Washington DC Whiplash Injury Lawyer

Serious injuries deserve experienced attorneys

At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve represented countless individuals who were injured in car accidents and left dealing with painful, lingering injuries like whiplash. We understand how frustrating it is to deal with ongoing neck pain, limited mobility, and missed work—all while facing insurance companies that try to minimize your experience. Our team is here to help people make sense of their legal options and focus on getting the compensation they deserve.

Whiplash Injury Lawyer Washington DC

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries people suffer after being rear-ended or involved in other sudden-impact car crashes. It occurs when the head is quickly and forcefully thrown backward and then forward, causing strain to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. Although it may seem like a minor injury at first, the symptoms can be long-lasting and interfere with basic daily activities.

Some people feel fine immediately after an accident, only to develop pain, stiffness, or headaches a few days later. Others experience symptoms right away. Common complaints include reduced neck movement, fatigue, blurred vision, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can last for weeks—or in some cases, become part of a chronic condition.

Most people dealing with whiplash just want to recover and move on. But that’s not always easy. Insurance companies often dismiss these injuries as minor or “not serious enough” to warrant compensation. This adds stress to an already painful situation. That’s where the legal side comes in: a proper claim supported by medical documentation and legal strategy can make a real difference.

If you’ve been injured in a crash and are now dealing with whiplash, here’s what you should focus on:

• Getting a full medical evaluation and follow-up care
• Documenting symptoms and their impact on your job or routine
• Keeping track of all accident-related expenses, including prescriptions and physical therapy

Whiplash isn’t just about physical pain—it also impacts your ability to function, earn income, and enjoy life. That’s why it’s important to treat it seriously, both medically and legally.

A Legal Team That Focuses On Getting Results

At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve helped injury victims recover financial compensation for a wide range of crash-related injuries, including whiplash. Our team works closely with clients and medical professionals to make sure we present a strong case with clear evidence. We’re familiar with tactics used by insurance companies to reduce or deny claims, and we know how to respond effectively.

Clients choose us because:

• We’ve recovered millions in injury claims, even when insurance carriers pushed back
• Our team handles every detail—from gathering evidence to negotiating directly with adjusters
• We don’t get paid unless we win your case

If you’re searching for our Washington DC whiplash injury lawyer, it means you’re likely facing more than just soreness—you’re dealing with a situation that’s affecting your everyday life. That’s where we come in.

If you’re experiencing pain after a crash, don’t wait to take the next step. Contact Cohen & Cohen for a free consultation and let us help you move forward with the support you need.

Types of Whiplash Injury Cases We Handle

Whiplash may seem like a minor injury to those who haven’t experienced it, but the pain and disruption it causes can be life-changing. At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve worked with many individuals who never expected to deal with long-term neck pain after a car accident or sudden jolt. These clients often face physical discomfort, missed work, and increasing frustration as they deal with uncooperative insurance providers. We help clients move forward with legal support tailored to the specific nature of their injury.

Rear-End Collision Injuries

Rear-end accidents are one of the most common causes of whiplash. Even at low speeds, the force of a vehicle hitting another from behind can snap the neck forward and back, straining muscles and ligaments. These cases often involve insurance disputes where the responsible driver’s insurer may argue the impact wasn’t strong enough to cause real injury. We’ve handled many cases like this and know how to document the medical effects clearly and convincingly.

Ride Share And Passenger Claims

Whiplash injuries also occur in Uber, Lyft, or taxi rides—often when passengers are unprepared for a crash or sudden stop. In these cases, liability may be less obvious, and more than one party may be involved. Whether the at-fault driver was operating a private vehicle or working for a rideshare platform, we evaluate all possible claims and focus on identifying proper sources of compensation.

Side-Impact And Intersection Accidents

While rear-end crashes are most associated with whiplash, side-impact collisions—especially at intersections—can also lead to serious neck injuries. The sudden sideways force often twists the head and neck unexpectedly. These injuries sometimes affect not only soft tissue but also nerves and spinal discs. These cases often require detailed medical evaluations to prove how the crash affected the victim and why recovery is taking longer than expected.

Work-Related Vehicle Injuries

People who drive as part of their job—delivery drivers, utility workers, or others—are sometimes hurt in crashes that cause whiplash. In addition to a personal injury claim, some of these individuals may also qualify for workers’ compensation. We’ve helped clients sort through those overlapping issues so they can focus on recovery without worrying about which claim to file first or who is responsible.

Whiplash From Pedestrian Or Cycling Accidents

Not all whiplash injuries come from inside a car. Pedestrians or cyclists who are struck by vehicles can suffer neck trauma from the sudden impact. These cases tend to be more severe and may involve additional injuries. Proving how the neck injury occurred and how it affects a client’s daily life is a key part of building these claims.

Each of these types of cases requires attention to medical records, accident reports, and how the injury continues to affect daily activities. As a trusted Washington DC whiplash injury lawyer, we help clients piece together a clear picture of what happened and how it changed their life.

If you’re dealing with whiplash after a crash, time matters. At Cohen & Cohen, we’re ready to help you explore your legal options and pursue a claim that reflects the full impact of your injury. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us take the next steps with you.

