights After a Whiplash Injury
If you have been injured in a low-speed collision, understanding your legal options is just as important as addressing your physical recovery. Insurance companies often minimize whiplash claims, despite their very real and painful effects.
At J Tolin Law, we help injured individuals navigate the aftermath of car accidents with clarity and confidence. Our goal is to ensure that injuries are taken seriously and that our clients receive fair consideration for medical treatment, lost wages, and long-term impacts.
If you are experiencing symptoms after a low-speed collision, you do not have to handle this alone. Contact us to get legal advice.