Pursuing Compensation for Neck Injuries Caused in a Car Crash

 Posted on January 06,2021 in Whiplash Injury

Being in a car accident can have a profound impact on your life. Injuries may lead to long-term pain and suffering, loss of functioning, reduced independence, and other negative consequences. In addition to the physical pain and emotional anguish caused in a serious car accident, being hurt in a crash can also lead to major financial harm. Neck injuries are very common in car accidents – especially rear-end and T-bone accidents. Even a low-speed accident can lead to neck injuries that cause months or years of painful symptoms. If you or a loved one suffered a neck injury in an accident or the accident aggravated an existing neck injury, you may be able to seek financial compensation.

What Types of Neck Injuries May Be Caused by a Car Accident?

Most people rarely think about it, but the neck has a tremendously important function. Not only does the neck control the movement of the head, but it also encompasses important nerves, muscles, and bones. An injury to the soft tissue, muscles, ligaments, tendons, or vertebrae in the neck can lead to significant disability. Some of the most common neck injuries caused by car accidents include:

• Whiplash – When the head suddenly moves forward or backward in a crash, the soft tissues of the neck can become significantly damaged. Whiplash can be extremely painful, but it is often difficult to prove because the injury does not show up on x-rays.
• Injuries to spinal discs – The vertebrae of the neck and spine are sandwiched between fluid-filled discs that absorb shock and prevent damage to the vertebrae and spinal cord. A car accident can cause the discs to slip out of place, tear, rupture, or otherwise become damaged. Herniated discs can be severely painful -especially if the disc puts pressure on the nerves of the spinal cord.
• Nerve damage – Nerves are responsible for sending signals throughout the body. Damage to nerves in the neck and back can cause significant disability. If nerves are stretched, torn, or otherwise harmed in a car accident, the victim may experience pain, numbness, tingling, and loss of function in certain body parts.

Damages in a Neck Injury Claim

If your car accident was caused by the negligent or illegal actions of another party such as a drunk driver, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. The most common damage in a car accident claim includes medical expenses, lost income from missed work, impairment to the victim’s future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. However, to recover compensation, you will need to show that:

• The at-fault party violated his or her “duty” to drive responsibly.
• Your injuries were caused or worsened by the party’s failure to uphold this duty of care.
• You suffered damages as a result of your injuries.

Contact a Lake County Neck Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one sustained a neck injury in a car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills and other costs. Contact Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our skilled Waukegan personal injury attorneys by calling us at 847-662-3303 today.

Source:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921