Neck pain may be one of the most common injuries car accident victims stand to face. The length of time an accident victim may experience neck pain can vary. Unfortunately, some accident victims may experience chronic, and ongoing pain as the result of a car accident. Although in some cases, neck pain may not present itself right away, it’s important that you seek medical care so that you are able to obtain the treatment that you deserve. Additionally, should you pursue your car accident case, a car accident lawyer may be able to help you retain damages for the injuries you are facing.
Reasons Neck Pain is Common
While many accidents may yield injuries in addition to neck pain, neck and back pain are some of the most common types of injuries from car accidents. Issues can include:
- Whiplash
- Neck Strain/Sprain
- Herniated Disc (neck, shoulder, back)
For accident victims, neck pain is a very real injury to contend with. Neck pain is incredibly common for accident victims because of the sheer force from the impact of the car accident. For example, when a person is rear ended, they likely never saw it coming. Because of this, they did not have time to brace themselves, or their neck. Upon impact, the neck likely experienced a violent shifting backwards and forwards which caused whiplash to occur.
Treatment Options for Neck Pain
Neck pain can cause soft tissue and even nerve damage depending upon the severity. In some cases, neck pain may not present as an injury immediately after an accident. If you experience delayed onset symptoms, it’s vital to obtain medical treatment as soon as possible. Although many believe that it may be difficult to pursue an accident case in such a manner, if you have had no other accidents, a lawyer should be able to prove that your injuries were the result of the car accident that you were in. Common treatment options for a car accident victim suffering from neck pain include:
- Rest & Ice
- OTC Pain Medications
- Chiropractic Care
- Acupuncture
- Physical Therapy
While treatment options can vary, seeking medical attention can ensure that you obtain the proper treatment. Although a neck injury from a car accident may seem like a minor setback, it’s possible to be left to deal with neck pain for a long time as a result. This has the ability to add up quickly, especially when you require ongoing medical treatment to manage your symptoms. You shouldn’t be left to shoulder expensive medical care on your own. Because of this, it may be in your best interest to speak with a car accident lawyer for the guidance you need when pursuing legal action.
Initiating a Car Accident Claim
Following a car accident, the thought of filing an accident claim may have crossed your mind. Taking legal action may be able to provide you with compensation for your losses as well as ongoing and future medical expenses. A car accident lawyer can represent you through what may be a cumbersome process for many. They can guide you through the process of reviewing your case and filing a claim against the at fault driver’s insurance company.
Neck pain may not sound very serious, however it stands to have a life altering impact in the wake of a car accident. While treatment for injuries can certainly assist in providing car accident victims with the care they need, pain from an injury may require regular, ongoing treatment. When faced with this type of situation, a car accident lawyer can play a key role in helping you to recover damages from the accident. With the help of an experienced professional, you can have a clear idea of the process that lies ahead and receive proper legal protection throughout.