Around 3 million people are diagnosed with whiplash in the United States each year. Although there are several causes of this injury, we see a significant number of people who incur painful symptoms as a result of motor vehicle accidents.
Crashes and other acts of negligence are completely preventable. However, they continue to cause harm to innocent people.
If you or someone you love has suffered a whiplash injury from a car accident in Corpus Christi, you may be entitled to compensation. At Burkett Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of a whiplash injury and are here to help. Whether you were rear-ended or involved in a more serious collision, reaching out to a Corpus Christi car accident lawyer can make all the difference in your recovery.
Contact us for a free case evaluation to explore your options and secure the compensation you deserve.
About Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash, also known as Whiplash-Associated Disorder (WAD), occurs when your neck is suddenly jolted backward and forward, straining muscles and ligaments. This sudden movement often happens in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions.
While many believe whiplash is a minor injury, it can lead to long-term pain, reduced mobility, and serious complications.
Even if your whiplash injury seems small at first, it could cause ongoing discomfort for months or even years. A car accident attorney in Corpus Christi, TX, can help you assess your injuries and seek compensation for any long-term effects.
Dangers of Whiplash
Whiplash injuries typically occur in rear-end accidents. The force from a collision causes the head to whip back and forth, leading to anything from mild discomfort to severe and lasting symptoms. Statistics show that over 2 million people in the U.S. suffer from whiplash each year, mostly due to car accidents.
Many whiplash injuries are invisible, meaning there may be no outward sign of injury, but the pain can be severe and long-lasting. This is why seeking medical attention and consulting with a Corpus Christi auto accident lawyer is crucial if you’re experiencing symptoms.
Symptoms of Whiplash
One of the challenges with whiplash is that symptoms may not appear right away. Due to adrenaline and stress, many people feel fine immediately after a car accident, only to start feeling pain hours or even days later.
Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck and upper back pain
- Headaches and dizziness
- Limited mobility, stiffness, and muscle spasms
- Fatigue, mood swings, and sleep disturbances
If your symptoms worsen, it is important to see a doctor and follow their recommendations. Medical records can be critical in securing compensation, and a car wreck attorney near me in Corpus Christi can help ensure everything is properly documented.
How Long Does Whiplash Last?
While most cases of whiplash resolve within a few months, some people experience pain for years. Severe cases can significantly impact your daily life, work, and well-being. Chronic whiplash can result in long-term physical therapy or even require more serious interventions like surgery.
If this happens, it’s essential to have legal support from the best car accident lawyer in Corpus Christi to help cover your medical costs and other expenses.
Medical Treatments for Whiplash
There are several ways doctors might treat whiplash after a car accident, including:
- Physical therapy to help you move better and reduce pain.
- Medications like muscle relaxers or painkillers to make the symptoms easier to handle.
- Neck braces to keep your neck still so it can heal faster.
- Diagnostic tests like MRIs or CT scans to check how bad the injury is.
- In really serious cases, surgery may be needed to fix the problem.
Following your doctor’s instructions is important because it helps you heal and shows that you’re doing everything you can to get better, which can help your legal case.
A top-rated auto accident lawyer in Corpus Christi can help ensure that all the treatments you need are included in your compensation claim, so you don’t have to worry about paying for them.
Challenges with Insurance Claims
One of the biggest hurdles with whiplash injuries is dealing with insurance companies. Many insurers downplay whiplash injuries, treating them as minor and trying to minimize payouts.
Common tactics used by insurance adjusters include:
- Questioning the severity of your injury.
- Using recorded statements against you to reduce your claim.
This is why it’s important to have a no-win, no-fee car accident lawyer in Corpus Christi on your side. They will handle negotiations, ensuring that your injury is taken seriously and that you receive fair compensation.
Who is at Risk for Whiplash?
Anyone in a car accident can suffer whiplash, but certain factors can make it more likely. For example, older people are at a higher risk of serious whiplash injuries, especially if they already have neck issues like arthritis. Rear-end collisions are one of the main causes of whiplash, which happens when your head is suddenly thrown back and forth. This can cause pain, stiffness, and other problems in your neck.
If you have been in an accident, a Corpus Christi personal injury attorney can help you figure out how much compensation you’re entitled to. They will look at the details of your case, whether it was a rear-end crash or something else, and make sure you get what you deserve to cover your injuries and recovery.
Other Common Causes of Whiplash in Corpus Christi
In Corpus Christi, car accidents are the main reason people get whiplash. Even in a minor accident, the impact can strain your neck muscles and ligaments, causing pain and stiffness.
Other causes of whiplash include:
- Sports injuries, especially in contact sports like football or hockey, where players often take hits that can jolt their heads.
- Physical assaults, when someone’s head is shaken or jolted, can also cause whiplash.
If you have experienced whiplash from a car accident or any other cause, a Corpus Christi car accident lawyer can help you figure out what caused your injury and who’s responsible for it. They will work to make sure you get the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other costs from the accident.
What to Do if You Experience Whiplash
If you believe you’ve suffered whiplash, the first step is to seek medical attention. Getting a doctor’s opinion ensures that your injury is properly treated and documented. This is crucial if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
The next step is to contact a car accident attorney in Corpus Christi, TX, to explore your legal options. They can guide you through the process of filing a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve.
Making an Insurance Claim for Whiplash
Proving a whiplash injury can be challenging because it’s often considered a “soft tissue” injury, meaning it doesn’t always show up on X-rays or scans. Insurance companies may use this to argue that your injury isn’t serious.
At Burkett Law Firm, we understand these challenges. We gather all necessary documentation, including medical records, to prove the extent of your injuries. Our top-rated auto accident lawyer in Corpus Christi will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you need for your recovery.
Holding the Other Driver Responsible for Your Whiplash Injury
To hold the other driver accountable for your injury, it’s necessary to prove they were negligent. This means showing that they failed to follow traffic laws or acted carelessly, causing the accident and your whiplash.
There are a few key elements needed to prove negligence:
- The other driver had a duty of care to drive safely.
- They breached that duty, leading to the accident.
- Their actions caused your injury.
Our no-win, no-fee car accident lawyer in Corpus Christi will work to gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to prove the other driver’s fault.
Common Damages in Whiplash Injury Claims
When you file a claim for your whiplash injury, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: Covering treatments, therapies, and long-term care.
- Lost wages: Compensating for time missed from work and future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional toll of your injury.
- Property damage: Repairing or replacing your vehicle.
- Emotional trauma: Recovery from the stress and anxiety caused by the accident.
A Corpus Christi auto accident lawyer can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for all of your damages.
Contact Our Corpus Christi Whiplash Injury Lawyer
Having an experienced Corpus Christi personal injury car accident attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Burkett Law Firm, we understand the challenges of whiplash injuries and are committed to protecting your rights. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case and legal options.
If you’ve suffered a whiplash injury in Corpus Christi, don’t wait. Contact Burkett Law Firm today for a free consultation.
Our team of car wreck attorneys near me in Corpus Christi is here to help you understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve.