Car accidents usually result in injuries, leaving victims with the financial repercussions. It is important for car accident victims to know what they should do after an auto accident to protect their legal rights.
For example, seeking medical attention immediately is a must, even when there are no evident symptoms of the injury. This is because some symptoms do not show themselves immediately. Instead, they may manifest days, weeks, or months later. One such injuries are neck injuries.
How Cervical Injuries Occur in Motor Vehicle Accidents
Cervical injuries or, simply, neck injuries, are caused by high-energy trauma, such as falls and rear-end collisions. The neck might quickly jerk backward and forward during a car accident. It absorbs most of the impact when the body is restrained by a seat belt. Additionally, a collision may cause the neck to shift violently from side to side.
Severe neck injuries may require neck surgery after a car accident. A medical practitioner may also recommend non-surgical treatment options, such as applying ice, taking pain relievers, physical therapy, and stretching and chiropractic techniques.
Common Injuries to the Cervical Spine
Victims of motor vehicle accidents may suffer different cervical spine injuries. The impact of a collision can affect several parts of the neck, resulting in different injuries. Here are the common injuries involving the cervical spine that victims of car accidents may experience:
Broken Bones in the Neck or Neck Fracture
A neck fracture happens when one or more of the seven bones in the neck get broken. A neck fracture can lead to a spinal cord injury. If not given immediate medical treatment, it can lead to paralysis and even death.
Herniated Discs
Also known as slipped discs, herniated discs occur when the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine rupture, slip, or bulge during a collision.
Spinal Instability
Also known as spondylolisthesis, spinal instability occurs when one of the vertebrae slips out of place. It can compress the spinal cord nerves, resulting in pain to the shoulders and back of the head.
Pinched Nerves
A neck injury can result in pinched nerves due to damaged discs, bones, and tissues compressing or rubbing against nerves. This can lead to severe pain or numbness.
Common Symptoms of a Cervical Spinal Injury After a Car Accident
Identifying the common symptoms of cervical spinal injuries after being involved in car crashes is crucial. Symptoms of serious injuries caused by car collisions may not be observed immediately. They may only become obvious two to four weeks after. These include the following:
In some cases, surgical procedures are necessary for recovery and treatment. A cervical spine surgery may be invasive, but a neck surgery can help maximize the victim’s recovery, given the serious nature of the injury.
Following a car crash, victims must seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help when seeking to recover compensation for medical expenses and lost wages from the other driver. Medical records are necessary when filing for insurance coverage to pay for medical bills.
An experienced attorney well-versed in personal injury cases can help victims with their personal injury claims. He can assist in building a strong case against the other party so that the victim can get his rightful damages. A skilled lawyer will investigate the accident scene, interview witnesses, gather medical records, and talk with medical experts to establish the rights of the victim to just and fair compensation.