Dallas Whiplash Lawyer

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries associated with car accidents – and one of the most disruptive, too. In addition to excruciating pain, this neck condition can cause mobility problems that force you to stop working or enjoying your favorite activities. The result can be significant emotional distress and financial strain.

If someone else was to blame for your whiplash, you deserve compensation for these and other losses. An attorney with The Wilhite Law Firm is standing by to protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation for the harm you suffered.

Ready to demand accountability from the person who hurt you? Then contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how a Dallas whiplash injury lawyer can help you in your fight for justice.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck condition that can occur when the head experiences a sudden, quick forward-and-backward motion. During this process, the “whiplike” action can damage the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck and spine. However, due to the rush of adrenaline many accident victims experience, you might not notice any pain for days.

What Are Some Symptoms of Whiplash?

Whiplash symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on factors like the force of impact and the victim’s age and physical condition. Common symptoms include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Pain or numbness radiating down the shoulders, arms, and back
  • Reduced range of motion when turning or tilting the head
  • Clicking sounds or sensations when moving the neck
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea
  • Problems with concentration and memory
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue

The onset of these symptoms varies. Some appear immediately, while others develop over the first few days following the accident. In some cases, symptoms persist for months.

Are There Different Levels of Whiplash?

Whiplash injuries are classified into four grades that vary depending on severity:

  • Grade 1 – Grade 1 whiplash involves only minor ligament damage, resulting in mild pain and stiffness. Symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks.
  • Grade 2 – More extensive muscle and ligament injuries producing moderate pain and decreased range of motion are Grade 2. Symptoms can linger for months.
  • Grade 3 – Torn ligaments resulting in severe pain even at rest are Grade 3. Symptoms are longer-lasting and might include neurological elements, such as weakness and sensory deficits.
  • Grade 4 – Fractures, dislocations, or injuries to the spinal cord that require immediate treatment to avoid permanent damage are considered Grade 4.

Higher-grade whiplash requires more intensive medical treatment and usually causes more significant financial losses from medical expenses and lost income. An attorney can assess the full extent of the personal and financial harm you suffered and demand fair compensation accordingly.

What Are the Long-Term Effects If Whiplash Is Left Untreated?

While many whiplash cases resolve within weeks or months, extensive damage or delayed treatment can cause lasting or even permanent impairments. Potential long-term consequences of whiplash injuries include the following:

  • Chronic neck pain, numbness, and reduced mobility
  • Degenerative disc disease leading to arthritis, stenosis, or herniations
  • Headaches that recur or cause chronic discomfort
  • Cognitive dysfunction like memory loss and reduced concentration
  • Psychological effects like depression or anxiety
  • Permanent disability that reduces or eliminates working capacity

What Accidents Can Cause Whiplash?

Whiplash is most commonly the result of a car accident. It frequently stems from rear-end collisions when the head snaps backward and forward rapidly. However, other types of crashes can also cause whiplash, including the following:

Whiplash injuries result from the abrupt back-and-forth head motion that occurs when a moving vehicle stops suddenly. Vehicle occupants are at risk for whiplash injuries even in relatively low-speed traffic collisions.

Other causes of whiplash may include sports, slip and fall accidents, and any hit to the head.

What Should I Do If I Have Suffered a Whiplash Injury?

Taking the following steps can protect your right to claim compensation for your whiplash injuries:

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions as closely as possible.
  • Save all medical records and bills for evidence of your injuries and treatment costs.
  • Collect evidence of lost wages and missed time at work, such as tax forms, pay slips, or letters from your human resources department.
  • Avoid making public statements or posting online about the accident or your injuries, as your words could be used against you.
  • Contact an experienced Dallas whiplash attorney who can provide the guidance and advocacy you need for a successful claim.

What Compensation Can I Receive for a Whiplash Injury?

If you have suffered a whiplash injury in a Dallas accident, you could be entitled to compensation for the following:

  • Medical expenses, both past and future
  • Lost income due to missed time at work
  • Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
  • Physical and psychological pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

How Do You Prove Someone Was At Fault for My Whiplash?

Proving fault in a personal injury claim involves gathering as much evidence as possible. Your attorney can thoroughly investigate the accident by:

  • Reviewing photos and videos of the accident scene
  • Obtaining a copy of the responding police officer’s accident report
  • Interviewing eyewitnesses for relevant testimony
  • Consulting medical experts and other specialists

In some cases, multiple parties might be at fault. An experienced attorney can identify all of these parties and seek compensation from all available sources to maximize your payout.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Whiplash Injury Claim in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases requires you to file a lawsuit within two years of the accident. You could lose your right to demand compensation in court if you do not initiate legal proceedings by this deadline. A knowledgeable Dallas whiplash attorney can handle your claim efficiently and file promptly to keep your case on track.

Contact a Dallas Whiplash Lawyer

Life with whiplash can feel impossible at times. Holding the at-fault party accountable for their actions can help you regain control. The skilled legal team at The Wilhite Law Firm is passionate about standing up for the rights of injured Texans like you – and our track record shows we have the skills to demand the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a Dallas whiplash lawyer to learn more about your legal options.