You may need a whiplash injury attorney if your neck, head, or back hurts after a car accident. This is a very common injury that happens when your head is thrown forward and backward quickly. It can happen even in minor crashes. This post explains what whiplash is, how it affects you, and when it’s time to talk to a whiplash injury attorney.

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What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck. It usually happens when your car is hit from behind. The motion of your head whipping forward and back can hurt muscles, tendons, and nerves. It may not show up on X-rays or scans. That’s why it’s often misunderstood and sometimes downplayed by insurance companies.

Common Whiplash Symptoms

  • Neck pain or stiffness
  • Headaches (especially at the base of the skull)
  • Trouble turning your head
  • Pain in the shoulders or upper back
  • Dizziness or blurred vision
  • Difficulty focusing or remembering things

Symptoms might start right after the crash or take hours—or even days—to appear.

Why Is a Doctor Visit Important?

Seeing a doctor right after the crash helps you get the right treatment. It also creates a record of your injury. That record may be important later if you need to file a legal claim. Whiplash sometimes turns into long-term pain if not treated early.

What Does a Whiplash Injury Attorney Do?

An experienced whiplash injury attorney helps you:

  • Gather and organize medical evidence
  • Prove the crash caused your injuries
  • Deal with insurance adjusters
  • Estimate your financial losses
  • File a lawsuit if needed

The whiplash attorneys at the Roach Law Firm offers free consultations, as do many other firms. We also accept whiplash injury cases on a contingency basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless you win.

Statistics on Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash injury statistics are surprising, especially when it comes to the number of car crashes that can result in the injury—and how long its symptoms can last for many victims.

Can I File a Legal Claim for Whiplash?

Yes. If someone else caused the crash, Texas law gives you the right to seek compensation. This could include money for medical bills, time missed from work, and your pain.

To win your case, your attorney must show that:

  1. The other driver caused the accident
  2. You were injured in the crash
  3. The injury caused real harm to your life

What If the Insurance Company Denies My Injury?

Unfortunately, this is a common problem. Insurance companies may say you aren’t really hurt, especially if your medical scans appear normal. A good attorney knows how to prove soft tissue injuries using:

  • Medical records
  • Expert opinions
  • Consistent symptom logs

How Long Does a Whiplash Injury Attorney Have to File a Lawsuit?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most car accident cases is two years from the date of the crash. If you miss that deadline, you may lose your right to recover money.

When Should I Call a Whiplash Injury Attorney?

Call an attorney right away if:

  • Your pain lasts more than a few days
  • You’re missing work
  • Medical bills are piling up
  • The insurance company won’t help

The sooner you act, the easier it is to build a strong case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Whiplash Injuries

Q: Do I need a lawyer for a minor neck injury?
A: It depends. If your pain is ongoing or the insurance company is giving you trouble, a lawyer can help you get fair treatment.

Q: What if I didn’t feel pain until days after the crash?
A: That’s normal with whiplash. A delayed reaction doesn’t mean your injury isn’t real.

Q: Will I have to go to court?
A: Not always. Many whiplash cases are settled without going to trial.

Whiplash Injury Attorney: Conclusion

Whiplash may sound simple, but it can cause real, lasting pain. If another driver caused your crash, you don’t have to deal with the medical bills and stress on your own. A skilled whiplash injury attorney can help you move forward.