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Neck Injury (Whiplash) Cases in Dallas–Fort Worth

Neck Injury (Whiplash) cases from motor vehicle accidents can vary significantly in severity and outcome. These cases involve injuries that may require medical treatment, rehabilitation, and can impact quality of life. Settlement values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, recovery time, and long-term effects on the victim's daily activities and ability to work.

Last updated: November 2025

High-Level Statistics

$9,300
Median award/settlement
$3,000 - $25,000
Typical range (25th-75th percentile)
Rear-end
Most common accident type
643+
Cases analyzed
Neck Injury (Whiplash)
Other
$2,500
Verdict-Plaintiff

One driver and another driver were involved in a motor vehicle accident. The jury found that the injured person sustained damages for past physical pain and past medical care. The case resulted in a plaintiff verdict.

Dallas County • 2015
$5,000
Verdict-Plaintiff

One driver was found negligent for causing a motor vehicle accident. The crash resulted in injuries to the neck and back. The jury awarded damages for past physical pain and mental anguish, as well as past medical care.

Tarrant County • 2015
$9,336
Verdict-Plaintiff

One driver and another driver were involved in a motor vehicle accident. The jury found that the accident caused injuries to the neck and back. The jury awarded damages for past physical pain and suffering, past loss of earning capacity, past physical impairment, and past medical care.

Dallas County • 2015

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about motor vehicle accident cases in Dallas-Fort Worth

Important: The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Case outcomes vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Past results are not guarantees of future outcomes. Always consult with a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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