--- description: If you have been in a car accident, even if you don't feel injured, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of whiplash. title: Car Accident Whiplash Symptoms - Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. --- Car Accident Whiplash Symptoms - Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. # Car Accident Whiplash Symptoms Last Updated: September 4, 2024 Reading Time: 5 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 2 years ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) » [Whiplash Injury](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/) » Car Accident Whiplash Symptoms What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $18.8 Million Car Crash $2 Million Car Crash $1.9 Million Car Crash $1.37 Million Car Crash $1.1 Million Car Crash $1 Million Car Crash [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) They were adamant about getting me the best settlement. Torkwase Akinalana Car Accidents Proved to be the perfect advocate Michael Bizik Car Accidents I highly recommend the law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, and Siegel P.C. Anna Pastel-Powell Car Crash Mr. Siegel’s strong conviction, dedication, and determination prevailed in a legal victory. Gail Payne Car Accidents I knew I was in good hands once I stepped into their office. Gladys Ibeh Car Accidents They treated me like I was their only client, from beginning to end. Joy Lopez Car Accidents Contact Us Today! "*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Watch our attorneys explain how they fight for car accident victims across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With over $1 billion recovered, our team knows how to build a winning case — from investigation through trial. Video Transcript **Speakers:** Ira Sherman, Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel **Ira Sherman (00:02):** I would say that Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel has a completely different outlook on cases that other people think are garden variety automobile accidents, because to the person who is involved in that accident, that’s not garden variety, that’s altering their life. **Joseph Cammarata (00:21):** First of all, we don’t advertise. People come to us by word of mouth, either from defense lawyers, from insurance companies, from colleagues at the bar. They know that we have decades of experience in the personal injury field. They know that what we bring to bear is a group of lawyers that work and non-lawyers that work as a team to make sure we understand what the nature and the extent of the injury is. We make sure we understand and can express to a third party just what those injuries are, and we work to obtain the most compensation that we can for an individual. **Stephen Ollar (01:04):** What we do a lot of is discovery, not just discovery of the facts of the case, but discovery about insurance. It may be that the individual was operating the vehicle for an employer, and if they were acting with what we call the course and scope of their employment, then there could be potentially additional coverage that would cover a person for those injuries. **Allan Siegel (01:27):** We’ve been handling car accident cases since Don Chaikin founded this firm over 50 years ago. Since we spend a lot of time and we have a lot of those cases, we have developed a level of experience and knowledge that I think is very unique in our field. There aren’t many law firms who can say that they’ve been doing this type of work for over 50 years. **Ira Sherman (01:52):** I care enough to look to determine who this person is and how it affected them, and that takes up a lot of my conversation with our clients. [Whiplash is an injury](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/what-is-whiplash/) caused when the head is jerked forward and back. Whiplash injuries can occur after a [car accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-from-a-car-accident/), sports injury, or physical abuse and often go diagnosed. If you have been in a car accident, even if you don’t feel injured, it is important to [be aware of the signs](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/signs/) and symptoms of whiplash. Symptoms of whiplash may not appear until [hours or days after the accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-whiplash/). If you or a loved one are experiencing whiplash or another neck injury due to an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today for what steps to take next and whether or not you have the right to [file a personal injury claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/filing-a-personal-injury-claim/). ## Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) There are numerous [symptoms associated with whiplash](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/what-does-whiplash-feel-like/), and they can vary in intensity. WAD is a term used to[ describe the range of symptoms ](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/what-does-whiplash-mean/)that occur due to whiplash. WAD can cause significant disability and affect your ability to work or participate in your normal activities. The [most common symptom](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921) is neck pain or stiffness. Other symptoms may include: - [Worsening of pain with neck movement](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/neck-injuries/) - Ringing in the ears - Loss of range of motion in the neck - [Headaches](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/headaches/), most often starting at the base of the skull - [Pain in neck muscles and stiffness](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/neck-pain-after-a-car-accident/) - Fatigue - Tingling or numbness in the arms - [Dizziness](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/dizziness/) Some people experience more severe symptoms, including: - [Ringing in the ears](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/ringing-in-ears/) - Sleep disturbances - Difficulty concentrating - Irritability - Memory problems - [Depression](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/trauma/) - Blurry vision If you have been in an auto accident and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should seek medical treatment. