Neck Injuries, Including Whiplash
Get a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer who knows how to handle your neck injury claim
Neck injuries are among the most common car accident injuries people sustain in an accident. They’re also among the most misunderstood injuries. Some people think such injuries, including whiplash, are not that serious. We know the truth. We know that whiplash and other neck injuries are often much more severe than people realize.
Whether you were the driver or a passenger, if you sustained a neck injury in a car accident caused by someone else, you need to make sure you get the proper medical care. You should also not have to worry about how to pay for your medical expenses. That’s why it’s critical that you have an experienced Colorado Springs neck injury attorney on your side standing up for your rights.
We know what to do at The Longo Firm, LLC in Colorado Springs. That’s because attorney Stephen A. Longo and his talented legal team have years of experience handling complex cases involving whiplash and neck pain after a car accident. We know what evidence to look for. We know what questions to ask. Most importantly, we have the competitive drive you need to succeed.
FAQs About Neck Injuries
- What is whiplash?
- What are common neck injuries?
- How do I know if I have a neck injury?
- What are common whiplash symptoms?
- Are delayed whiplash symptoms common?
- How do doctors diagnose whiplash and other neck injuries?
- How do I prove that my car accident caused whiplash?
- How much is my injury claim worth?
- What is the average car accident neck injury claim?
- What if an insurance company rejects my whiplash claim?
What is whiplash?
No discussion about neck injuries sustained in a car accident would be complete without talking about whiplash, the most common and most misunderstood neck injury. Whiplash is a type of neck sprain often caused a person’s head being violent whipped back and forth.
Whiplash injuries can occur in any type of car accident, but they’re especially common in rear-end accidents and head-on collisions. That’s because the force of such accidents often whips a person’s head and neck violently forward and backward.
Whiplash symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, reduced range of motion, tenderness and swelling, spasms, and fatigue. Sometimes, if a nerve is pinched in a crash, the injury causes a numbness/tingling sensation.
Some people – and insurance companies – think whiplash is not a serious injury. As a result, it’s common for whiplash claims to be rejected. When this happens, it’s critical you take strong legal action to demand the money you rightfully deserve. That’s why it’s important to have our experienced Colorado Springs whiplash lawyer on your side, standing up for your rights.
What are common neck injuries?
Whiplash is just one type of neck injury often sustained in an accident. Other common car accident neck injuries include:
- Neck strain or sprain injuries.
- Damage to the neck muscles, ligaments or connective tissue, including soft tissue damage.
- Bone fractures in the neck.
- Fractured vertebrae in the neck.
- Disc injuries in the neck, including a slipped disc.
- Cuts (lacerations) to the neck due to broken glass or other sharp objects.
Whatever type of neck injury you sustained in an accident, make sure you take your symptoms seriously right from the start. Seek immediate medical attention. Then talk to our Colorado Springs neck injury lawyer to learn more about the legal options available to you.
How do I know if I have a neck injury?
The only way to know for sure if you have a neck injury is to have a doctor examine you and diagnose exactly what’s wrong. Don’t try to diagnose yourself. Have a medical professional examine you and run the proper diagnostic tests, including taking an X-Ray in many cases.
It’s also important to keep in mind that many neck injuries take several days to develop. As a result, you might feel fine right after your accident, but several days later you might start to notice pain in your neck or other common symptoms, including decreased neck mobility or severe headaches.
What are common whiplash symptoms?
Whiplash affects people differently, but there are several symptoms that tend to show up after a car accident. Paying attention to these warning signs can help you get the care you need before your injury gets worse. Common whiplash symptoms include:
- Neck pain and stiffness that make it difficult to move your head normally.
- Headaches that often start at the base of the skull and radiate forward.
- Dizziness or blurred vision that may appear shortly after the accident.
- Shoulder or upper back pain caused by strained muscles and ligaments.
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands if nerves were impacted.
- Fatigue and trouble concentrating that can interfere with daily activities.
If you notice any of these whiplash symptoms, make sure you take them seriously right from the start. Get checked out by a doctor. Early treatment can reduce long-term damage and create medical records for your claim. Never ignore whiplash symptoms, even if they seem mild at first.
Are delayed whiplash symptoms common?
Yes, delayed whiplash symptoms are very common after a car accident. The sudden force of a crash can cause soft tissue injuries that take time to swell or tighten, which is why pain may not be felt right away. Many people think they are fine at the scene, only to wake up days later with severe stiffness or headaches.
This delay can make it harder for accident victims to connect their symptoms directly to the crash. Insurance companies often try to use such delays as an excuse to deny whiplash injury claims. They may argue that your injury is not serious or was caused by something other than a car accident.
That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident, even if you feel fine. If symptoms appear days later, don’t ignore them. Follow up with your doctor, report every symptom and make sure it’s documented in your medical records. This protects your health and helps prove that your whiplash was caused by the crash.
