According to Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion, “When two bodies interact by exerting force on each other, these forces (termed the action and the reaction) are equal in magnitude, but opposite in direction.” Those who have experienced whiplash in an accident have experienced this law first-hand.
The spinal column is made up of 33 stacked vertebrae, which are connected to each other by ligaments and to surrounding muscle by tendons. The upper seven are called the “cervical vertebrae” and connect the head and spinal column. These are the most commonly-affected vertebrae in accidents involving whiplash, in which the head jerks violently backward and forward in only a split second. These injuries are most common in rear-end collisions.
At first impact in a rear-end collision, the passenger remains in place while the car begins to move forward; in the first 100 milliseconds, the car pushes the passenger’s torso forward, as well. About 50 milliseconds later, the lower neck is jerked backward by the torso and hyperextended. By around 175 milliseconds, the vehicle seat has sprung further forward, taking the torso with it, and in the final 125 milliseconds, the neck whips forward following the hyper-extension.
Whiplash injuries can tear ligaments, tendons, and muscles, as well as pinch nerves between vertebrae, which may cause numbness or pain in the hands, arms, or shoulders. Muscle stiffness and neck pain are among the most common symptoms, and others include: swelling in the neck; tenderness in the neck or shoulders; muscle spasms in the neck or upper back; headaches; trouble concentrating; tightness in the jaws; and fatigue and/or insomnia.
Some whiplash injuries may not become apparent or produce symptoms for hours or even days after an accident; that is why we strongly advise that you seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If you or a loved one has suffered whiplash in an accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.