Each year, many people in Texas suffer whiplash when their car is hit by another vehicle.
This type of injury, while not externally visible, may cause the accident victim to experience multiple symptoms, some long-lasting.
Our team at the Stewart Law Firm has helped multiple victims who suffer from whiplash injuries. So what is whiplash, and what should you do if you are a victim of this type of crash?
What is Whiplash?
According to the American Chiropractic Association, whiplash injuries occur as a result of a violent jerking of the neck, first in one direction and then back in the opposite one.
The results of the movement can include damage to the muscles, ligaments and vertebrae in the neck area.
Whiplash injuries most commonly occur in car accidents involving rear-end collisions. Victims are injured due to the violent jerking forwards and backwards of their head and neck due to the force of the collision.
Since whiplash symptoms often do not show up for hours or days, people may be initially unaware they have been injured.
Symptoms can include:
- Stiffness,
- Reduction in the ability to move the head and neck
- Pain radiating down from the injured area into the shoulders and arms
- Severe headaches
- Chronic pain
It is thus important for people who have been involved in a car wreck to see their doctor afterwards, even if they initially believe they escaped without injury.
Car Accidents Stats in Texas
Texas is a big state, and the roadways can get pretty crazy. Unfortunately, that means that car accidents are bound to happen, and frequently.
In 2018, it was reported that 1 reportable crash happened every 58 seconds in Texas, and 14,908 people suffered a serious injury due to these accidents the same year.
Unfortunately, in addition to whiplash, there are plenty of other serious injuries that victims may suffer from, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Internal injuries
- Burns and road rash
- Fractures / broken bones
- Scars
If you have been a victim in a car accident and have suffered any injury — whiplash included — you probably want to contact a Texas-based personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
What is the Settlement Process for Whiplash Cases in Austin?
While whiplash typically heals over time, while suffering from whiplash many victims experience serious pain and decreased functionality.
That’s why our team at the Stewart Law Firm recommends filing a personal injury lawsuit as soon as possible — to seek compensation for treatment, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.
But working towards achieving a settlement is a complicated matter. There is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas, so you need to make sure to begin the process before that time.
First, your Austin personal injury attorney will write a demand letter to the insurance company that proves the damages you have suffered and the other driver’s liability.
The other driver’s insurance company will probably offer you a pretty low number at first. At this point, you’ll need your attorney to fight for you.
Each case is unique and dependent upon many factors, including:
- How long your treatment lasts
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Loss of earning capacity
It’s difficult to estimate how much you could earn, which is why you should reach out to an Austin personal injury attorney today to discuss your case.
What Should You Do If You Suffer from Whiplash? Contact an Attorney
Those who are injured in a car accident may often suffer economic losses including medical expenses and lost wages that far exceed the property damage to their vehicles.
Through the filing of a personal injury lawsuit, a victim may be able to seek recompense for all of the damages and losses sustained. Austin-based personal injury attorney Stephen Stewart can help to determine whether such an accident was caused by the negligence of another party.
Call the Stewart Law Firm today to get started on your case.
