Understanding Whiplash: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Your Legal Rights

The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. • May 6, 2025

Whiplash is among the most common car accident injuries, especially in rear-end collisions. While it may sound like a minor injury, whiplash’s effects are painful, long-lasting, and disruptive to daily life. At The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C., we help whiplash victims understand the medical implications, legal rights, and compensation options.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck caused by a rapid back-and-forth movement, much like a whip’s lash. It often occurs during vehicle collisions when a sudden impact jerks the head violently.


Common symptoms of whiplash are:


  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Limited range of motion
  • Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
  • Shoulder, upper back, or arm pain
  • Tingling or numb arms
  • Dizziness or fatigue
  • In severe cases, difficulty concentrating or memory loss


Symptoms may appear within 24 hours of an accident, but can sometimes take days to develop. If you experience these symptoms after a car crash, see a doctor.

Why Prompt Treatment for Whiplash Is Essential

Whiplash symptoms may seem manageable after a crash, but they can worsen without proper diagnosis and treatment. See a doctor as soon as possible to protect your health and establish medical records relating to the crash. Records are essential to personal injury claims.


Doctors typically diagnose whiplash through physical examinations, range-of-motion testing, and imaging. The earlier you seek care, the easier it is to document the injury and begin treatment.

Your Rights and Dealing with Insurance

Whiplash is often targeted by insurance companies as a “low-value” claim, even if the victim suffers ongoing pain and difficulties. Insurers may try to downplay your injury by arguing that soft tissue injuries are difficult to prove.


After a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.


Going into a legal case, you should know that insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to minimize payouts, even if it means denying legitimate injuries. You can protect yourself by having a well-documented medical history, seeking treatment immediately, and following your doctor’s recommendations.


Legal representation can help level the playing field against insurance companies. At The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C., we’ve helped countless clients win compensation for whiplash and other soft tissue injuries.

Protect Yourself

If you’ve experienced neck pain or stiffness after a crash, immediately seek medical attention and contact a qualified attorney.


At The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C., we have decades of experience representing car accident victims in Framingham, Natick, Marlborough, Milford, and surrounding communities. We take your injuries and your compensation seriously.


Injured in a car accident? Experiencing symptoms of whiplash? Call The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. today for a free consultation. Let us help you recover physically and financially.

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