Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

neck injuries

3 Common Neck Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

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Neck and spine injuries resulting from a car accident can take days or even weeks to show their first symptoms.

When it comes to car accident injuries, most people think about broken bones, open wounds, or traumatic brain injuries. However, not all traumas leave immediately visible marks. Some even take a few days or weeks to show the first symptoms, making it difficult for victims to link them to the incident.

Neck and spine injuries are such an example. Let’s see what are the most common ones and what kind of accident causes them.

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common neck injuries caused by a car crash. It happens especially when your car is hit from behind, causing your head to suddenly be thrown in front. This can injure the muscles and soft tissue in your cervical area, which can cause pain and discomfort for days, weeks, or even months.

A lot of times, whiplash is ignored as the victim doesn’t notice it right away. In the accident and immediately after, the victims are often so pumped with adrenaline that they don’t feel the pain from their neck injuries. A few days later, they start noticing the first signs, but it can be too late.

Whiplash symptoms often include stiffness, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and decreased mobility. In very severe cases, the victim will have problems with their balance or vision.

Disc Hernia

The soft part of the vertebrae can be moved out of place by the impact following a car crash and press against a nerve. This causes a lot of pain and lack of mobility, tingling sensations, and numbness in your arms or legs.

car accident victim getting medical treatment for a neck injury

A herniated disc can generally be treated with physiotherapy or, in some cases, only through surgery.

Injured Vertebrae

The massive forces that pull and push your body during a car accident can hurt your biggest bone structure easily. The spine may be composed of relatively large bones, but its structure is quite delicate. Moreover, it protects one of the most important parts of your neural system: the spinal cord. A car accident can cause the vertebrae to dislocate and even fracture, which can vary from mild to severe.

When dislocated, your vertebrae move, and the ligaments holding them together are torn. When the vertebrae are not only dislocated but also fractured, your injury becomes much more dangerous, as fragments of broken bone might enter your spinal canal and lead to temporary or permanent paralysis.

Have You Been Injured in an Automobile Accident?

If you have suffered from a neck or back injury following a car accident, please make sure a doctor sees you as soon as possible. Make sure to also seek legal advice from an experienced car accident attorney. Your medical treatment should be covered by the insurance company, and the settlement should also include a “pain and suffering” coefficient.

Be sure to go to all necessary investigations, like MRI scans or CAT scans, and follow your doctor’s recommendations thoroughly. It will all count when it comes to your car accident settlement.

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Neck Fractures Resulting From a St. Louis Car Accident

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A cervical spine injury is a serious injury that can result from a car accident. These injuries are often serious and life-altering.

Although muscles protect the neck, the neck can become easily damaged in a high-speed car accident. For example, a person can get thrown forward, straight into a stationary object such as an airbag or steering wheel. The impact will cause the neck to snap forward and backward at a fast speed, which can damage the spinal cord. The cervical spine can also get dislocated (subluxation) or fractured if someone falls head-first to the ground.

woman with neck fracture after a car accident

Causes of Cervical Spine Injuries

Symptoms and Treatment

An individual may experience a spinal shock immediately after a car accident or may not feel anything below the neck. While this situation is temporary in most cases, some people may experience complete paralysis from the neck down for the rest of their lives. The following are other symptoms of a neck injury:

  • headaches
  • weakness and numbness in the upper extremities

There are numerous medical procedures available for the treatment of spinal injuries of the neck. However, the first step to deal with neck injuries such as subluxation or fracture is using a cervical collar. A cervical collar stabilizes the neck and prevents any further damage. The next line of treatment for any spinal swelling is decompressing the spinal cord. Steroids may also be given to help the process. However, surgery may be necessary for a fracture to the vertebrae. Surgery would involve fusing the broken parts.

Prognosis and Future Outlook

The prognosis for a cervical spine injury depends on the severity of the injury. Individuals with fractured vertebrae without any spinal cord injuries have a good chance of recovering from the injury. However, some patients may also develop arthritis and may have limited movement of the neck.

Recovery from a spinal cord injury is unpredictable. The recovery from subluxation and fracture is usually slow. Some people may regain the use of their limbs, but the weakness and numbness in areas below the neck may persist. Some people may have to bear the pain of lifelong paralysis. These individuals usually experience numerous medical problems such as infections, bowel problems, respiratory and heart problems.

How Will My Car Accident Medical Expenses Be Paid?

