Whiplash Injury After a Car Accident

Whiplash is a neck injury that could put you out of work for days or weeks following an auto accident. It can make it difficult or painful to move your head and neck, as well as cause other symptoms such as blurred vision and headaches. Most victims fully recover from whiplash, but not before losing money in medical bills and missed wages. If you have a whiplash injury after a car accident in Texas, work with a car accident attorney in San Antonio toward a possible compensatory award.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a type of neck injury that affects the soft tissues, such as the ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It refers to the straining or tearing of these tissues that result in a range of painful or uncomfortable symptoms for the victim. Whiplash is one of the most commonly diagnosed injuries after auto accidents in Texas. It can happen in both minor and major vehicle collisions and cause many different symptoms.

• Neck stiffness
• Pain in the neck or back
• Tingling or numbness in the arms
• Trouble moving the head
• Persistent headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Tinnitus
• Memory or concentration problems
• Depression or irritability

Most whiplash victims notice multiple symptoms, although you may experience just one. If you notice any possible signs of whiplash after a vehicle collision, see a doctor. Treatments such as a neck brace, pain medications, therapies, muscle relaxers, injections, and a cold compress may be necessary for you to fully recover from whiplash.

Why It Is Important to Visit a Doctor After a Car Accident

Whiplash is one of the most overlooked and unrecognized injuries after auto accidents. Some injuries, including whiplash, have delayed symptoms. This is why it is important to visit a doctor immediately after a car accident. You should also respond, “I don’t know,” when asked at the scene of the accident if you have any injuries. Answering definitively that you do not have any could hurt your chances of recovering compensation. You may fail to get the at-fault driver’s insurance information if you think you do not have any injuries. Instead, say you have to see a doctor before you know for sure.

Adrenaline can cover the symptoms of whiplash in the minutes after a car accident. Only later may you start to notice delayed symptoms such as neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, numbness, tingling or headaches at the base of the head. If you visit a doctor right away after your car accident, he or she can help you diagnose whiplash. Diagnosis may take a physical examination, x-rays, a CT scan or an MRI. You can then send your injury diagnosis to the at-fault party’s insurance company as your proof of injury.

Can You Recover Damages for a Whiplash Injury?

You may be eligible to recover damages from an auto insurance provider after a whiplash injury in a car accident. Every driver in Texas must carry bodily injury insurance coverage of at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. Since Texas is a fault state, this insurance should cover your medical bills if another driver causes your car accident. The other driver will legally be responsible for paying for your whiplash injury up to his or her insurance policy’s maximum. If this is not enough, your auto insurance provider may cover the remaining costs.

An insurance company may ask for proof before it will offer a settlement for whiplash. You may need to submit injury records, medical documents, x-rays, and treatment plans as proof of whiplash. Average settlements for whiplash and other neck injuries can range from $10,000 to $100,000 and over. The value of your claim can depend on many different factors. If the insurance company denies your claim or does not offer a fair amount, hire a lawyer to help you take your whiplash case to court. A personal injury claim may be necessary to achieve the financial compensation you need.