Car accidents can cause various types of physical injuries. Neck injuries from car accidents are some of the most common. They can range from minor soft tissue damage to life-altering cervical fractures. You should seek medical treatment immediately if you experience neck pain after a car accident.
Below are some of the most common neck injuries in car accidents. Understanding these common neck injuries and their symptoms can help you identify issues and seek appropriate medical care promptly.
You may also be eligible for compensation if another party is responsible for your car accident neck injury. Contact the Florida auto accident lawyers at Nonni Homola for specific advice on your claim.
For a free consultation, please call (850) 601-1111 or send an online message today.
Common Neck Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause many types of neck injuries. Below, we describe some of the more common car accident neck injuries.
Whiplash
Whiplash is probably the most well-known car accident neck injury. It occurs when your head suddenly jerks forward and then back, causing the soft tissues in your neck to stretch and strain. Whiplash can happen in low-speed and high-speed collisions. It’s prevalent in rear-end collisions.
Neck Sprain
A neck sprain could cause neck hurting after a car accident. A neck sprain occurs when something stretches or tears the ligaments in your neck. You can suffer this type of injury when your head is forcefully turned or twisted during a car accident.
Neck Strain
Neck strain results from damage to the muscles or tendons in the neck. While less severe than a neck sprain or whiplash, neck strains can cause significant pain and discomfort. Neck strains are common in car accidents, especially when there are sudden stops or abrupt changes in direction.
Herniated Disc
The impact of a car accident can also cause a herniated disc in your neck. Your cervical spine consists of several vertebrae separated by cushioning discs. With a herniated disk, the disk’s inner material protrudes, putting pressure on nearby nerves. You might need immediate treatment to avoid permanent damage when there’s pressure on your nerves.
Cervical Fracture
A cervical fracture is also known as a broken neck. It’s a severe and potentially life-threatening injury. The cervical vertebrae are the bones in your neck. A cervical fracture is when you break one or more cervical vertebrae.
Cervical Dislocation
Another severe neck injury that can occur during a car accident is a cervical dislocation. It happens when one or more cervical vertebrae are forcibly displaced from their normal position. Cervical dislocation can also cause damage to the spinal cord, which may result in paralysis or other severe complications.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. Spinal stenosis typically develops due to age-related degenerative factors. However, a car accident can also cause or exacerbate this condition.
Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve in the neck, also known as cervical radiculopathy, occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine is compressed or irritated. The impact of a car accident can cause this compression, leading to pain and discomfort.
Common Neck Injury Symptoms
Regardless of the type of car accident neck injury you’re experiencing, you should watch for some common signs and symptoms.
These symptoms may include:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck,
- Swelling and tenderness in the neck,
- Limited range of motion,
- Dizziness or vertigo,
- Headaches,
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands,
- Inner ear issues,
- Nausea, and
- Muscle weakness.
If you notice any of these symptoms following a Florida auto accident, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications and improve your chances of recovery. Some neck pain symptoms can take 24 to 48 hours to become noticeable.
Neck injuries are not something to take lightly. While many neck injuries don’t require surgical intervention, others require emergency medical treatment. For example, doctors might need to perform a kyphoplasty if you have a spinal fracture.
Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer Today
Neck injuries can range from mild to severe and can significantly impact your life after a car accident in Florida. Insurance companies, however, downplay neck injuries from car accidents, especially whiplash. The adjuster may argue it’s only a soft tissue injury and, therefore, not worth much. That’s why you need to hire an experienced Florida car accident lawyer.
If you suffered a neck injury in a Florida car accident, contact Nonni Homola. We have years of experience helping injured Florida car accident victims fight for the compensation they deserve. Contact our office online or call (850) 601-1111 today to schedule a free, initial consultation.
Chris received his Juris Doctorate from Florida State University College of Law in 2008, and he was admitted to the Florida Bar in December of 2008 followed by the State Bar of Texas in May of 2009. He has litigated, mediated, and resolved over five hundred first-party storm damage claims, and he has litigated, mediated, and successfully resolved multiple major construction defect claims with recoveries in excess of $1,800,000.00.
Loading...