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent further injury and improve your prognosis. ### Whiplash and Neurological Disorders [Whiplash can cause neurological effects](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/can-whiplash-cause-neurological-problems/) by injuring the nerves in your neck and shoulders. The most common effect is numbness or tingling in your arms and legs, but it may also cause weakness or loss of balance [if not appropriately treated](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/what-happens-without-treatment/). ## How Is Whiplash Diagnosed? [Whiplash injuries are often diagnosed](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-whiplash/) through a physical examination and review of your medical history. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how long you have been experiencing them. They will also likely order imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms. ## Long-Term Complications of Whiplash [Whiplash is a serious injury](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/how-severe-can-whiplash-be/), and if left untreated, it can lead to [long-term complications](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/long-term-effects/). In the most [severe whiplash](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/severe-whiplash/) injury cases, victims may experience chronic whiplash, which includes: - Chronic pain - Difficulty sleeping - Long-term bouts of dizziness - Memory problems - Depression - [Headaches](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/head-injuries/) - Numbness or weakness in the hands ## How is Whiplash Treated? There is no one-size-fits-all[ treatment for neck injuries such as whiplash](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/how-to-treat-whiplash/). The condition can vary from person to person, and treatment will vary depending on the severity of your injury, but early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for a full recovery. Surgery is rarely necessary for whiplash. However, many people find relief from symptoms through a combination of rest, ice packs, and physical therapy. Some people may also require medication to help with pain and inflammation. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of whiplash, it is important to see a doctor right away. Ignoring the signs can lead to more severe problems down the road. Early treatment is the best way to minimize neck pain and stiffness associated with whiplash. ## Can I Sue for a Whiplash Injury? You may be able to sue for a [whiplash injury](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/) if the accident that caused your injury was someone else’s fault. [To determine whether you have a case](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/do-i-have-a-case/), it is important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who can review the facts of your situation and advise you on your best course of action. If you decide to [file a lawsuit](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/what-is-a-personal-injury-lawsuit/), your attorney will help you gather evidence to [support your claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/how-to-make-a-claim/) and negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company for fair compensation. ## What We Can Do For You The Washington, D.C. [car accident lawyers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a car accident, gathering the evidence needed to establish liability and negligence. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has achieved more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate. ## Recovering Damages for a Whiplash Injury [Many factors](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/factors-that-affect-the-value-of-your-case/) go into determining the [value of your claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2016/02/what-is-the-value-of-my-case/). These include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys have experience evaluating cases just like yours to determine what they may be worth and will work hard to get you fair compensation for your injuries. ### We Get You Results For more than 50 years, the Washington DC lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have successfully represented individuals and families who have been injured or lost loved ones as the result of someone else’s negligence. Here is a small sample of some of our successful verdicts and settlements: - $15 million for a woman who was permanently paralyzed from the neck down as a result of being struck by a stray bullet. - $6 million on behalf of a man who suffered a brain injury as a result of a rear-end collision. - $5 million medical malpractice settlement on behalf of a 14-year-old client who suffered a severe brain injury as a result of a doctor’s inappropriate use of a chemical product. - $4.8 million on behalf of a severely injured man when his motorcycle struck a trailer being pulled by a minivan. - $4.5 million for a woman who was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident after being struck from behind by a transit bus in a crosswalk. See additional examples of our case victories and settlements on our “[Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/)” page. ## Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today If you are looking for the highest level representation available for your car accident claim, turn to [Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or[ contact us online](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) to get the proven legal representation you deserve. [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including [Virginia](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/virginia/) ([Northern Virginia car accident cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/northern-virginia/), [Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-attorneys-in-arlington-va/), [Fairfax County auto accident claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fairfax/), [Woodbridge](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/woodbridge-va/), [Manassas](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/manassas-va/), and [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/alexandria/)) and Maryland ([Bethesda](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bethesda/), [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/hyattsville/), [Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/rockville/), Lau Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. 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