Neck Injuries from a Car Accident: Understanding the Impact

The risk of being involved in a car accident is high, but it’s essential to comprehend how this threat can affect you personally. When you delve into the statistics, provided by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KS DOT), you’ll discover that almost 57,600 motor vehicle collisions occur statewide every year, resulting in approximately 380 fatalities. Additionally, another 12,875 individuals suffer injuries in auto crashes, including head trauma, broken bones, cuts, and various other forms of harm.

Among the most severe types of trauma resulting from a car accident are neck injuries. While violent crashes can cause complete or incomplete spinal cord injuries, possibly leading to paralysis, a common neck injury from auto collisions is whiplash. Interestingly, these soft tissue injuries may not be immediately evident, and you may not experience pain right after the accident. Nevertheless, it is crucial to take action if you have suffered whiplash, and seeking assistance from a Manhattan car accident attorney can greatly benefit your claim. In this blog, we will explore the nature of whiplash injuries and provide information on available legal remedies.

How Whiplash Occurs

Your neck relies on strong vertebrae and muscles to perform its primary function, which is supporting your head. However, in the intense impact of a traffic collision, this strength may not be sufficient. Whiplash occurs when the head is forcefully thrown forward and backward, violently stretching the neck’s muscles and other soft tissues. Some common symptoms of whiplash include stiffness in the neck and shoulders, a constant headache, difficulty swallowing due to throat pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and problems with concentration.

What to Do About Whiplash Injuries

If you suspect you have suffered whiplash, it is crucial to prioritize your well-being by seeking prompt medical treatment. Despite not experiencing immediate pain, it’s important to remember that soft tissue injuries often develop over time, and the symptoms mentioned above may be delayed. Visit an urgent care center or your doctor’s office to receive a professional assessment and appropriate treatment.

Additionally, protecting your legal rights is of utmost importance, as you may be eligible to recover monetary damages after a car accident. To do so, you will need to prove that the at-fault motorist caused the crash by failing to drive safely. Therefore, it is advisable to contact an auto collision attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

The Legal Process

Motorists in Kansas are required to carry auto insurance, making the insurer the primary source for seeking compensation. You will need to file a claim with the insurance company and attempt to negotiate an out-of-court settlement. However, if the insurer refuses to provide a fair amount, the next step in the legal process is to proceed with a lawsuit in court.

Through settlement negotiations or litigation, it is possible to recover various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Consult with a Kansas Car Accident Lawyer About Your Options

While it is comforting to know that there are remedies available after suffering whiplash, seeking legal help is essential to ensure your rights are protected. At Pottroff & Karlin, LLC, our team is dedicated to fighting for your best interests and ensuring you receive full compensation for your injuries. To discuss your case and explore your options, please contact us today for a free consultation with a Manhattan, KS car accident attorney. You can reach us by calling 785-539-4656 or by visiting our website to schedule an appointment.