Subluxation or fracture of the neck may require prolonged treatment and therapy. If you have suffered a subluxation or fracture of the neck in a car accident, be prepared to deal with huge medical expenses and an extended time off work. It is important to claim compensation for all losses you have suffered in the accident. Contact a car accident lawyer at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. by calling (314) 361-4242 and scheduling a free consultation.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Disability after a Car Accident Injury – St. Louis Auto Accident Attorneys

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Some St. Louis car accident victims have suffered physical and psychological trauma, making it impossible to work.

car accident disability

Car accidents are not usually the reason that people file for disability. The aftermath and the repercussions are the reasons that people file. Some have suffered physical and psychological trauma, making it impossible to work. While they may not qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance because the injuries are not going to incapacity them for more than 12 months, they will be able to get something. Individual and group long-term disability policies generally cover the precise disability due to car accidents. These include health issues like whiplash, broken bones, and other diagnoses. While broken limbs are painful, they do not typically keep most people out of work for more than a year. Those bones will heal.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash and neck pain are the pair of most common injuries in a car accident. Many people who have been in an accident do not even know that they have suffered from it. The side effects can take some time to become evident. Whiplash affects 1 in 5 people long-term. They generally must be living with pain for around a year to be considered chronic.

Whiplash often causes sleep deprivation, forgetfulness, blurry vision, ringing in the ears, and extreme fatigue. These symptoms may make it hard to concentrate or work. Therefore preparing and filing a disability claim becomes important if a person happens to have these symptoms. Claims examiners are trained to be skeptical, especially of those claiming that they have a debilitating whiplash condition. Therefore it is imperative to have supporting medical documentation to support a claim and to prove that the condition is a real injury. It is also important to consider that whiplash can worsen, so following a physician’s guidelines is imperative. If ignored, the increase of long-lasting complications will be almost inevitable.

Back Injuries

Back injuries are common and are too often left to be diagnosed long after the accident. There are, in fact, three general types of back injuries. In some cases, cervical vertebrae injuries are common and much like whiplash. Lumbar spine injuries are painful, and while not always the most severe, the pain can still be debilitating. Thoracic spine injuries are often the most severe in an auto accident. These injuries involve the upper back and are connected to the ribs and chest region. They are usually caused by high-speed collisions and can result in permanent nerve damage. In fact, no matter what part of your back is experiencing pain, it is still important to understand that there can still be a disc herniation, and this can happen suddenly. When it does, it will cause intense pressure and pain until it is resolved. Back claims are another area that insurance adjusters are trained to be extremely skeptical. Again, documentation of your injuries is crucial.

Broken Bones

Broken bones and fractures are common too. While most heal without any long-lasting injury, other complications can affect a claimant’s ability to work right after the fracture. There may be soft tissue injuries or other pain. There may be blood clots or Chronic Pain Syndrome. These are major issues that arise from a broken limb. These conditions may only allow for short-term leave at most workplaces. With these injures, some believe that working less strenuously is still an option.

While this may seem like the thing to do, it is not advisable. Car accidents in America often cause PTSD and depression.  Some develop an anxiety disorder from their pain, and these go hand in hand with PTSD after a car crash. Those who have been in the midst of an attack know that it can be crippling. However, insurance companies are very, very good at developing reasons to deny this.

Speak With an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer As Soon As Possible

Car accidents cause a lot of stress, and you will likely have to deal with other things in addition to your pain. You will have police reports, insurance claims, medical bills, and possibly disability forms to fill out. Our team of highly skilled legal professionals can help.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Common Injuries Resulting From St. Louis Motorcycle Accidents

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Motorcycle accidents can be severe and can result in catastrophic injuries or even permanent disability.

While an accident can happen in a split second, the aftermath of an accident and the recovery period can take months, if not years. Even with a helmet, motorcycle riders can sustain a head injury, and these can require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, therapy, home and lifestyle adaptations, assistive devices, etc. If an accident victim is fortunate enough to recover partially or fully from their injuries, the chances are that the process will be difficult and expensive.

st. louis motorcycle accident scene

Possible Injuries

While a minor accident may simply result in road rash or a fracture or two, it is not uncommon for victims of motorcycle accidents to sustain severe injuries including:

Any of these injuries or the combination of several can be life-altering. Though the recovery process might be long and/or difficult, with medical treatment, most of these injuries can be recovered from. The injuries most likely to have long-lasting implications, however, are spinal cord injuries and brain injuries. Because these injuries can be permanent, they will most likely require ongoing and costly medical treatment. It is possible that a patient may not be able to make a full recovery.

Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are, unfortunately, common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists should always wear a helmet to prevent serious head injuries, but even wearing a helmet does not mean that you are fully protected in a major accident. Brain injuries can be minor, or they can be severe. Symptoms may not immediately present themselves. If you have been in an accident where you may have hit your head, you should always see medical attention to make sure a head injury does not go undiagnosed.

Symptoms of brain injuries can include:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Memory Loss
  • Chronic Pain
  • Headaches

A more serious brain injury can result in cognitive and behavioral problems and physical disabilities. Someone with a serious brain injury may need long-term medical care.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are also common in motorcycle accidents. Spinal cord injuries can cause varying degrees of paralysis or physical disability. Caring for someone with a spinal cord injury for the rest of their life can cost millions of dollars, and unfortunately, many of the treatments may not be covered by health insurance.

