Drivers and passengers can injure a number of different parts of their bodies during a car accident. But, many injuries sustained in car accidents affect the neck. Here’s a look at some of the most common neck injuries caused by car accidents:
Whiplash
When a car crash occurs, the force of the collision can cause your neck to suddenly jerk back and forth. This abrupt movement can strain or tear the muscles and ligaments located in your neck, which is referred to as whiplash. Many people immediately notice pain and stiffness in their neck following a crash, however others do not exhibit any symptoms of whiplash until hours later.
Nerve Damage
Nerves play an important role in the body, so damaging a nerve can completely disrupt a victim’s life. Unfortunately, car accident victims often damage the nerves located in their neck. This injury can occur in many different ways. If your head suddenly jerks back and forth, the nerves in your neck may be damaged by this sudden movement.
Nerve damage can also be caused by a deep laceration or a blow to the neck. For example, if something in your car flies forward and hits the back of your neck, the force of this impact could damage your sensitive nerves. Victims with nerve damage could experience numbness or a tingling sensation in their neck following the accident. Sometimes, this injury can be treated with physical therapy and rest, however more extensive treatment may be needed for serious nerve damage.
Herniated Disc
Discs are found between each bone in the spine. These discs are responsible for absorbing shock to protect the fragile spinal bones, however they are not indestructible. During a car accident, the sudden jerking movement of the neck could put too much pressure on these discs, resulting in a herniated disc.
Sometimes, the force of the car accident causes the disc to simply shift out of place. But in other cases, the surface of the disc could tear and the gel-like material found inside the disc could start to ooze out, which is referred to as a ruptured disc. The symptoms of this injury typically appear right away, so car accident victims should immediately realize that they are in need of medical attention.
If you have sustained a neck injury in a car accident, it’s in your best interests to seek legal representation from the personal injury attorneys at Reisch Law Firm. Let our attorneys fight for the compensation you deserve for these painful neck injuries. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
