Yes, you can get whiplash from a pedestrian accident—especially if you were struck by a vehicle or knocked to the ground. While whiplash is often associated with rear-end car collisions, it simply refers to a soft tissue neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth motion of the head. That type of trauma can absolutely happen when a pedestrian is hit by a car or even when falling awkwardly while trying to avoid one.
How Does Whiplash Happen to Pedestrians?
Pedestrian accidents often involve high-impact force, even at low vehicle speeds. If a car hits you or forces you to fall suddenly, your neck may snap forward and backward in a violent motion. This movement can stretch and strain the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your neck and upper back—resulting in whiplash.
Some common causes of pedestrian-related whiplash include:
- Being hit directly by a car
- Falling to avoid being hit
- Being pushed or knocked over by the impact
Symptoms to Watch For
Whiplash symptoms may not appear immediately after an accident. In fact, many people don’t feel the full effects until hours—or even days—later. Common symptoms include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches (often starting at the base of the skull)
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Shoulder or upper back pain
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or memory issues
If you experience any of these symptoms after being hit or falling near a vehicle, seek medical attention right away.
Why Medical Attention Is So Important
Adrenaline and shock can mask pain after an accident, making injuries like whiplash easy to overlook. But waiting too long to get care can worsen your condition and also make it harder to prove your injury was caused by the accident.
A timely diagnosis is key not only for your recovery but also for building a strong personal injury claim. Medical records serve as crucial evidence that links your symptoms directly to the incident.
Your Right to Compensation in Illinois
If you suffered whiplash or any injury as a pedestrian in Illinois, you may be entitled to compensation. That includes damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
At Illinois Hammer, we’ve helped injured pedestrians across Illinois understand their rights and take action. We know how painful and frustrating these injuries can be—especially when they’re invisible or minimized by others.
Get Trusted Legal Help Today
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our legal team understands how to handle pedestrian injury claims and can walk you through every step of the process—from documenting your injuries to negotiating with insurance companies.
Schedule a free consultation today to learn your options and get the support you need. We’re here to advocate for your full recovery—physically, emotionally, and financially.