Legal Help for St. Louis Accident Victims

Discussing your accident and potential case with a St. Louis auto accident attorney as soon as possible is important. Your attorney can advise you regarding the best way to proceed. They can protect your rights and pursue full compensation for you and your family. Your attorney will make sure that the insurance company is not taking advantage of you or underpaying you and will help you to decide whether settling is right for your particular case or not. Acting quickly and finding a supportive attorney to guide you through the legal process is extremely important.

Contacting an experienced St. Louis motorcycle attorney as soon as possible is the best way to maximize your chances of getting full compensation.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Broken Neck After a St. Louis Car Accident

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A broken neck is one of the most severe injuries one can suffer from in a car accident.

The neck bones are part of your spine and connect your head to it. A broken neck is a fracture of one of those vertebrae in the neck. A broken neck can have huge consequences on your life and change it forever. 

st. louis woman with a broken neck

How Can You Break Your Neck in a Car Accident?

Car accidents involve tremendous forces, even if the speed of the vehicles is moderate. Unfortunately, wearing your seat belt isn’t a guarantee that you won’t get hurt. In fact, you can suffer from injuries even with all the car’s safety devices in place. 

While neck fractures are not amongst the most common injuries suffered by car accident victims, they can happen in more serious scenarios. This is the reason why bystanders should never move a car accident victim until the paramedics arrive, except when their life is in immediate danger. 

Is There Spinal Cord Damage?

One of the most important factors in determining how serious a broken neck might be is whether the spinal cord was damaged or not. The spinal cord, together with the brain, represents the central nervous system. 

If you only suffered from broken bones in your neck, but your spinal cord is intact, your recovery will generally require less intervention, and total recovery chances are higher. 

If the spinal cord was damaged when the bones of the neck broke, it may become a life-threatening injury or lead to permanent disability. If the spinal cord is affected in the neck area, the victim’s treatment may be lifelong management of their limitations.

Possible Consequences of a Broken Neck

Here are some of the possible impairments brought by a broken neck with spinal cord damage:

  • Fecal or urinary incontinence
  • Inability to move 
  • Inability to feed or breathe on their own
  • Skin lacerations and ulcers caused by immobility
  • Mental injuries like anxiety, depression, etc.

If the spinal cord is intact, recovery might mean wearing a neck brace for several weeks and even having surgery to realign the bones. Either way, you can be left with chronic pain and limited mobility for a long time. Neck fractures are often categorized as catastrophic injuries and should be treated very seriously.

Speak With an Experienced Lawyer

If you or a loved one have suffered from a broken neck injury, contact a St. Louis car accident attorney as soon as possible. You will benefit greatly from professional legal assistance to protect your rights and cover all the treatment plans, medical investigations, lost wages, and pain and suffering that come throughout the long recovery from such an injury. 

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Back and Neck Pain After a Rear End Collision

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The impact of a car accident can have a great negative effect on the neck and back.

Both of these areas are crucial, yet very sensitive to force or sudden movement. When your car gets hit, the moment of the impact causes everything inside the vehicle, including yourself, to move. However, because there is no room inside the vehicle to move, that can mean extra pressure is put on your neck and back.

st. louis man with neck pain

You may experience some pain in these areas immediately after the collision. If you do, it’s imperative to seek treatment as soon as possible.

The First Step

The first thing you need to do after a car crash is getting medically checked. Even if you don’t think you got injured, it’s best to let a doctor see you and determine your medical condition. Some injuries may not show any immediate signs, and you won’t begin to feel any pain until some time has passed since the accident.

This is exactly what happens in the case of whiplash, which often affects the neck and spine. Unfortunately, if left untreated, these injuries can cause even more issues in the future.

While the signs of whiplash can differ from patient to patient, some common symptoms include:

  • Dizziness;
  • Fatigue;
  • Nausea;
  • Stomach issues;
  • Concussion.

It’s vital to know these signs and identify them as whiplash as soon as they first appear. Sometimes, they can appear even a few weeks after the collision, but once they show, the pain will not go away on its own. If left untreated, the pains are known to grow stronger, to the point where it can become unbearable. An initial doctor’s visit after the collision could potentially save you from this scenario.

File a Compensation Claim

Because these injuries appear after the accident, many people can experience difficulties in getting compensated for their treatment. The insurance company may claim that your neck or back pain could have been caused (or worsened) by some other event in your life.

However, if you work together with a St. Louis car accident lawyer, you can build a strong case and successfully get sufficient damages to cover the cost of your medical treatment.

Essentially, you will have to link your injuries directly to the car accident and show that the other driver is responsible for them. Because the injuries only appear long after the collision, this may complicate things, but a good lawyer could handle it successfully.

Speak With an Attorney

Neck and lower back injuries aren’t just issues that affect your physical health – they often take a toll on your personal life, relationships with family and friends, and your overall quality of life. If these injuries were the results of a car accident where you were the victim, then you may be entitled to compensation for damages. Reach out to a St. Louis car accident lawyer to discuss your next steps. Give us a call today at (314) 361-4242 for a FREE consultation.