Neck pain is common, especially after an accident. If your neck hurts after a car accident—or some other incident—it could be something serious. It’s best to look out for signs of a severe injury that needs more than time to heal.
If someone else was at fault for your accident, be sure to contact a personal injury lawyer. You may deserve financial compensation for your medical costs and more.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help you know if you have a case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today for a FREE consultation.
Signs of a Serious Neck Injury
Many people suffer from minor neck pain. Sitting positions at work, physical strain, and other things can cause neck pain. However, this discomfort often goes away with time or rest.
Severe neck injuries are different. If pain is intense or persists, it could be something more severe.
Neck pain after an accident could be a sign of spinal cord damage. A severe neck injury could cause:
- Shooting pain in your arms or legs
- Pain that is intense or doesn’t get better
- Weakness in your arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
Car accidents and slip and fall accidents are common causes of severe neck injuries. If you have neck pain after an accident, get medical help immediately. You might have life-threatening injuries that need prompt help.
See a doctor immediately if you have any of the above symptoms. If your pain does not get better after prescribed home treatment, contact your doctor for a follow-up.
Diagnosing a Neck Injury
After an accident, your doctor will check for pain and damage. That often includes tests like:
- MRIs
- X-rays
- CT scan
- Blood tests
A doctor will work to determine the cause of your pain. From there, you can know what’s going on and what treatment you’ll need. This will help you when seeking compensation for your treatment costs.
Types of Serious Neck Injuries
Trauma to the head, neck, or shoulders can cause injuries like:
- Herniated discs: Spinal discs can tear, bulge, or leak after a sudden accident.
- Pinched nerves: Tissue or bones can push against nerves during an accident, causing a lot of pain.
- Neck fractures: Broken necks are rare, but they can happen. A fractured neck or spine needs immediate treatment.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to any part of your spinal cord can cause paralysis and other severe changes in your body.
Whiplash injuries are also common during a car accident. Whiplash occurs when your head is forced suddenly backward and forward. Although whiplash often gets better with time and rest, it can be more serious.
Whiplash can also mask more severe neck injuries from an accident. You might assume your pain is nothing big. However, the pain and symptoms might intensify over time.
It’s always best to see a doctor after an accident, even if you feel okay.
Don’t discount neck pain, especially after an accident. Even minor pain could be a sign of something serious.
Your Legal Rights After a Neck Injury
If someone else caused your accident, you might deserve financial compensation. Causing an accident violates the tort law under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-1. You have a right to seek money from the person who caused your neck injury and more.
You will need to build a personal injury claim to show that:
- The other party breached its legal duty to you
- The breached duty caused your accident
- You suffered a neck injury and other damages because of the accident
A severe neck injury could mean you deserve a significant financial recovery. Neck injuries can be debilitating or permanent. They might prevent you from working or living as you could before.
Talk to a personal injury lawyer about your compensation rights after a neck injury. Don’t wait to get started. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §9-3-33, you only have two years to take action.
Call John Foy & Associates today to get a FREE consultation. We’ll discuss your accident and compensation rights. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-400-4000
What to Do After a Neck Injury
If someone else might have been at fault for your neck injury, you have rights. You can help protect your rights and build an injury claim through the following steps:
- Report your accident to the police or the owner of the property where you fell.
- Take pictures of the accident scene and any visible injuries.
- See a doctor as soon as possible for all pain and injuries.
- Contact your doctor again if your injuries change or worsen.
- Save all medical bills and other documentation of your damages.
- Call a personal injury lawyer to ensure you know your rights.
Neck injuries can worsen with time. After an accident, your body is often running on adrenaline that suppresses pain. Over time, you might start to feel the full effects of the accident.
Avoiding talking about your injuries with anyone but your lawyer. Also, wait until you’ve completed all treatment before filing a claim. If your neck pain gets worse, don’t ignore it; talk to a lawyer and see a doctor immediately.
Talk to an Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At John Foy & Associates, we have seen firsthand the toll a neck injury can take. We’re here for you and your family after an accident you didn’t cause. Contact us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation.
We have been helping accident victims for over 20 years, and we don’t collect a fee unless we win your case. To learn more about how we can help, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Call or text 404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form