Oklahoma City Whiplash Injury Lawyer 

If you were injured in an accident that caused whiplash, you need an experienced Oklahoma City whiplash injury lawyer who can seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. The Oklahoma Injury Law Firm can help identify the party or parties responsible for your injuries and fight for maximum compensation. Call us today to get started with a free case review.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs due to the rapid and forceful movement of the neck. It gets its name because the motions leading to it resemble the cracking of a whip. When a person’s head moves back and forth quickly, the movement can overextend the neck’s ligaments and soft tissues, causing the soft tissue injury.

Common Symptoms of Whiplash

Some of the symptoms that may indicate that a person has suffered whiplash could include the following:

• Back or neck pain
• Stiffness
• Headache
• Difficulty moving the head to the side
• Dizziness

These symptoms do not always immediately appear. Some victims may not begin to experience these symptoms until days or weeks after the accident.

This condition can create limited mobility, making it difficult for accident victims to work and to perform routine tasks. Sometimes, it can even make it difficult for the victim to turn their head or lift objects.

Common Causes of Whiplash

The Mayo Clinic reports that one of the most common causes of whiplash injuries is motor vehicle accidents. This includes car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents. Notably, rear-end collisions are a common cause of these injuries. However, other events can lead to whiplash injuries, including sports, abuse, or falls.

Proving Fault for Whiplash Injuries

Most whiplash injuries can be attributed to negligence, which involves the following four legal elements:

• The defendant owed the victim a duty of care.
• The defendant violated the duty of care.
• The defendant’s breach of the duty of care caused the accident.
• The accident caused the victim to suffer damages.

Here is an example of how this type of case may be established in the common case of a rear-end collision:

• Duty: The rear driver has a legal duty to maintain a safe following distance.
• Breach of duty: The rear driver was following too closely.
• Causation: Because the rear driver was following too closely, they hit the car in front of them when it braked.
• Damages: The car accident caused the front driver to suffer whiplash, resulting in medical expenses and lost wages.

There is a legal presumption that the rear driver is responsible for these types of accidents because they are expected to maintain a safe following distance. Even if the driver in front suddenly stops, they should be able to react in time to prevent an accident. However, the other motorist could be at fault for these types of accidents, such as if the front driver was reversing or had a mechanical problem that caused the crash. An experienced attorney can gather the information necessary to prove your claim.

Contact an Experienced Oklahoma City Whiplash Injury Lawyer for Help with Your Case

If you suffered a whiplash injury, the OKC lawyers at Oklahoma Injury Law can help. Call us today at (405) 310-8800 to schedule a free case review.