Neck Injury After A Car Accident
Car accidents are common. In the United States, over 36,000 car accidents happen each day. Even minor car accidents can produce injuries, and the neck is prone to injury due to the force and impact of a collision.
Author:K. N.May 30, 20252 Shares24 Views
Car accidents are common. In the United States, over 36,000 car accidents happen each day. Even minor car accidents can produce injuries, and the neck is prone to injury due to the force and impact of a collision.
A neck injury can cause debilitating pain, prolonged treatment, and permanent damage. Contact a personal injury attorney to discuss the possibility of pursuing a claim if you’ve received a neck injury due to a car accident. You may be entitled to compensation from the party responsible for the accident.
Common Neck Injuries After a Car Accident
All types of vehicle accidents can lead to neck injuries, but side and rear impact collisions are particularly troublesome for the neck. When impacted from the side and the rear, the soft tissue of the neck can become damaged, resulting in neck injuries. The following are some of the most common neck injuries experienced in a car accident.
Whiplash
Whiplash can occur very easily in a car accident. It occurs when the neck is “whipped” back, forward, or from side to side due to impact, force, and speed. The motion is similar to the crack of a whip, hence the name. Whiplash can range from mild to severe and can result in soft tissue damage and disc damage.
Disc Damage
The discs of the spine are located between the vertebrae. The cervical discs located in the neck may bulge or rupture when injured. Disc damage may occur as a result of the force of an accident, via whiplash, or due to impact. Disc damage can result in extreme discomfort and nerve pain, like tingling and numbness.
Neck Fracture
It’s possible to break your neck in an automobile accident. A cervical spine fracture (or a broken neck) refers to fractures in the vertebrae of the cervical spine. Breaks range from minor (hairline cracks in the bone) to severe (complete breaks of one or multiple vertebrae). If you have a neck fracture, you could also experience nerve pain and be required to wear a neck brace until you recover. Some neck fractures lead to permanent disability.
Facet Joint Injuries
The facet joints of the neck are responsible for allowing your neck to bend and twist. In a car crash, facet joints may become injured, resulting in a condition known as Facet Joint Syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by inflamed facet joints that cause pain, swelling, and discomfort.
Radiculopathy
A pinched nerve, known as radiculopathy, can occur as the result of trauma to the cervical spine. Radiculopathy can lead to nerve pain that radiates from the neck down the arms and into the hands, causing numbness, tingling, and pain. Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve is compressed by surrounding tissues. If conservative care measures like rest, ice, and therapy do not relieve symptoms, surgical intervention may be needed.
Soft Tissue Damage
The soft tissues of the neck (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) can be pulled and strained during vehicle accidents. These strains and sprains may require rest and physical therapy for healing, or surgical intervention if the injury is severe. Some soft tissue damage may impact a person’s ability to move their neck, making it painful to live everyday life.
Muscle And Tendon Stiffness
Often considered a mild injury, muscle and tendon stiffness still has a profound impact on how a person is able to care for themselves and live their life. Muscle strains and sprains can take weeks to heal and require physical therapy appointments that cause the person to miss work and possibly pay. If a tendon is injured, tendon surgery may be necessary for complete repair.
Neck Strain
Neck strain can happen alone or accompany any of the neck related issues we have discussed. When neck strain happens, the soft tissues of the neck become inflamed and cause reduction in range of motion and chronic pain. Sometimes neck strain may last for months and cause nerve damage.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a type of spinal fracture that causes one vertebrae in the neck to slip forward, in front of the vertebrae underneath it. This is most common in the lower spine, but can also occur in the neck due to trauma. Spondylolisthesis causes severe nerve pain in the neck and in the upper extremities.
Should You See A Doctor After A Car Crash Caused A Neck Injury?
Yes. It’s a good idea to see a doctor after an auto accident even if you think you are not injured. Some injuries, including whiplash, may not present any symptoms for several days. Additionally, adrenaline from your crash could mask pain at the scene of the accident.
If you have a neck injury, you need immediate and proper care. Neck injuries that are not properly treated could lead to permanent nerve damage, migraines, light sensitivity, or even partial paralysis. In addition to getting the care you need to make a full recovery (if possible) you’ll also need copies of your medical records to help you should you pursue a claim for your injuries.
What Kinds Of Medical Treatments Do You Need For A Neck Injury?
The type of injury you have will determine your course of treatment. Minor injuries often require only rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Serious neck injuries may require surgical intervention, therapy, and on-going treatments like nerve blocking injections, radiofrequency ablations, or chiropractic care. Depending on your injury, you could miss work and possibly your paycheck.
What Is The Average Settlement For A Car Accident Back And Neck Injury?
There are many factors that determine how much you may be entitled to collect for a neck injury after a car accident. The type of injury you have, the severity of the injury and the likelihood you’ll be able to recover, insurance policy limits, and how many parties are involved will all play a role in your accident claim. The average settlement can run between $10,000 and $90,000, but permanent damage requiring additional medical care can lead to a much higher award.
When Should You Speak To A Neck Injury Lawyer After A Car Crash?
Contacting a reputable personal injury attorneyas soon as possible after your accident is the best practice. The sooner your attorney has to review your case, help you collect evidence, and understand the details of your accident, the faster they can help you file a claim and get the compensation you need to move forward with your life. If your claim is denied, your attorney can help you file an appeal, and file a lawsuit on your behalf if it is necessary.
When you’re injured, it can be hard to take care of paperwork, claims issues, and correspondence from insurance companies. A car accident attorneydoes this work for you, so you can focus on your recovery.
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Common Neck Injuries After a Car Accident
Should You See A Doctor After A Car Crash Caused A Neck Injury?
What Kinds Of Medical Treatments Do You Need For A Neck Injury?
What Is The Average Settlement For A Car Accident Back And Neck Injury?
When Should You Speak To A Neck Injury Lawyer After A Car Crash?
K. N.
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