Neck injuries are very common in motor vehicle accidents, especially rear-end collisions. Many people dismiss a sore neck after an accident because they assume the pain is just soreness that will subside in a few days. While this may be true in many cases, some accident victims suffer severe sprains, strains, or tears of the joints, nerves, bones, tendons, ligaments, or muscles in the neck. Severe neck injuries can result in limited range of motion and chronic pain. Some injuries can result in permanent damage is left untreated.
If you believe you have suffered a neck injury in a car accident, seek immediate medical attention. After taking care of your health, contact our office for a free legal consultation to discuss your right to receive compensation from the driver who caused your crash. Call (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule your free appointment with a New Orleans car accident lawyer.
Common Symptoms of a Neck Injury
The signs and symptoms of a neck injury may be noticeable immediately, or they may appear a few hours or days after a motor vehicle accident. The most common symptoms of a neck injury include:
- Soreness that may increase to chronic pain
- Swelling
- Headaches
- Bruising
- Decreased mobility
- Shoulder pain
- Stiffness
Don’t be fooled by a dull pain in your shoulders, neck, or head. Even a dull pain can be a symptom of something worse. If left untreated, a minor neck injury can cause severe depression and mental anxiety because the person never finds relief for the pain. This can interfere with a person’s ability to work and perform their usual activities.
For severe neck injuries, your doctor may advise you need surgery or physical therapy. Because treatment can mean the difference between a fast recovery and permanent damage, you need to obtain a diagnosis so you can receive the proper treatment.
Diagnosing and Treatment Neck Injuries
There are several ways your physician will diagnose the severity of your neck injury. Steps your doctor may use when evaluating your injury include:
- Conducting imagining tests such as an MRI or X-ray
- Reviewing the type and level of pain you experience
- Checking the location of the pain
- Evaluating the level of mobility
- Testing your neurological abilities
- Checking reflexes
- Asking whether you are experiencing tingling or numbness
Based on the results of his examination, your doctor will recommend a course of treatment. Treatments for neck injuries vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury and include:
- Medication for pain
- Muscle relaxers
- Physical therapy
- Rest
- Cortisone shots
- Surgery
Treatment for a neck injury can be expensive, especially if surgery is required or you suffer a permanent disability because of the injury. Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused your neck injury may be the only way possible to recover compensation for your injuries.
Call a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney For Help
You can contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans car accident attorney. Don’t delay in pursuing legal action — your time to file a lawsuit is limited. Failing to file a claim before the deadline will result in you losing the right to recover compensation.