Your neck is one of the most vulnerable parts of your body. That’s why neck injuries are particularly alarming – because the complications are not limited to physical issues. In the worst-case scenario, a neck injury could lead to paralysis or other life-altering conditions.
Neck injuries can have complications that do not become fully evident until years after the car accident. As a result, it might be too late for you to trace it back to the car accident or take legal action.
Therefore, you can be proactive by staying educated and informed on the different types and possible long-term effects of neck injury. Such knowledge could be a valuable tool for your health and wellness.
If you are experiencing neck pain after a car accident, you should seek medical care as soon as you can. Neck injuries can lead to long-term challenges if they are not diagnosed and treated early. After receiving proper medical care, contact a Denver personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the best course for your unique neck injury case.
Symptoms of Neck Injury From a Car Accident
Neck injury after a car accident is not limited to pain and stiffness. When left untreated, neck injuries can result in chronic or long-term conditions. Here are some long-term symptoms of neck injury:
- Jaw pain
- Limited range of motion
- Paraspinal muscle tightness
- Pain between the shoulders
- Lower back pain
- A persistent headache
- Chronic fatigue
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Blurred or altered vision
- Nausea
- Inner ear problems
- Numbness in upper extremities
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the neck or throat
Our experienced Denver car accident attorneys have worked with clients who have dealt with neck injuries just like you. We understand how difficult the road to recovery is after sustaining a neck injury from a car crash.
We’ve compiled a general list of possible neck injuries after a car accident but remember, only a qualified medical professional can give you the proper diagnosis and treatment for your injuries.
How Long Does Neck Pain Last After a Car Accident?
Neck pain is amongst the most common complaints from car accident victims. Some can experience pain for as little as a few hours, while others may suffer for a lifetime. How long your neck pain lasts will depend on the unique details of your accident case.
You will need to consider what type of injury you sustained in the vehicle collision and how hard the impact of the crash was. Here are a few of the most common neck injuries:
Whiplash
An estimated 3 million Americans sustain whiplash injuries every year. Whiplash can happen due to the rapid back and forth jerking motions caused by an auto accident. If you have whiplash, you’ll probably experience pain within a day of the accident. Others may start to notice neck pain several days later. Experiencing neck pain for longer than three months could indicate a more severe neck injury. You should seek medical treatment as soon as you can.
If you also experience any of the following symptoms with your neck pain, seek medical attention immediately, then call your Denver car accident lawyer:
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Persistent or chronic fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
Simultaneously presenting with a neck injury, any symptoms above could insinuate a traumatic brain injury. You will need a medical professional to properly assess and diagnose your condition and ensure you do not require immediate medical intervention. If you have a traumatic brain injury, your doctor will provide a personalized treatment plan. As soon as your injuries allow, contact your Denver personal injury lawyer to ensure you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Herniated Disc
Another common neck-related injury after car accidents is herniated discs. Herniated discs are an injury to the spinal cord caused by the trauma of the crash. If you have a herniated disc, you might experience tingling, burning, weakness, numbness in your neck or back, and neck pain. Neck pain and other symptoms usually last for several weeks, but severe cases can last longer.
If you are not feeling better after several weeks, you will need to see a doctor. In addition, you might potentially need more intensive medical intervention, like surgery, if pain persists or worsens after a few weeks.
Cervical Fracture (Broken Neck)
Cervical fractures are severe injuries affecting the nerves in the spine. Most cases of cervical fracture require surgery and create discomfort for the patient. With more severe fractures, you could have pain for months or even years.
If you suffer a spinal cord injury due to a cervical fracture, you may deal with life-long or chronic pain. To avoid life-altering consequences, you should always get medical attention immediately after being in a car accident. Prompt medical treatment could potentially limit or stop any spinal cord damage and prevent worsening symptoms.
Why You Need a Denver Auto Accident Lawyer
It’s important to note that neck injuries can sometimes be challenging to prove. For example, tears, strains, or other soft tissue damage do not appear on X-ray scans. In addition, whiplash is a broad term in the medical community that is not fully understood or even recognized as a legitimate condition. Therefore, you will benefit from having a Denver personal injury lawyer who can advocate on your behalf and help prove your injuries.
Should I File a Neck Injury Claim?
Seeking financial compensation from the at-fault party may be the only way to pay for all the medical bills you have to deal with. However, it can be frustrating to manage the time and resources for an unexpected injury. In addition, your lifestyle may change dramatically without the proper care and medical services you need to heal.
You’ll need the support of medical experts and experienced Denver car accident attorneys who can help fight on your behalf.
See It Through With an Experienced Denver Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered a neck or other injury, the last thing you probably want to do is deal with a legal battle. However, once your injuries allow, contact a competent, seasoned lawyer as this can ultimately spell the difference between the success or failure of your case. Make sure you find the right attorney who can represent you fully and fairly. That way, you can focus on recovering and regaining good health.
Our skilled car accident attorneys will also work with medical experts to establish the accurate cost of your current and future medical expenses. You deserve to obtain the total and fair financial compensation owed to you if you received injuries from a car accident.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation. We will happily discuss your legal rights and fight to win you the total compensation you deserve.
