Certain injuries are more common in a car accident, such as those to the neck. Although it may not be a life-threatening type of injury, neck injuries like whiplash can cause temporary or long-term disability, especially if tissue damage is moderate to severe, or it’s accompanied by other injuries.
Common Types of Neck Injuries Sustained in a Car Accident
Although a neck injury can be sustained in any type of accident, they are especially prone to occur in a rear-end crash. For instance, let’s say you’re sitting at a red light at the intersection of Broadway and 5th Avenue near the Genesis Convention Center, for example, when the driver of another vehicle (who is texting at the time) notices your stopped car too late.
As a result, that driver slams into the back of your vehicle, causing your head to violently snap forward and backward. In these types of collisions, whiplash is not uncommon.
A neck injury can cause pain in other parts of the body, including the:
- Head
- Back
- Jaw
- Shoulders
- Arms
There may even be hearing and vision disturbances such as ringing in the ears and blurred vision.
A neck sprain is another type of neck injury in which ligaments are stretched and sometimes torn, causing pain and stiffness. A neck strain involves the same types of injuries, only to the muscles.
Another type of neck injury is a pinched nerve (cervical radiculopathy). Not only does this cause pain, but muscle weakness as well. Excessive movement of the neck could put pressure on a disc.
As a result, the person might sustain a herniated disc (also known as a ruptured or slipped disc) that presses on nerves in the spinal cord causing:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Weakness
Consequences of a Neck Injury in a Car Accident
First, there are financial consequences. Treatment costs can be expensive; this includes not only the initial medical attention in an emergency department or at a doctor’s office, but ongoing care too.
For instance, the patient may need to wear a soft cervical collar to reduce movement and prevent further injury. The doctor may prescribe medication for pain. Oftentimes physical therapy is necessary to improve range of motion and strengthen neck muscles
Another financial consequence is missed time from work. Some might be out of work for several weeks or even months after a neck injury they suffered in a car accident. Another work-related cost is occupational therapy, which helps the person return to his or her job.
Of course, the pain and suffering associated with a disabling injury is another consideration. Some develop chronic pain, and if there were other injuries sustained in the accident, this may further delay recovery.
Seeking Compensation for Neck Injuries from a Car Accident
If someone else was at fault for the accident, it’s important to address these and other damages that could be available. But you don’t want to settle this type of claim too quickly because symptoms can sometimes last months or longer. It’s important to fully understand the extent of your injuries before accepting any type of settlement.
A car accident attorney knows the impact a neck injury can have on someone’s ability to work, the medical bills it brings, and so much more. Don’t hesitate to seek help when filing a car accident claim after a serious accident in Indiana. Get legal help from Hensley Legal Group. Call us at (317) 472-3333 or contact us online.