Whiplash After a Car Accident

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries after a car accident, especially in rear-end collisions. While some people assume it is a “minor” injury, whiplash can cause lasting pain, stiffness, and limited mobility that disrupt your ability to work, drive, or even sleep comfortably. In serious cases, it may lead to chronic pain or permanent damage.

At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we know how difficult whiplash injuries can be. Since 1976, our skilled attorneys have represented car accident victims across Florida, helping them recover maximum compensation for injuries that insurers often downplay. If you are struggling after a whiplash injury, our firm can guide you through the legal process and fight for the support you need.

Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are suddenly forced forward and backward, stretching the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This motion is most common in:

• Rear-end crashes when a vehicle is struck from behind
• Sudden stops in multi-vehicle pileups
• Side impact collisions where the head is jerked sideways
• Rollover accidents that throw passengers around inside the vehicle

The soft tissue structures of the neck are vulnerable, and even low-speed accidents can generate enough force to cause serious damage.

Whiplash symptoms do not always appear immediately. Some may develop hours or even days after the crash. Warning signs include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches that start at the base of the skull
• Dizziness or blurred vision
• Shoulder and upper back pain
• Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things

Because symptoms are sometimes delayed, it is important to seek medical care after any crash—even if you feel “fine” at first.

Whiplash is often dismissed as a short-term injury, but the reality can be much different. Some victims experience symptoms that last for months or years, a condition known as chronic whiplash. These long-term issues can include:

• Ongoing neck pain and reduced range of motion
• Sleep disturbances due to discomfort
• Anxiety or depression related to chronic pain
• Inability to return to normal work duties
• Increased medical costs for therapy and pain management

Ignoring whiplash or accepting a quick insurance payout can leave you without the resources you need if the injury lingers.

Insurers often argue that whiplash injuries are exaggerated or unrelated to the crash. They may claim that low-speed collisions cannot cause serious harm or suggest that your symptoms stem from a preexisting condition.

At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we know these tactics well. We strengthen your claim by:

• Gathering detailed medical records and diagnostic tests
• Working with orthopedic and neurological specialists
• Documenting your symptoms through journals and daily logs
• Presenting testimony from medical professionals about long-term effects

This crucial evidence helps prove the seriousness of your condition and supports the full value of your claim.

Whiplash treatment varies depending on severity but may include:

• Rest and physical therapy
• Pain management medications
• Chiropractic care or massage therapy
• Injections for severe pain
• Surgery in rare cases

Recovery can take weeks, months, or longer. During that time, you may be unable to work or carry out everyday tasks, creating additional financial stress.

Whiplash can be deceptive. Many people walk away from a crash feeling shaken but assume they are unharmed—only to develop severe neck pain or dizziness days later. Delayed symptoms make it harder to connect the injury to the accident, and insurance companies often use that gap to argue your condition is unrelated. Getting checked right away by a doctor, and following through on recommended treatment plans, helps protect both your health and your legal case.

Medical records created immediately after the crash are some of the strongest evidence you can have when insurers try to deny or minimize your claim.

Building a whiplash claim requires more than just a diagnosis. The injury may not show up clearly on X-rays, making it easy for insurers to dismiss. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we go beyond basic paperwork. We work with medical specialists who can explain how soft tissue damage affects your daily life, gather statements or testimony from people who see the struggles you face, and prepare a case that shows the full scope of your injury.

Our goal is not only to recover your immediate costs but also to make sure you are supported if your symptoms linger months—or even years—after the crash.

If you suffered whiplash in a car accident [, you may be entitled to damages for:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
• Lost income during recovery
• Reduced earning ability if symptoms persist
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Our attorneys calculate both immediate and future costs to ensure you do not settle for less than what you need to move forward on account of your injury.

If you are suffering from whiplash after a car accident, you do not need to take on the insurance company alone. Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada can fight for the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and the pain caused by your injury.

We provide free consultations, and you pay nothing unless and until we win your case. Call 877-448-8585 today to speak with a Miami car accident lawyer about your whiplash injury and learn how we can help you move forward.