Neck injuries are an all-too-common consequence of motor vehicle accidents. Some neck injuries are immediately apparent, particularly if they break the skin or cause visible bruising. In other cases, however, their effects may not be recognized right away – a circumstance that can lead to a delay in treatment and keep accident victims from pursuing appropriate compensation in a timely manner. If you are experiencing after car accident neck pain, there may be a few options you should consider. Call the experienced New Hampshire personal injury lawyers with Friedman & Bresaw, PLLC at (603) 707-4800 to schedule your free initial consultation.
Types of Neck Pain Caused by Car Accidents
Car accidents can unfortunately result in a wide array of injuries, including to the neck. Injuries that cause after-car-accident neck pain can be grouped broadly into a few categories:
- Injuries to the vertebrae in the spinal column, or to the discs that separate and cushion them.
- Injuries to the spinal cord, the delicate bundle of nerves that runs the length of the human back from brainstem to tailbone and allows the brain to send signals to the rest of the body.
- Soft tissue injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
All of these injuries can vary in severity, and some of them may not be obvious at the scene of the crash.
What Are Delayed Symptoms After a Car Accident?
Neck pain can appear in the first instance after a car crash. In many cases, however, it may take a few days or even weeks before the adrenaline wears off and the tissue damage becomes more noticeable. This can be especially true in cases where some of the pain is caused by inflammation and swelling at the site of the injury, or when swelling, often accompanied by deep bruising, puts pressure on the delicate nerve fibers that make up the spinal cord.
Should I Go to the ER for Whiplash?
Personal injury attorneys hear frequently from clients who neglected to seek treatment in the immediate aftermath of a car accident because they did not realize they had sustained injuries. By the time their symptoms prompt them to seek medical care, not only has the delay in treatment potentially allowed their unattended injuries to get worse than they might have been with immediate intervention, but in many cases it has also provided grounds on which the at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to discredit the injured person’s claim for compensation.
How Do I Know My Neck Pain Was Caused by a Car Accident?
Seeking medical assessment as soon as possible after a car accident both provides a chance for skilled professionals to identify any hidden injuries and begin a treatment plan and, at the same time, establishes documentation of an accident victim’s injuries. The length of time between crash and evaluation can be critical in the ability to show that an accident victim’s injuries were caused by the incident, and that the costs of treatment for their after car accident neck pain should therefore be included in the calculation of total damages sought as compensation. If you are experiencing new or worsened neck pain after being involved in a car accident, you may wish to consider speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney with Friedman & Bresaw, PLLC to discuss your potential eligibility for compensation.
How Long Does After Car Accident Neck Pain Last?
How long an accident victim can expect neck pain caused by a car accident to last depends on the type and extent of the injuries. Injuries to the bony vertebrae may require stabilization via a neck brace or other device, but if there are no complications these can generally be expected to heal at roughly the same pace as fractures to other bones. Injuries to the spinal cord itself may be permanent and life-altering; these injuries result in some of the most tragic outcomes of motor vehicle accidents.
Slipped, herniated or bulging discs can be very painful, but in some cases they may heal on their own in several weeks to a few months. Cold compresses may help to alleviate pain and swelling if the damage is not severe. In more serious cases, damaged discs may require surgery, extending both the recovery time and the total expense of treatment. The Cleveland Clinic indicates that minor whiplash can repair itself in a few days, but commonly takes a few weeks. More extensive cases that result in chronic inflammation may take months to heal completely, and can severely impact the victim’s ability to carry out daily tasks, as well as diminishing their overall quality of life.
What Can I Do About My After Car Accident Neck Pain?
Neck pain can resolve with time and self-care, but if it lingers, seeking treatment is important to prevent it from becoming chronic. Over-the-counter pain relievers should not be used long-term as they can lead to health problems, so when neck pain persists well after a car accident it is a good idea to seek advice from a physician or other health care professional. Houston Methodist advises neck pain patients to seek help immediately if you notice that your car accident neck pain is accompanied by symptoms such as tingling, numbness, weakness, or changes in bowel movements or bladder control, any of which can indicate an undiagnosed injury to the spinal cord that demands prompt intervention.
The most appropriate treatment for neck pain after a car accident, whether the onset is instant or delayed by a few days or weeks, will depend on the diagnosis. A trained medical professional can listen to your symptoms, conduct a thorough physical examination, and identify the injury that is causing your issues. Once the cause has been accurately diagnosed, an effective treatment plan can be implemented.
Consult With an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
If you are experiencing persistent after car accident neck pain, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover the costs of medical evaluation and treatment. Car accident victims have a limited window of opportunity to seek legal remedy to recover damages resulting from an accident, so seeking medical care promptly is recommended. A personal injury lawyer experienced in car accident cases may be able to give you advice tailored to your situation, so consider scheduling a consultation with Friedman & Bresaw, PLLC to discuss your options. Call (603) 707-4800 to speak with a member of our team.
