Dallas Neck Injury (Whiplash) Car Accident Settlements

What is Neck Injury (Whiplash)?

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth motion of the head, most commonly occurring in rear-end collisions. The sudden force stretches and tears muscles and tendons in the neck, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Symptoms can appear immediately or develop gradually over 24-48 hours and may include neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, dizziness, and fatigue.

Common causes in motor vehicle accidents

Rear-end collisions are the primary cause of whiplash injuries, particularly when struck from behind at moderate to high speeds. The victim's body is thrust forward while the head initially stays in place, then snaps forward and backward rapidly. Side-impact collisions, sudden stops, and T-bone accidents can also cause whiplash. Injury severity depends on impact speed, vehicle headrest position, neck muscle strength, and whether the victim anticipated the collision.

Treatment and recovery

Initial treatment focuses on pain management and reducing inflammation through ice, NSAIDs, and rest (though prolonged immobilization is no longer recommended). Physical therapy typically begins within days to restore range of motion and strengthen neck muscles through gentle exercises and manual therapy. Severe cases may require muscle relaxants, cervical collars for short-term use (no more than 2-3 days), or injection therapy including trigger point injections or nerve blocks. Most whiplash injuries resolve within 3-6 months, though 10-20% of patients experience chronic pain requiring long-term pain management.

Legal considerations in Dallas-Fort Worth

Whiplash cases in Dallas-Fort Worth often face skepticism from insurance adjusters who view them as minor, subjective, or exaggerated claims. Strong medical documentation is critical—immediate medical evaluation (ideally within 24-72 hours), consistent treatment records without significant gaps, and objective findings like reduced range of motion measurements, muscle spasm documentation, and imaging showing tissue damage. Cases with chronic symptoms lasting beyond 6 months benefit from medical expert testimony from orthopedists or pain management specialists explaining why some whiplash injuries cause lasting impairment despite normal imaging.