Many Americans do not realize that the most dangerous thing that we do almost every day is getting into our motor vehicles. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of personal injury claims in the United States, with neck injuries and whiplash making up a large percentage of these claims. The neck and spinal cord are delicate and incredibly sensitive parts of the body, and simple neck pain can easily turn into a lifelong injury if proper care is not taken after the accident.
The good news is that if you have sustained a whiplash injury or neck pain after a car accident, the lawyer team here at The Law Place can help you to recover compensation for the damages done to you. Our team of personal injury attorneys has a total of 75 years of experience working on these types of auto accident cases and has all the skills and knowledge needed to maximize your settlement amount.
If you are still in neck pain after a car accident, read on to find out what to do and how to claim the compensation you could be entitled to. Alternatively, get your case started today by calling our office for a free consultation at no obligation. Our lines are always open, and every phone call is completely confidential.
To speak to an experienced car accident lawyer from The Law Place, call (941) 444-4444 today!
A man suffes neck pain after a car wreck.
How Is the Neck Usually Injured During a Car Accident?
Despite the fact that a seat belt will prevent you from being thrown clear of your vehicle during a car accident, they do create additional risk factors, especially to the head and neck areas. This is especially true for cases of rear-end collision.
This is because a seat belt only holds your body in place, and if you crash with considerable force, then your head and neck may jerk forward with considerable speed. This may lead to any combination of the following injuries and neck problems:
- Damaged soft tissues or muscle strain.
- A pinched nerve.
- Whiplash associated disorders or other types of neck and back pain.
- Spinal cord injury, such as a herniated disc.
- Head or brain injuries, which can cause neurological disorders.
- Muscle spasms.
- Neck sprain or neck fracture, or other broken bones.
What Exactly Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is something that is commonly discussed in relation to car accidents, especially ones that make someone eligible for compensation for their injuries. But how would whiplash be defined by a medical professional?
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when a rapid movement occurs and forces the neck backward and forwards in a whip-cracking motion. While most in most cases, a victim’s neck hurts for just a few weeks, it is not uncommon for lasting or severe pain to occur if the neck strain is bad enough.
While whiplash is a common result of car accidents, it could also happen due to a sports injury, fall, or even physical abuse.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. The Symptoms of Common Neck Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents
After a neck injury, it can take a number of hours, a couple of days, or even a few weeks before neck pain and other tell-tale signs of a serious injury emerge.
The most common signs of a serious neck injury and whiplash symptoms are as follows:
- A stiff neck or general neck pain.
- Reduced range of motion in the neck, back, or shoulders.
- Radiating pain that reaches the shoulders, arms, or hands.
- Any numbness, weakness, or tingling in the fingers, hands, or arms.
- Dizziness, headaches, or blurred vision.
This is a necessarily non-exhaustive list of the symptoms of whiplash and neck injury. Neck pain after a whiplash injury can take many other forms, and it is important not to take any chances.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience When Should You Seek Medical Attention for a Neck Injury After a Car Crash?
While not all cases of neck pain after a car accident lead to a serious injury, it is incredibly important that you seek medical attention after a car crash, as more serious injuries can leave you with long-term complications, especially when left untreated.
Furthermore, when you make a personal injury claim, it will be subject to Florida Statute 627.736. This statute states that in order to gain compensation for your injuries and the damages received as a result, you must seek medical assistance and treatment within a window of 14 days.
However, just because you have two whole weeks to seek medical attention under Florida law, this does not mean you should delay. Generally speaking, the quicker you seek medical attention, the less chance you have of incurring long-term complications. If you are worried about medical bills, then our team of neck injury attorneys can help you to achieve the compensation that you deserve.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. How Long Does Neck Pain Last After a Motor Vehicle Accident?
With most non-severe neck injuries, especially those that receive immediate medical attention, the pain should only last on average between two weeks to a month.
However, every injury is different, and a severe accident could easily lead to chronic neck pain and other whiplash symptoms that last for a considerably longer time. Chronic pain is an especially common result of serious neck injuries like damage to the cervical spine, a neck fracture, or an injured disc. In cases such as these, you may require physical therapy from a pain specialist to treat the chronic pain.
What to Expect When You Get Your Whiplash Injury Treated by a Medical Professional
As it is incredibly important to get all neck injuries checked over by a doctor as soon as possible, it helps to know what to expect to reduce anxiety.
After asking you a few questions about how you incurred the injury and what your symptoms are, your doctor will ask you to do some simple movement tasks to assess the extent of damage to the neck muscles, spine, and surrounding areas.
