Seemingly out of nowhere, a driver slams into you while you are stopped in traffic. At first, it’s a shock, and you seem to be ok. A few hours pass or maybe a few days…and then the pain sets in. Neck pain. It can come in many forms and can often be debilitating. Because neck pain can be a sign of a larger problem, it is important that you see a doctor immediately. Equally important, you should reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney, who can help you fight the insurance company. We have highlighted a few warning signs and symptoms for a neck injury below. We have also outlined what you need to do after a car crash, if you start feeling those symptoms.
Signs of a Neck Injury
While the signs and symptoms of a neck injury after a car accident can vary widely, there are some that are more common than others. These include:
- Neck stiffness
- Difficulty turning neck from side to side
- Difficulty looking down or up
- Localized pain in the neck (Can be shooting pain in the neck or a throbbing pain in the neck)
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Feeling overly tired
- Tenderness in the neck or the back of the skull
- Pain radiating from the neck down to the shoulder(s) and/or arm(s)
- Diminished sensation in the legs and/or arms
- Weakness in the muscles of the legs or arms
- Trouble breathing
- Headaches
- Dizziness
What Causes Neck Pain after a Car Accident?
When you are in a car accident, your neck may abruptly jerk from side to side or forward and backwards. Because your body is held in place by your seatbelt, your neck takes on the force of the crash, especially if it is unexpected.
If you see the crash is about to happen, but can’t do anything to stop it, you will involuntarily tense up your body. This can also cause neck pain after a car accident.
Steps to Take if You Hurt your Neck in a Car Accident
In some cases, your neck may start hurting immediately after a car accident. In other cases, it may be hours, day, or even longer before you start feeling symptoms from your car crash. As soon as you start feeling any symptoms, you should seek medical care. In many cases, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or chiropractic work. It is extremely important that you follow your doctor’s orders regarding your neck injury after your car accident, as it will speed up your recovery and help your personal injury claim (if you file one).
In some cases, physical therapy and chiropractic work may relieve your symptoms so that your neck pain disappears. In other cases, especially if your neck still hurts weeks after your car crash, you may need to see a specialist who specializes in neck injuries. At Debbie Taussig Law, we recently had a client who was still experiencing neck pain after several rounds of physical therapy. When he went to see a specialist for his neck injuries, they discovered that his injuries were much worse than originally thought and he needed surgery immediately.
If you have neck pain after your car crash, you will also want to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. At Debbie Taussig Law, we will help you navigate through the entire experience, taking the burden off of your shoulders so that you can focus on healing. We will deal with the insurance companies so that they will not try their usual antics. The insurance companies are not your friend, and they are only out to save the company money. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side can make all the difference. With over 20 years of experience, Debbie and her team are here to help you take all the steps you need to take so that you can heal and protect your future.
Call us today at 303-442-0176 for a free claim evaluation.
