Whiplash Injury Attorney in Houston
Car accidents happen all too frequently in Houston’s heavy traffic. Whiplash is one of the most commonly reported injuries that arise from car accidents. This type of injury is often invisible but can be incredibly painful and debilitating.
If you’ve suffered whiplash in a car accident in Houston, contact The Callahan Law Firm today. We have successfully represented many whiplash victims throughout the Houston metro area. We will be ready to put our experience to work for you.
For a free and confidential consultation with one of our Houston car accident lawyers, call us or reach out to us online. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.
What is a Whiplash Injury?
Whiplash is an injury from trauma to the neck, typically in the form of an abrupt whip-like forward-and-backward motion. Any violent movement that the body is not prepared for can lead to whiplash, which can in turn cause stiffness, pain, muscle spasms and strain, headaches, and mood disorders.
What Causes Whiplash?
Whiplash usually occurs in collisions involving sudden and violent acceleration, deceleration, or rotation. Vehicle occupants can suffer whiplash in nearly any type of accident including rear-end, T-bone, or head-on collisions.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash
Common symptoms of whiplash can include:
- Stiffness and pain in the neck
- Shoulder pain and tenderness
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Worsening pain when moving your neck
- Swelling in the neck area
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Pain in arms and hands
- Ringing in the ears
- Depression
- Irritability
- Vision problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Fatigue
Steps to Take After a Whiplash Injury
If you have suffered whiplash in a car accident, we recommend you take the following steps to protect yourself and increase your likelihood of receiving financial compensation:
1. Seek medical care immediately. Get medical treatment as soon as possible. It could take hours or days for the symptoms to fully manifest. The quicker you seek medical attention from a doctor, the faster your injuries can be diagnosed and treated. Prompt treatment could help prevent your whiplash injuries from worsening.
2. Follow the treatment plan. During your medical visit, the doctor will explain your treatment plan. This may include taking medications, undergoing tests, or attending physical therapy, for example. It is critical that you follow all the doctor’s instructions. This will improve your chances of making a full medical recovery and serve as evidence of your injuries to the insurance company. Seeking prompt medical treatment and following your doctor’s orders can reduce the chances of contentious negotiations with the insurance company and boost your chances of obtaining full and fair compensation.
3. File an insurance claim. Some car insurance companies have deadlines for filing claims, so you must contact the insurance company promptly after the accident. Tell them you were involved in a car crash and are getting medical treatment. When talking about the accident, stick to the facts. Provide the date, time, and location of the accident. Try to be brief and never admit fault or apologize. The insurance adjuster might try to get you to describe the severity of your injuries or give your opinion. Don’t answer these questions until you have secured legal representation. Insurance adjusters are trying to get you to provide a statement that downplays your injuries and reduces your settlement.
4. Document the costs of your injury. When making a claim with an insurance company, you must document all of the expenses related to your whiplash injuries, as well as any lost wages from missed work, medical bills, and insurance co-pays. Documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to your injuries could possibly be reimbursed later.
5. Call a Houston whiplash injury attorney. An experienced car accident attorney can ensure that you do not miss any deadlines or details when filing your whiplash injury claim. Furthermore, a lawyer can gather the evidence needed to build a strong case that secures the full and fair compensation you deserve. You need a trusted car accident lawyer to protect your best interests because the insurance company is more interested in profits than they are in helping you.
How Is Whiplash Treated?
The objective of whiplash treatment is to reduce your pain, improve your range of motion, and allow you to return to your daily life. Common treatment methods for whiplash may include:
- Physical therapy
- Neck brace or collar
- Surgery
- Steroid injections
- Massage therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Acupuncture
- Rest
- Ice or heat
- Neck stretches
- Over-the-counter and prescription medications
What Types of Compensation Can You Recover for a Whiplash Injury in Houston?
Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills, past, and future
- Impairment
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
It can be challenging to keep track of the various costs associated with a whiplash accident, which is why it’s always a good idea to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Time Limits on Filing Your Whiplash Injury Claim in Houston, TX
If you suffered whiplash in an accident, keep in mind that the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Texas is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that you would need to file a lawsuit before this time limit expires, or the court will be barred from hearing your case.
Contact Our Houston Whiplash Lawyers for Help
If you suffered whiplash in an accident, you could be owed compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other losses. Contact the Houston car accident attorneys at The Callahan Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your rights and legal options today.