How do doctors diagnose whiplash and other neck injuries?
Doctors often use several medical tests and methods to diagnose whiplash and other neck injuries after a car accident. These tests can help confirm the type and severity of your injury. Common diagnostic tools include:
- Physical exams to check range of motion, tenderness, swelling, and reflexes.
- X-rays to rule out fractures or dislocations in the neck.
- MRIs to identify soft tissue injuries like torn ligaments or herniated discs.
- CT scans to detect bone damage or internal injuries not visible on X-rays.
- Neurological tests to evaluate nerve damage, numbness, or weakness in the arms and hands.
These evaluations allow doctors to pinpoint the exact cause of your neck pain. With a clear diagnosis, they can create the right medical treatment plan for your neck injury. The medical records from these tests also provide strong evidence that your neck injury was caused by your car accident.
How do I prove that my car accident caused whiplash?
Proving that whiplash came from your accident often requires strong evidence. Insurance companies sometimes claim that an injury was pre-existing or unrelated. The following types of evidence can make your case stronger:
- Medical records showing your neck injury diagnosis and treatment after the accident.
- Accident reports that document the crash and who was at fault.
- Photos of the crash scene and damage to your vehicle.
- Testimony from doctors linking your symptoms to the accident.
- Statements from witnesses who saw the crash or your immediate pain afterward.
All of these types of evidence work together to show that your injury was caused by your accident. Without this proof, insurance companies may try to deny or undervalue your claim. That’s why it’s important to keep all records and share them with your lawyer. A strong case backed by evidence increases your chances of receiving full compensation.
How much is my injury claim worth?
There’s no set dollar amount when it comes to neck injury claims. Some might be worth thousands of dollars. Others might be worth significantly more. What matters most is you should be paid for all your accident-related expenses, including medical bills and replacement income if you cannot work during your recovery.
It’s also important that your injury claim includes future anticipated expenses. This is common in cases involving neck injuries, in which you might need follow-up medical care, follow-up surgery and physical therapy due to chronic pain often associated with neck injuries.
Don’t be surprised if the at fault driver’s insurance company makes a settlement offer that does not take into account future expenses. That’s why it’s important to carefully consider any offer before agreeing to accept it. An experienced Colorado neck injury attorney can review any offers you receive and help you decide if you should accept it or ask for more money.
What is the average car accident neck injury claim?
There is no true average when it comes to car accident neck injury claims. Every case is different and depends on factors like the severity of your injury, how long recovery takes, and whether you can return to work. A minor neck sprain may result in a smaller payout, while a fractured vertebra or long-term disability can lead to a much larger settlement claim.
Insurance companies often avoid giving a clear number because they know every injury impacts people differently. Your medical expenses, lost wages and future treatments all need to be factored into the total value of your case. Pain and suffering also plays a major role in many neck injury settlements.
Instead of focusing on averages, it’s better to have your case reviewed by an experienced car accident neck injury lawyer. They can calculate your actual losses and fight for the amount you deserve. With the right legal strategy, you can demand fair compensation tailored to your situation, rather than a one-size-fits-all estimate.
What if an insurance company rejects my whiplash claim?
Along with making low settlement offers, insurance companies sometimes reject accident claims, especially in cases involving whiplash neck injuries. They may even call it a “minor accident” to justify their actions. At The Longo Firm LLC, we know there is no such thing as a “minor” car accident that causes injuries. That’s why it’s important to take certain steps to protect your rights and explore other available options. Such steps often include:
- Do not respond directly to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the insurance company contacts you, you do not have to answer their questions. Anything you say or write could be used as evidence to deny your claim.
- Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions. Failure to do so could be used as further evidence that you don’t actually have whiplash or another type of neck injury.
- Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights.
Experienced Colorado Springs neck injury attorneys know how to respond to whiplash injury claims denied by insurance companies. Your lawyer can work with you to build a strong legal case and demand the money you rightfully deserve for your accident.
Demand justice after your accident. Contact our law firm.
Neck injuries often cause delayed pain. It could take days or even weeks for car accident neck pain to develop. It’s also not always clear how long neck pain will last after an accident. You need a law firm that understands the complexities and uniqueness of neck injuries and how to make insurance companies take your damage seriously.
Experience matters when it comes to choosing the right law firm to represent you if you’re dealing with serious neck injury sustained in an accident. Colorado Springs whiplash injury attorney Stephen Longo has the knowledge and the expertise you need to succeed. In case after case, he consistently obtains large settlements and sizable verdicts for clients. Case results truly matter here.
Your case is about more than just money. It’s about holding reckless drivers and insurance companies accountable. It’s about making sure you receive the compensation you deserve so you can get the medical care you need. It’s about justice.
Put your trust in a law firm that puts your needs first. Contact us and schedule your free case evaluation right now. We can answer your questions, explain your options and get right to work on your neck injury claim.