7 Steps Our Lawyer Recommends Taking Right After an Injury

Whiplash often feels like a delayed injury—at first, you may feel shaken up, but fine. Then, hours or days later, the stiffness and pain begin. At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve worked with many individuals who didn’t realize how serious their injury was until symptoms started affecting sleep, work, and daily movement. Taking the right steps immediately after a whiplash injury can help you recover physically and protect your legal options if you decide to file a claim.

Get Immediate Medical Care

Even if your symptoms seem mild, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. A trained medical provider can assess your range of motion, identify signs of soft tissue damage, and recommend treatment. Having this record early on also creates important documentation if the injury worsens or leads to long-term issues.

Describe Symptoms in Detail

During your medical visit, don’t minimize how you feel. Mention all symptoms, even if they seem minor—headaches, neck tightness, dizziness, or shoulder pain. These details help providers make the correct diagnosis and help create a stronger foundation for your claim later. Many whiplash injuries affect more than just the neck.

Follow Up With Recommended Treatment

If your doctor prescribes physical therapy, medication, or follow-up visits, follow those directions closely. Skipping appointments or stopping treatment early can work against you—both for recovery and for building a solid claim. Treatment records show that you’re taking the injury seriously.

Keep a Daily Log

Start writing down how the injury affects your routine. Note any pain, limitations in movement, missed workdays, or emotional effects like trouble sleeping. A daily log helps track the real impact of the injury over time. These records can be useful when explaining your case to insurance adjusters or your legal team.

Save All Documentation

Keep everything related to the injury—medical bills, therapy invoices, test results, and any notes from your doctor. Also, save correspondence with your insurance company. The more organized your paperwork is, the smoother the legal process will be.

Avoid Downplaying the Injury

It’s common to tell coworkers, friends, or even insurers that you’re “fine” after an accident. But those statements can work against you if you’re trying to claim injury-related compensation. Be honest and consistent when discussing how the injury has affected you.

Washington DC Whiplash Injury FAQ

Whiplash injuries are often misunderstood. They can seem minor at first, but the symptoms may worsen over time, leading to long-term pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Most commonly linked to rear-end car accidents, whiplash involves soft tissue damage in the neck and upper back. For many people, the road to recovery includes doctor visits, therapy, and time off work. If your injury was caused by someone else’s actions, legal options may be available. Below, we address some of the most common questions about whiplash claims and the legal process after a serious neck injury.

Who is most likely to suffer from whiplash?

Whiplash most often affects people involved in vehicle accidents, especially when struck from behind. The sudden back-and-forth movement of the head strains muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the neck. Passengers in both cars can be affected, regardless of the speed or size of the vehicle. People in low-speed collisions may still suffer whiplash, despite minimal visible damage to the car. Individuals with previous neck injuries or less muscle support in the cervical spine—such as older adults or those with certain medical conditions—may be more vulnerable to this type of injury.

What are the signs and long-term effects of whiplash?

Common symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and limited range of motion. Some people experience shoulder or upper back pain as well. In certain cases, symptoms don’t show up immediately and may develop over a few days. While many cases resolve with treatment, others can lead to chronic pain, sleep problems, or neurological issues like tingling in the arms or hands. These long-term effects can impact work, daily activities, and overall quality of life. Proper diagnosis and consistent treatment are key to recovery.

Why pursue legal help after a whiplash injury?

Even though whiplash may not appear severe on imaging tests, it can lead to ongoing pain and medical costs. Insurance companies sometimes question these claims or downplay the seriousness of soft tissue injuries. Legal support can help ensure your injury is taken seriously and that all damages—medical bills, lost income, and future care—are fully considered. If another driver was at fault for the accident, filing a claim may help you recover the compensation you need to cover treatment and avoid financial strain during recovery.

How does legal representation support a whiplash claim?

A personal injury law firm can help gather the necessary medical records, accident reports, and supporting evidence to present a clear case. They’ll also handle communication with insurance adjusters and negotiate on your behalf. At Cohen & Cohen, we represent clients with soft tissue injuries and understand how to approach these cases thoroughly. If you’re looking for a Washington DC whiplash injury lawyer, our team can review your situation, assess the damages involved, and help you move forward with a legal strategy that fits your needs and recovery goals.

Who can file a whiplash injury claim?

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else—such as a car crash, a fall on unsafe property, or a workplace incident—you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. This applies whether you were a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or bicyclist. If the injury prevents you from returning to work or requires long-term treatment, filing a claim may help cover those costs. It’s important to act soon after the accident, as time limits apply and evidence is easier to collect early in the process.

Talk to Our Lawyer Before Accepting a Settlement

If an insurance company offers a quick payout, be cautious. Early offers are often low and may not reflect the full cost of your injury. A legal consultation can help you understand whether the offer is fair or if you may be entitled to more. Our Washington DC whiplash injury lawyer can also help determine if other parties may be liable.

At Cohen & Cohen, we help people make informed decisions after an injury—not just react to pressure from insurance companies. If you’re dealing with whiplash symptoms after a crash or fall, let us review your situation. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can support your recovery and your legal rights.