If you suffered a whiplash injury in an accident, you might suffer from persistent pain and impairment for weeks, months, or even longer after the incident. Some cases are never fully resolved.

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries victims suffer in car accidents. The Spine Research Institute estimates at least 3 million new cases of whiplash are diagnosed each year in the U.S.  

If you have been involved in an accident with a negligent individual, you need a competent team who can assist you in seeking the compensation you deserve. The Houston whiplash injury attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC, have decades of experience helping people in our community seek fair compensation. For a free case review, contact us today.

How Can a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Help My Case?

Whiplash is a common complaint following a car accident. Because whiplash impacts the soft tissue of the neck, there is not always a conclusive medical test that proves you have the condition. Doctors generally rely on assessing your symptoms and a physical examination to arrive at a whiplash diagnosis. 

Will that be enough evidence for an insurer to give you the compensation you deserve for your injuries? Will an insurer try to debate the significance of your injuries to save themselves money on your claim? A skilled car accident lawyer can give you the best chance at a fair payout and help alleviate the uncertainty posed by these questions.

If you want to recover every penny you deserve, you need help from an experienced Houston whiplash car accident attorney. We can help you build a compelling claim, backed by evidence, that demonstrates why you deserve full and fair compensation for your injuries. At Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC, we can:

  • Discuss your ongoing medical treatment plan
  • Investigate the cause of the accident that caused your injury
  • Gather evidence to support your claim, including crucial medical records
  • Manage all communication with insurers
  • Negotiate with the insurer for maximum compensation
  • Prepare a case for court if necessary
  • Assist with vehicle repair or replacement

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a term that refers to a violent neck injury, typically caused by rear-end collisions. It occurs when the neck is rapidly propelled forward and then backward, much like the cracking of a whip. Strong muscles in the neck help support the head, but when a forceful impact quickly snaps the neck back and forth, the neck can sustain a significant injury. 

Although some people recover relatively quickly from whiplash, others are left with chronic neck pain. An estimated 75 percent of whiplash patients suffer from symptoms for six months or longer, according to ChiroCare.

Common Causes of Whiplash

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common causes of whiplash. When another vehicle hits you from the rear, you and your car can be violently flung forward. Thankfully seatbelts can help prevent your entire body from hitting the windshield or dashboard. However, a seatbelt only restricts the movement of your torso. Your head and neck are still free to jolt back and forth.

While whiplash and severe neck injuries are frequently caused by rear-end car crashes, other events, such as:

  • Truck accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Falls
  • Sports injuries
  • Physical assault
  • Work Injuries

Whiplash is a serious medical condition that needs to be addressed by a medical professional.

Symptoms of Whiplash

Whiplash typically impacts the muscles and soft tissues in the neck, meaning it can be challenging to diagnose the condition. A physician will generally diagnose whiplash based on your complete medical history, the nature of your accident, your general symptoms, and a physical examination. X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans can detect broken bones and herniated discs, which may be present in more severe cases.

Whiplash patients often experience the following common symptoms:

  • Neck pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Back pain
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Pain that radiates down into the arm or hand
  • Numbness in the arm or hand
  • Fatigue

Although the most common effects of whiplash are neck pain and stiffness, it can also cause blurred vision, hearing loss, changes in sleeping patterns, and memory problems in some individuals.

Treatments and Impairments Related to Whiplash

Your health care provider can design a treatment plan tailored to your unique situation. For some minor cases, rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief medication may be all that’s needed. 

In moderate cases of whiplash, a physician may recommend you wear a cervical collar. A C-collar can prevent you from overworking or overextending the injured neck muscles, allowing them to heal. Physical therapy, muscle-relaxing medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and lidocaine injections may also help treat the injury.

Seeking treatment for whiplash is essential. This injury can lead to complications such as:

  • Severe neck pain
  • Chronic pain 
  • Loss of range of motion
  • Pain that spreads to the arms or hands

Sometimes these issues can last for weeks or even months. Sadly, half of patients with whiplash still feel the effects 20 years after the initial injury.

What Compensation Could I Receive for My Whiplash Injuries?

The amount of compensation you may be entitled to after an accident will generally depend on the severity of your injury and who caused the accident. If someone else is to blame for the accident, you may be able to recover money for the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Disability
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Pain and suffering 

Talk to a car accident lawyer to get a more in-depth picture of what your case may be worth. An experienced Houston whiplash attorney can review your case and place a fair value on your insurance claim. An attorney can also determine if your case may need to be brought before a jury.

Texas Time Limits on Whiplash Injury Lawsuits

Texas gives people two years from the date of an accident to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time, you will likely lose your chance to recover compensation from the at-fault party responsible for causing the accident. 

Contact Our Experienced Whiplash Attorneys in Houston 

Are you suffering from a whiplash injury? Were you involved in an accident caused by another individual? Get in touch with the whiplash car accident team at Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC. We can review your case for free and advise you of your legal options for seeking compensation for your injury. 

Contact our Houston office today for outstanding client service and comprehensive legal representation.