While most whiplash injuries will not show up on imaging tests, it is important that your doctor performs x-rays, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging scans. This will identify any damage to the cervical spine, the cervical collar, intervertebral discs, or any other areas that could cause long-term complications.
Depending on the test results, the doctor will create a treatment plan that may include rest, hot or cold compresses, OTC pain medications, pain prescriptions, muscle relaxants, and likely physical therapy. More severe injuries will require more specific approaches.
What Types of Compensation Are Possible After a Whiplash Injury?
If you have suffered damage to your spinal cord or the surrounding injury site as the result of a car accident where someone else is liable due to breaching their duty of care, it is likely that you are entitled to compensation for the injuries and complications you suffered as a result.
Which types of compensation you are entitled to will depend on the specifics of your accident and the severity of the pain and damage you received.
The most commonly received compensatory damages for car accident neck pain include:
- Medical Bills – The expenses associated with medical care are some of the leading causes of bankruptcy in America. Luckily, if you keep hold of your medical bills and documentation, we can help you to win back the cost of your medical expenses.
- Lost Wages – Medical care is not the only expensive part of a severe neck injury. If the pain or damage is too great, it is possible that you will require time off work to recover. An attorney can help you win compensation for any lost wages as a result, as long as you keep copies of all correspondence with your employer concerning time off from work.
- Pain and Suffering – The category of damages called pain and suffering will usually come into play in a long-term cervical spine injury or other neck injuries. Compensation for these damages is calculated by looking at the pain level and duration involved in the recovery process and will also include considerations for any permanent mobility issues or disabilities of any kind.
The best way to find out which of these damages will apply to your specific neck injury case is to get in touch with the personal injury lawyers at our law firm today. We will be able to quickly arrange a free consultation, listen to your case and let you know exactly what to expect further down the line.
How Much Will It Cost Me to Recover Compensation for My Neck Injury or Shoulder Pain?
If you have received any type of injury to your neck, back or shoulders as a result of a car accident, it is likely that you will be entitled to an amount of compensation that scales with the severity of your injuries.
The good news is there is no risk involved in seeking this compensation with a law firm like The Law Place. All our personal injury claims are undertaken on a no-win-no-fee contingency basis.
This means that any fees will only need to be paid out of your final victorious settlement amount. If you do not win your case for any reason, the process will have cost you nothing.
Our contingency work is upheld and monitored by the State Bar Association, so you can be sure there are no nasty tricks or surprises waiting for you.
How Long Does Neck Pain Last After a Car Accident? FAQ
How long does neck pain typically last after being involved in a car accident?
The duration of neck pain after a car accident can vary significantly from person to person. For some, the pain may last only a few days, while for others, it could persist for weeks or even months. The specific duration often depends on the severity of the car accident injuries and the type of neck injury caused.
What are the common treatments to address neck pain following a car accident?
To treat neck pain effectively, it’s essential to follow a treatment plan designed by healthcare professionals. Common approaches to treat neck pain include physical therapy, medication, rest, ice and heat therapy, and in some cases, chiropractic care or acupuncture. It’s crucial to start treatment as soon as possible after the injury to facilitate better and quicker healing.
Is it normal to experience delayed neck pain after a car accident?
Yes, it’s quite common to experience delayed neck pain following a car accident. This is often due to the adrenaline rush during the incident, which can mask pain and other symptoms. Once the body’s central nervous system returns to its normal state, the pain or discomfort may start to become apparent. This is why monitoring your condition and seeking medical attention after a car accident, even if you feel fine initially, is essential.
What types of car accident injuries can cause neck pain?
Neck pain after a car accident can result from various injuries, including whiplash, soft tissue injuries, herniated discs, or even a broken neck. The impact can strain or tear the muscles and ligaments in the neck, or cause more severe damage to the spinal column, leading to significant pain and discomfort.
How can the severity of a neck injury impact the duration of neck pain?
The severity of the neck injury will significantly impact how long the neck pain lasts. Minor injuries, such as soft tissue damage, typically heal faster and may result in shorter periods of pain. However, more severe injuries, like those affecting the spinal column or a broken neck, can result in longer-lasting and more intense pain, requiring a more extended period for recovery.
Contact The Law Place Today
For the best chance at maximizing the compensation you could receive for your neck injury, you will need the help of an experienced personal injury attorney like those employed by The Law Place.
One free consultation is all it takes to access over 75 years of combined experience, and our phone lines are always open. Get free, confidential legal advice and begin the road to legal reimbursement today by calling (941) 444-4444!
