Neck Pain after a Car Accident
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of personal injury. While any part of the body can be injured in a collision, the neck is especially vulnerable, because it often receives the brunt of a crash impact. Neck pain may develop immediately following a car accident, or not until several days later.
Individuals who are suffering from neck pain after a car accident should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Neck injuries may require lengthy treatment and therapy to restore comfort and mobility. Car accident attorney Sean M. Burke works with crash victims in the Irvine, CA, area to hold liable parties accountable for injury damages.
Why Is the Neck Vulnerable to Injury in an Accident?
The impact of a crash causes the people and objects in involved vehicles to move suddenly, often in a back and forth or side-to-side motion. If people are properly restrained in their vehicle, the seat belt holds the torso of the body in place. Seat belts are vital to minimizing the risk of fatalities in a crash, but when the body stays stagnant, the head and neck will take the brunt of the accident impact. Since the neck is not restrained it is likely to be moved in a way that can cause injury to the ligaments, muscles, nerves, or bones. Additionally, the neck can be injured if an object inside or outside of the vehicle strikes it during the crash.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
In the immediate aftermath of a crash (or even days afterwards) it is common for individuals to suffer from neck pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, or limited mobility. All of these are likely signs of a neck injury. Common neck injuries following a car accident include:
- Whiplash
- Slipped or herniated disc
- Cervical spondylolisthesis (misaligned vertebrae)
- Pinched nerve
- Neck strain or sprain
- Facet joint injury
- Neck fracture
Treatment for Neck Injuries
It is important that people seek treatment for neck injuries as soon as possible following a car crash, to minimize the risk of long-term complications. Many neck injuries respond well to non-surgical treatment techniques, such as:
- Physical therapy
- Pain relievers
- Temporary use of a neck brace or collar
- Massage
- Chiropractic care
- Epidural steroid injections
- Facet and medial branch blocks
- Spinal cord stimulator
More advanced neck injuries may require surgery, followed by continual care and rehabilitation.
Liability for Accident Damages
Neck pain is often a symptom of more serious neck injuries. Neck injuries frequently result in substantial damages for accident victims, including physical, emotional, and financial losses. When another person or party is at-fault for a car accident that results in neck pain, they should also be held accountable for the economic and non-economic damages related to the injury. Attorney Sean M. Burke works with car accident victims in the Irvine area to pursue compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Cost of ongoing therapy and/or rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Diminished wage earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
Contact Us
If you or a loved one is suffering from neck pain following a car accident, attorney Sean M. Burke can help you consider the amount of financial compensation you may be due for injury damages. To discuss the details of your case, send us a message online, or call (949) 644-3434 and schedule a consultation at our Irvine law firm.