Whiplash may not always be visible on an X-ray, but the pain is real, and it can disrupt your life in significant ways. At McGowan & Cecil, LLP, we assist car accident victims throughout Maryland, including those in Laurel, in pursuing full compensation for soft tissue injuries such as whiplash.
Whether you’re struggling with neck stiffness, chronic headaches, or difficulty returning to work, our team is here to advocate for your recovery. We know how insurance companies treat these cases—and we don’t let them get away with minimizing your suffering.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward, straining the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. It’s most commonly associated with rear-end car accidents, but it can also result from other types of trauma.
Symptoms can include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Shoulder or upper back pain
- Dizziness or fatigue
In some cases, symptoms may not appear for hours—or even days—after the crash. That’s why it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly and monitor the progression of your condition.
Common Causes of Whiplash
While rear-end collisions are the most common source of whiplash injuries, they’re not the only cause. We’ve seen clients suffer whiplash due to:
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Sudden stops or impacts in traffic
- Slip and fall incidents
- On-the-job accidents involving sudden movement or jolts
- Sports injuries or physical altercations
Whiplash can happen at high or low speeds, and it doesn’t take a major crash to cause lasting harm.
Why Whiplash Claims Are Often Disputed
Despite being a legitimate injury, whiplash is frequently downplayed by insurance companies. There are several reasons why these claims can be difficult to prove:
- Soft tissue injuries don’t always appear on imaging tests, making them harder to document
- Delayed onset of symptoms can lead insurers to question the connection between the crash and your condition
- Adjusters may argue that your pain is exaggerated or pre-existing
- Some may try to settle quickly before you know the full extent of your injuries
These tactics are designed to reduce payouts, but with the proper legal representation, you can fight back.
How McGowan & Cecil Can Help
At McGowan & Cecil, we know that whiplash is real—and that it can affect every part of your life. Our attorneys are experienced in handling these cases and know what it takes to build a strong claim.
Here’s how we can support you:
- Review your case and your medical records
- Work with healthcare providers to document your injury
- Track the impact of your symptoms on your work and daily life
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Fight for fair compensation for:
- Emergency and follow-up care
- Physical therapy or chiropractic treatment
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain, discomfort, and emotional distress
We handle everything from start to finish—and you don’t pay a fee unless we win.
Local Experience You Can Trust
With offices in Laurel and a long history of serving communities across Maryland, McGowan & Cecil brings both local knowledge and statewide reach. We’re familiar with the doctors, specialists, and court systems in your area and know how to move your case forward efficiently.
Our team is proud to provide responsive, compassionate service to injury victims in:
- Laurel
- Columbia
- Bowie
- Prince George’s County
- Howard County
- And throughout Maryland
Whether you need a convenient office visit or prefer to meet virtually, we’re ready to help.
Call for a Free Consultation
Whiplash may be considered a “soft tissue” injury, but its effects are very real. If you’ve been hurt in an accident and are now dealing with neck pain or other symptoms, don’t wait to get legal advice. Contact McGowan & Cecil today to schedule a complimentary consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.