Neck Pain After a Car Accident
Attorney John S. Williams will help
Neck pain is very common after any type of car accident. The force of impact causes your head to jolt back and forth, putting a lot of strain on the neck. If left untreated, what was temporary neck pain can lead to significant complications.
At The Law Offices of John S. Williams, we know that a neck injury can turn your life upside down. You may be unable to return to work due to the severity of your injury. Neck injuries can have a long recovery period, and with medical bills stacking high and no income coming in you may want the help of an experienced car accident attorney.
Our legal team will guide you through the process and keep you updated every step of the way. We want to recover compensation that covers your losses completely because that’s what’s right, fair, and just. Talk to a New Orleans car accident attorney today.
Common neck injuries
There are many different types of injuries you may have if you are experiencing neck pain after a car accident. Your head is thrown forward and back when you’re hit by another vehicle. This sudden movement can injure the neck and even cause damage to the back. The following are some common injuries associated with neck pain after a car accident.
Whiplash
If you’re suffering from neck pain after a rear-end accident, you most likely have whiplash. This occurs when the neck muscles are stretched more than their normal range of motion. Whiplash is a neck strain injury, but the neck tissue and even bone can also be damaged.
Neck fracture
When a crash happens at high speeds, the impact can be strong enough to crack or break a bone. Neck fractures can turn serious fast. If a bone shatters, pieces and shards of bone can strike and damage other areas of the neck. Also known as a compression fracture, this type of fracture can cause your spine to collapse.
Facet joint injury
Different joints connect the neck together and keep it intact. When you suffer from a facet joint injury, the cartilage inside the joint is torn. If the impact of the accident is severe enough the joint can dislocate or fully separate. Many people who suffer from this injury may have to wear a neck brace to support the neck as the injury heals.
Pinched nerve
A pinched nerve or radiculopathy can be a result of a car accident or caused by other injuries. Nerves can get stuck between spinal discs and bones, and have abnormal weight pressed against them.
Common neck pain symptoms
Neck pain may not show up for days or weeks after your accident. It’s common for people to experience delayed neck pain and other symptoms. Many symptoms worsen over time, and some people suffer chronic neck pain. That’s why seeking medical treatment is crucial. If you have a neck injury after a car accident you may be experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Stiffness in the neck
- Nausea
- Muscle spasms
- Jaw pain
- Fatigue
- Ringing in the ears
How long does neck pain last after a car accident? It depends on the type of injury and how soon you seek treatment. Whether you have burning pain in the neck after a car accident or other symptoms, get medical attention as soon as possible.
What causes delayed neck pain?
Walking away from a car accident feeling unhurt does not mean you were not injured. After a car accident, you have elevated levels of adrenaline and endorphins, which can mask pain. Once time goes by and the shock wears off, you will start to feel your injury. In addition, some types of symptoms like inflammation take time to set in.
Many people who have delayed pain believe their injuries are nonexistent or have healed on their own, but that is often not the case. That’s why seeing a doctor is in your best interest. It’s better to err on the side of caution than to ignore what may be a serious injury.
Common neck pain treatments
Neck injuries vary in severity. You’ll know if your neck injury is serious after you are checked by a doctor. Only then will the full extent of your injury be known, and your doctor can proceed with the proper treatment. To first diagnose what is causing your neck pain your doctor will run a series of tests like X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI. After evaluating your injuries, any of the following treatments can be recommended to you:
- Over-the-counter pain medications
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory injections
- Acupuncture
- Surgery
How much is my settlement worth?
With so many different neck injuries from different types of accidents, it’s difficult to measure an average neck pain car accident settlement. Someone who suffered from a severe neck fracture will most likely receive a higher settlement amount than someone who suffered from minor whiplash, but it all depends on the circumstances. To learn how much you can receive for your case, talk to an experienced car accident attorney today.
Learn your legal options with a New Orleans car accident lawyer
If you were left with a neck injury after a car accident, you deserve to be financially compensated for your injury. That won’t happen with a lowball offer from the insurance company. You need a lawyer who knows how to get the most money for your case.
Whether you were hit from behind or injured in an intersection crash, you can be sure of one thing. The insurance company is not on your side.
Attorney John S. Williams has experience dealing complex with car accident cases in New Orleans. He knows how to handle the insurance companies for his client. He builds strong cases that get results.
You need a lawyer who will fight for the car accident compensation you deserve. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation. Get trusted legal advice from a car accident attorney at The Law Offices of John S. Williams.