San Antonio Whiplash Injury Lawyers Fighting for Crash Victims

Take your whiplash symptoms seriously and see if you’re eligible for a claim

Whiplash, a commonly misunderstood car accident injury, often occurs in rear-end collisions and can be incredibly painful. Unfortunately, some insurance companies downplay the severity of whiplash injuries.

At the Herrera Law Firm, we understand the reality of whiplash and the suffering it can cause. Our team of experienced San Antonio whiplash injury attorneys is dedicated to advocating for crash victims and ensuring they receive the maximum compensation they deserve for their injury-related expenses. With our experience handling complex legal cases, we are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you find your way forward after a whiplash injury.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is a specific type of injury primarily impacting the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck and upper shoulder region. Typically triggered by the sudden and forceful back-and-forth movement of the head (like what often happens in car accidents), whiplash frequently leads to intense neck pain and restricts the affected individual's neck mobility.

How common is whiplash?

Whiplash is one of the most frequently occurring injuries in car accidents. According to a study by the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, approximately 3 million individuals experience whiplash injuries each year due to motor vehicle accidents. This translates to one whiplash injury occurring every 10 seconds.

What are common whiplash symptoms?

It's crucial to seek medical attention promptly if you experience any of these prevalent whiplash symptoms, which may include:

Persistent neck pain, often radiating to the shoulders.
Stiffness in the muscles, particularly noticeable in the neck and shoulders.
Back pain, commonly stemming from the impact of the accident.
Restricted range of motion, especially evident in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Frequent headaches, often resulting from the trauma of the whiplash injury.
Dizziness, a common accompanying symptom due to the sudden jolting motion of a crash.
Difficulty concentrating, which is often a consequence of the pain and discomfort.
Impaired balance, often caused by the disruption to the body's equilibrium.
Nausea, often associated with the physical and emotional stress following the accident.

Keep in mind that whiplash symptoms often do not manifest immediately following a car accident. It's not uncommon for victims to only notice symptoms several hours or even days later. Unfortunately, due to this delayed onset, some insurance companies may doubt the legitimacy of whiplash injuries.

However, it's essential to prioritize your health and seek medical attention promptly if you experience any whiplash symptoms. Consulting with a doctor ensures that your injury is properly documented, providing a crucial medical record of your condition, including any delayed symptoms that may arise. This documentation is vital for accurately assessing and addressing your whiplash injury.

What medical treatments exist for whiplash?

Various effective medical treatments are available for whiplash, tailored to the severity and location of the injury. These treatments include:

Ice therapy: Applying ice to the affected area within the first 24 hours to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Immobilization: Stabilizing the neck with a neck brace or cervical collar to prevent further injury.
Gentle movements: Engaging in controlled, gentle movements after the initial icing period to promote mobility and flexibility.
Physical therapy: Under the guidance of a qualified physical therapist, participating in targeted exercises and rehabilitation to strengthen muscles and improve range of motion.
Medications: Pain relief medications may be prescribed, particularly for individuals experiencing chronic or long-term pain resulting from whiplash.

It's crucial not to attempt self-diagnosis or treatment for whiplash. Seeking medical evaluation from a healthcare professional is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.

What types of car accidents cause whiplash?

Various types of car accidents can lead to whiplash injuries, with some collisions posing a higher risk than others. These include:

Rear-end collisions: Sudden impact from behind can cause rapid back-and-forth motion of the head, commonly resulting in whiplash, particularly for occupants of the vehicle struck from behind.
Head-on collisions: The forceful impact of head-on collisions can induce whiplash injuries in individuals in either vehicle involved.
Side-impact accidents (T-Bone collisions): Also known as T-bone accidents, these collisions can pose a significant risk of whiplash for occupants of the vehicle struck from the side.

While these are the primary types of accidents associated with whiplash, other collision scenarios can also result in injury. If you suspect you have whiplash following any car accident, seeking prompt medical attention is essential. Afterward, contacting our San Antonio law firm can help you explore your potential legal options and pursue appropriate compensation.

What is the average whiplash car accident settlement?

Determining the average settlement amount for a whiplash claim can be challenging as it varies based on various factors, including the severity of the injury, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Settlements for whiplash injuries may range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars and, in some cases, even higher amounts.

For example, consider a scenario where an individual sustains whiplash in a rear-end collision and incurs $5,000 in medical expenses, $2,000 in lost wages, and experiences significant pain and suffering. In such a case, the settlement amount may be negotiated to cover these costs along with additional compensation for the emotional distress and inconvenience caused by the injury.

However, every case is unique, and the settlement amount will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the accident and the extent of the victim's injuries. Only a knowledgeable attorney experienced in handling whiplash car accident claims can provide a better understanding of the potential settlement amount based on the individual circumstances of the case.

Can I file a whiplash injury lawsuit in Texas?

Yes, you can file a whiplash injury lawsuit in Texas if you sustain whiplash as a result of another party's negligence or wrongful actions. To pursue a whiplash injury lawsuit, you must demonstrate that the other party breached their duty of care owed to you, resulting in your whiplash injury. This breach of duty could involve actions such as reckless driving, speeding, or failing to maintain a safe distance.

In Texas, you generally have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident to file a claim or lawsuit for whiplash injuries. It's crucial to act promptly and consult with an attorney who can assess your case, gather evidence, and advocate on your behalf to seek fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Review your legal options with a San Antonio whiplash injury lawyer

If you've sustained whiplash in a car accident or any other incident in San Antonio, it's essential to understand your legal options. Consulting with an experienced whiplash injury lawyer can provide valuable insight into your situation and help you navigate the legal process effectively.

An attorney can assess the details of your case, gather evidence to support your claim, and advocate for your rights to seek compensation for your injuries. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, your lawyer will work tirelessly to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Don't delay seeking legal help. Contact a San Antonio whiplash injury lawyer today to review your legal options during a free case evaluation. There are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. That’s because we offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis. To learn more, contact us today.