Back and Neck Injuries Caused by Motor Vehicle Accidents

Back and neck injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents can be devastating, resulting in a lifetime of severe pain and debilitation. If you’ve suffered this kind of injury, contact a McEwen & Kestner attorney as soon as possible. We’ll work to settle your case as quickly as possible while helping you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Our firm regularly delivers results. Let us show you what we can do for you by contacting us online or calling 800-732-3070 for a free consultation.

Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents that Cause Back and Neck Injuries

Different types of car accidents can cause injuries to the back and neck in different ways.

The sudden impact of a rear-end collision can jerk the neck forward and back, resulting in whiplash. The impact can also cause back injuries, such as strains and sprains, and herniated discs.
Rollover accidents can cause the occupants to be thrown around inside the vehicle, resulting in back and neck injuries. The rollover impact can compress the spine and cause injury to the discs and nerves in the neck and back.
The force of a side-impact collision (also known as a “T-bone” accident) can compress the spine, damaging the discs and nerves in the neck and back. The impact can also cause whiplash.
Head-on collisions can cause severe injuries to the back and neck, including fractures, dislocations, and spinal cord injuries.
When a car hits a pedestrian or a bicyclist, the force of the impact can cause severe injuries to the back and neck.

Common Types of Back and Neck Injuries

Back and neck injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents include the following:

Whiplash – This type of neck injury occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully thrown forward and back.
Herniated Discs – A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center of a spinal disc bulges out through a tear in the disc’s outer ring. This can apply pressure to nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
Fractures – Fractures can occur in the vertebrae of the back and neck.
Dislocations – Dislocations can occur in the spine, caused by the displacement of bones in the back or neck.
Spinal cord injuries – A spinal cord injury can occur when the spinal cord is damaged, which can cause loss of sensation or movement in the arms, legs, or body.
Soft tissue injuries – Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and contusions can occur in the back and neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Lasting Consequences of Back and Neck Injuries

Some specific lasting consequences of back and neck injuries caused by motor vehicle wrecks include:

Chronic pain that can last for months or even years. This pain can be debilitating and significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Limited mobility and stiffness can make it difficult to perform daily activities such as getting dressed, cooking, and even walking.
Difficulty with daily activities such as bending over, reaching for objects, and even sleeping.
Back and neck injuries can make it difficult to perform work tasks and limit a person’s ability to return to work or find employment.
Emotional and psychological consequences include depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life.
Some people with back and neck injuries may require long-term pain medication, which can lead to side effects and potential addiction.

How Much Do Back and Neck Injuries Cost?

The cost of back and neck injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury, the type of treatment required, and the length of recovery. In general, back and neck injuries can be very expensive in terms of medical costs and lost income.

Treatment can include diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans, physical therapy, medication, and in some cases, surgery. The cost of these treatments can vary widely but can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars or even more.

But other costs are associated with back and neck injuries caused by motor vehicle collisions. For example, they can result in lost income if the person can’t work due to the injury. This can include short- and long-term lost income, depending on the length of recovery. There are also emotional and psychological costs, such as depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life.

Types of Damages You Can Recover After a Car Accident

If you have been injured in a car accident, there are several types of damages that you may be able to recover, including:

Medical expenses – This includes all expenses related to the treatment of your injuries, such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery, medications, physical therapy, and any other medical treatments.
Lost wages – If you miss days, weeks, or months of work, you can receive compensation for the paychecks lost.
Loss of earning capacity – If you loss the ability to work in your same field, you can receive compensation for that loss.
Pain and suffering – This type of damage compensates you for the physical and emotional pain and suffering that you have endured as a result of your injuries.

How Long do I Have to File a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim?

The statute of limitations varies depending on the state where the accident occurred. Most states have a statute of limitations of two to four years for motor vehicle accidents.

It’s crucial to consult with an attorney to understand the statute of limitations in your state. It’s also essential to file a claim as soon as possible; the longer you wait, the more difficult it can be to gather evidence and build a strong case.

Contact McEwen & Kestner ASAP to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation

Get in touch with McEwen & Kestner as soon as you can for a free case review by calling 800-732-3070 or using our online contact form.