Whiplash Injury After a Car Crash in Houston

Were you recently in a car accident in Houston? Have you been experiencing neck, shoulder, and upper back pain that severely limits your range of motion and makes it difficult to perform everyday activities? If so, you may be suffering from whiplash, one of the most common yet debilitating injuries associated with traffic accidents. The Houston personal injury attorneys at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs can help you seek compensation for whiplash treatment that makes it easier to move forward after an accident. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when a sudden impact causes the head to jerk back and forth or side to side and exceed its normal range of motion. This rapid movement strains the tissues in the neck and upper back. The discomfort resulting from whiplash can range from relatively mild to severe pain, debilitating pain. Some people recover within a few weeks, while others experience chronic symptoms that last much longer and affect all areas of their lives.

Common Causes of Whiplash in Houston

Whiplash injuries are particularly common in some specific types of car accidents:

  • Rear-End Collisions – The most frequent cause of whiplash is when one vehicle strikes another from behind. Even low-speed impacts can generate enough force and sudden movement to cause injury.
  • Side-Impact Crashes – T-bone accidents at intersections can cause the head to snap sideways, resulting in lateral whiplash.
  • Head-On Collisions – Though less common, frontal impacts can cause severe whiplash as the body decelerates rapidly.
  • Multi-Vehicle Accidents – Chain-reaction crashes on busy freeways like I-45 or the Katy Freeway can cause multiple impacts from different angles, increasing the risk of whiplash.
  • Sudden Stops – Emergency braking to avoid accidents can sometimes cause whiplash even without actual contact between vehicles.

Whiplash Symptoms and How to Recognize Them

Symptoms of whiplash may appear immediately or over time. You should never ignore symptoms just because they seem minor – what starts as mild discomfort can develop into chronic pain without proper treatment. Watch for these whiplash injury signs and symptoms:

  • Immediately After the Accident – Neck pain and neck stiffness, headaches, shoulder and upper back pain, reduced range of motion in the neck, pain that spreads to the limbs, numbness, and tingling
  • 24-72 Hours After the Accident – Dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, blurred vision, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, irritability, and mood changes

Diagnosis and Treatment for Whiplash

Healthcare providers use several methods to assess the extent of whiplash injuries and develop an appropriate recovery and treatment plan. Diagnostic procedures typically include:

  • Physical examination of neck mobility and pain points
  • X-rays to rule out fractures or dislocations
  • MRI or CT scans for soft tissue damage assessment
  • Neurological tests to check nerve function

Treatment for whiplash varies based on the exact symptoms and the severity of the injury, but often includes:

  • Rest and activity modification in the initial phase
  • Ice therapy to reduce inflammation
  • Heat therapy to improve blood flow and decrease pain
  • Physical therapy to restore range of motion
  • Medications for pain and muscle relaxation
  • Massage therapy and chiropractic care
  • Injection therapy for severe cases

Complications of Untreated Whiplash Following a Car Crash

Don’t make the mistake of assuming your symptoms will resolve on their own. Without proper medical care, a whiplash injury can lead to more severe pain and serious long-term complications like:

  • Chronic pain
  • Reduced mobility due to scar tissue and muscle tightness
  • Secondary injuries to the back and shoulders caused by compensating for neck pain
  • Depression and anxiety due to the injury’s effects on work, relationships, and everyday activities

Legal Rights After a Whiplash Injury in Houston

You have the right to seek compensation when someone else’s actions cause your whiplash injury. This compensation could include money for:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage to your vehicle

Under Texas law, you can still recover compensation even if you bear some responsibility for the accident, as long as you’re less than 51 percent at fault. Additionally, the statute of limitations gives you just two years from the date of the accident to file a claim in most cases.

You have the right to legal counsel as you pursue compensation. An experienced car accident attorney can manage your case on your behalf while you focus on healing and getting better.

Why Choose Our Houston Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Whiplash Cases?

Insurance companies are often inclined to undervalue whiplash claims or shift blame to the injured party, making it necessary to protect yourself by securing skilled legal representation. Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs brings more than a century of combined experience to personal injury cases in Houston. With over $1 billion recovered for clients, we focus on securing full and fair compensation in every case we handle.

We understand the medical and personal challenges whiplash can create and will work closely with healthcare providers to document the extent of your injuries. Our lawyers are skilled at presenting your claim to both insurers and juries and will use clear strategies that protect your rights. From your first call, you’ll receive direct communication and updates about your case.

As one of our client testimonials puts it:

Can’t say enough about this law firm. They fight long and hard for their clients. Never do you feel unimportant or annoying. Words that come to mind, kind, compassionate, caring loyal, thorough, professional, friendly, helpful. I would highly recommend this firm. Thank you, Mr. Fibich and Mr. Briggs.
– Former Client

Finally, we offer free consultations in person or online and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay attorney fees unless we obtain a recovery for you.

What to Do If You Suspect Whiplash After a Car Accident

If you’re experiencing whiplash symptoms after a Houston car accident, the actions you take in the immediate aftermath can protect both your health and your legal rights. Follow these tips to best position yourself for physical and financial recovery:

  • Seek immediate medical attention even if symptoms seem mild
  • Follow all treatment recommendations from your healthcare providers and avoid gaps in treatment
  • Document everything related to your accident and injury
  • Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal representation
  • Don’t accept quick settlement offers from insurance companies, which will often be far less than you deserve
  • Contact an experienced attorney at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs to arrange a free initial consultation

Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Today

You shouldn’t have to pay the consequences of a whiplash injury someone else caused. Instead, let the team at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs fight for the justice you deserve while you focus on healing. Reach out right away for a free consultation to discuss your case with our Houston whiplash accident lawyers.