Whiplash is the most common injury we treat at County Line — and the most frequently dismissed. Dr. Laura Hochstein, D.C. and our accident team have treated thousands of whiplash cases across South Florida since 1986. PIP covers your care and we bill your insurer directly.
Whiplash symptoms can appear immediately or develop over several days following a crash. Common symptoms we see in our accident patients include:
• Neck pain and stiffness — often the first symptom, ranging from mild soreness to sharp pain with movement
• Headaches — typically starting at the base of the skull and radiating forward, often appearing days after the accident
• Shoulder and upper back pain — the force of whiplash frequently extends beyond the neck into surrounding muscle groups
• Arm pain, tingling, or numbness — signals nerve involvement from compressed or irritated cervical nerve roots
• Dizziness or difficulty concentrating — in more significant whiplash cases, the vestibular system and cognitive function can be affected
• Jaw pain — the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be stressed by the same rapid head movement that causes whiplash
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after a car accident, don’t wait to see if they resolve on their own.
How Long Does Whiplash Last?
For many people, whiplash improves within a few weeks to a few months with appropriate care. Mild cases often resolve in two to six weeks. More significant injuries — or injuries that go unevaluated and untreated — can take longer, and research shows a portion of whiplash patients still experience pain months after the accident.
Two factors consistently matter: how severe the initial injury is, and how soon treatment begins. Early evaluation lets us identify what’s actually injured — muscle, ligament, joint, or disc — and start care before compensation patterns and chronic stiffness set in. No honest provider can promise a timeline, because no two necks and no two crashes are the same. What we can do is examine you, show you exactly what we find, and build a treatment plan around your specific injury.
Your first visit begins with a complete orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic examination. We assess cervical range of motion, nerve function, muscle integrity, and spinal alignment to build an accurate picture of your injuries. Digital X-rays are taken on-site at every location.
For the MRI and CT studies that most accident injury cases require — muscle and ligament damage doesn't show on X-ray alone — we work with trusted, accredited local imaging centers. Our Miami Gardens and Plantation clinics are located directly next door to MRI facilities for same-visit imaging.
Whiplash treatment at County Line includes chiropractic adjustments to restore cervical alignment, physical therapy to rebuild strength and range of motion, therapeutic ultrasound to reduce inflammation in injured soft tissue, and electrical muscle stimulation to relieve spasm and promote healing. Every plan is personalized. Transportation assistance is available for accident patients who need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Car Accident Cause Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid forward-and-backward movement of the head, often occurring during rear-end collisions. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and reduced range of motion. Many symptoms appear within 24–72 hours after the accident.
How Long Can You Feel Pain After a Car Accident?
Pain after a car accident may last days, weeks, or months, depending on the severity of injuries. Soft-tissue injuries such as muscle strains, ligament sprains, or whiplash can take several weeks to heal. Research shows that some individuals experience persistent symptoms for months, particularly when injuries involve the neck or spine.
Do I Need an Attorney Before I Can Get Treatment?
A lawyer is not needed to seek treatment after your car accident. Florida’s PIP system lets you begin care right away — we bill your PIP insurer directly. If you’re working with an attorney, or choose to later, our team is experienced in providing the documentation and records your case requires, and we coordinate directly with your legal team’s office.
PIP Covers Your Whiplash Treatment
Florida PIP insurance covers chiropractic and rehabilitation treatment for whiplash injuries from car accidents. We bill your PIP insurer directly. No lawyer required, but if you have one we’ll coordinate with their office. Six locations across Miami-Dade and Broward County. Same-day evaluations available.
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