Did you suffer a serious neck injury in a car crash? You are certainly not alone. Neck injuries are among the most common significant motor vehicle accident injuries. It is imperative that victims are able to get the immediate medical attention and ongoing follow-up care that they need. A proactive approach is a must. At the West Law Firm, we handle motor vehicle collision neck injury cases. Here, our Moncks Corner car accident lawyer discusses the common neck injuries in crashes.
Feeling Car Accident Neck Pain? See a Doctor Right Away
Not only is neck pain one of the most common car accident injuries, it can be one of the most difficult to deal with. Neck pain is notorious for arising with a delayed onset. If you are experiencing neck pain after a car accident, you should see a doctor right away. It is important to seek professional medical care even if the discomfort feels minor at first. Some neck injuries, including whiplash, may not cause severe pain immediately but can worsen over time. Prompt medical attention ensures your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated, which can help prevent long-term complications. It also creates a clear medical record linking your injury to the accident. Those initial medical records are key to a personal injury claim.
An Overview of the Most Common Car Accident Neck Injuries in South Carolina
Neck injuries can come in a wide range of forms. It is not always easy to tell the extent of your neck injury in the immediate aftermath of a crash. Car accident victims in South Carolina should be evaluated and treated by a doctor right away. Some of the most common types of neck injuries include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is one of the most widely recognized car accident neck injuries. It occurs when the head is suddenly thrown forward and then backward, often in rear-end collisions. The victim’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons are stretched well beyond their normal range. Some of the most common symptoms include stiffness, pain, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty moving the neck. While some cases resolve within weeks, others may lead to long-term discomfort or chronic pain.
- Cervical Strains and Sprains: Cervical strains involve stretched or torn neck muscles, while sprains affect the ligaments that connect the bones in the cervical spine. These injuries often happen in car accidents where the neck is twisted or forced into unnatural positions. Victims may experience muscle spasms, reduced range of motion, and persistent soreness. While mild strains and sprains may heal with rest and physical therapy, severe cases can require more intensive treatment. Proper care is a must.
- Herniated Cervical Discs: A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, putting pressure on nearby nerves. In the cervical spine, this can cause neck pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms, or hands, along with numbness or tingling. Car accidents can cause discs to rupture suddenly due to extreme force or compression. Surgery could be required in the most severe cases.
- Cervical Fractures: A cervical fracture (broken neck bone) is a very serious injury. Indeed, it is among the most serious car accident neck injuries. They often result from high-impact collisions, such as head-on crashes or rollover accidents. These fractures can cause intense pain, swelling, and, in severe cases, spinal cord damage. Emergency medical care is critical. Unfortunately, cervical fractures can lead to partial or complete paralysis if left untreated.
How Long Does Neck Pain Last After a Car Accident?
How long neck pain lasts after a car accident depends on the type and severity of the injury, how quickly you receive treatment, and your overall health. For some people (particularly those with mild whiplash or slight muscle strain), symptoms may improve within a few days or a couple of weeks if they get the proper initial care. For others with more serious injuries, the road to recovery after suffering neck pain from a car crash can be very long. They may endure pain for months or even years. Chronic neck pain is possible, as are permanent physical impairments.
South Carolina is a Fault-Based Car Accident
You have the right to hold a negligent driver (or other negligent party) legally responsible for a crash that causes your neck problems. South Carolina is a fault-based car accident state. The motorist (or other party) who is found responsible for causing the crash is legally liable for the resulting damages. If another motorist’s negligence caused your accident, you have the right to file a claim directly with their insurance company or pursue a personal injury lawsuit. This system makes it especially important to prove fault through evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and medical documentation. For neck injury victims, medical records linking the pain and symptoms directly to the accident are critical. Whether you are dealing with whiplash, a herniated disc, or a cervical fracture, the at-fault driver (or their insurer) can be held accountable for both immediate medical costs, long-term care needs, and your pain and suffering.
You Have the Right to Seek Compensation for Neck Pain
Did you suffer a neck injury in a motor vehicle collision? You have the right to seek financial compensation for the full extent of your damages, including any non-economic losses. How much can you expect to recover through a claim? Do not rely on any insurance company to step up and pay out fully and fairly on their own. You need to hold them accountable. Our Moncks Corner, SC auto accident lawyer can help. Along with other damages, you may be able to recover for:
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care
- Hospital bills and other health costs
- Rehabilitative care
- Pain and suffering and mental distress
- Long-term physical disability
- Wrongful death of a family member
Why Injured Victims in South Carolina Trust The West Law Firm
Dealing with serious neck pain after a car crash is difficult. If you sustained any type of major neck injury in a crash, it is imperative that you consult a doctor right away. At the West Law Firm, we put victims and their families first. Our case results show what we can do for victims in high-stakes, complex claims. Do not do it alone after a bad crash. The right attorney can help you get justice and the full and fair financial compensation that you deserve. Moncks Corner, SC, is known as the “Capital of Santee Cooper Country,” offering a mix of historic charm and natural beauty. For residents dealing with the aftermath of a crash, having a local attorney in Moncks Corner provides both convenience and peace of mind.
Set Up a Free Consultation With Our Moncks Corner Auto Accident Lawyer
At the West Law Firm, our Moncks Corner car accident attorney is a skilled, experienced advocate for justice. If you suffered a serious neck injury in a crash, you need strong legal advocacy. Call us now or contact us online for a free, no obligation initial case review. With an office in Moncks Corner, we handle car accident cases throughout the region in South Carolina.