Neck injuries are one of the most common soft tissue injuries suffered in car accidents. This is often due to the force imparted on the vehicle and a person’s body as it moves rapidly forward and backward. That violent force can cause serious physical trauma and, over time, may cause limited range of motion and chronic pain.
If you are hurt and suffer neck injuries caused by Houston car crashes, you may have the ability to recover damages from the at-fault party. Seek out the guidance of a Houston car accident lawyer in these situations.
Types of Neck Injuries Commonly Associated with Car Crashes
Any type of neck injury can be serious. You should always go to the emergency room after such accidents to ensure you are minimizing any complications after the accident.
Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when a vehicle strikes you, often from behind, and it causes the rapid acceleration of the head back and forth. This causes a jerky movement of the neck that strains the neck muscles, nerves, and tendons.
Neck sprain: A neck sprain can occur when the tendons or the ligaments in the neck joints are inflamed. This may be due to sudden traumatic movement or twisting of the head from the accident.
Herniated discs: Like your spine, there are numerous discs in the neck region that help to further protect the spinal cord. In situations where those discs become inflamed or damaged, it can cause pinching and varying levels of pain.
Neck fractures: Any type of bone fracture in the neck can cause serious injury and death. These are often due to a strong impact of force.
Stingers and burners: These terms refer to a lesser intense injury that tends to only last for a short time. It is brought on by damage to the nerve tissue or bundles located in the nerve roots that lead into the spinal cord.
If you have any of these injuries due to an accident, seek out care from a doctor. You may not need more than rest, but in some cases, these injuries can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Symptoms of a Neck Injury Caused by Houston Car Crashes
There are some situations in which a person may suffer a neck injury and not know it right away. If you were in a car crash, it is critical that you consider getting care right away, even if you feel okay right after the accident. You also should do so in situations where you have symptoms such as:
Numbness or changes to feeling
Headaches or blurry vision
Dizziness
Neck pain or stiffness
Pain when moving your neck
Weakness in your arms or hands
Changes in bladder or bowel control
Trouble sleeping
In these situations, it becomes critical that you seek care from a trusted medical team who will assess the underlying cause and offer appropriate treatment. Your treatment may include rest and physical therapy, though some patients need additional support to recover.
If you were hurt in a Houston car crash and suffered neck injuries like these, contact The Doan Law Firm. Let our legal team provide you with insight into what your legal rights are to recovering damages for the injury and other losses you have. Contact us now for a free consultation.