Neck pain is one of the most common injuries after a car accident. So if your neck hurts after you’ve been in an accident in Georgia, don’t brush it off. You could have trauma that needs medical attention and time to heal.
When it comes to neck injuries, you should never take them lightly. After you receive medical treatment, there are several things you should do. Here’s what you need to know about neck pain following an accident and the steps you should take.
Whiplash from a Car Accident
Whiplash refers to a variety of neck or upper back injuries from an accident. It’s caused by the neck being suddenly whipped back and forth, which is common in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions.
When the neck is quickly forced to move beyond its normal range of motion, tissues can stretch and tear. The result can be intense, even debilitating, pain and soreness. Symptoms of whiplash and any neck injuries can include:
- Pain, swelling, or stiffness in the neck, shoulders, or upper back
- Headaches or dizziness
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Exhaustion or trouble sleeping
Neck injuries are often underplayed after a car accident because there aren’t outward signs of injury. As a result, they don’t usually show up on x-rays or other diagnostic tests, and most car accident victims will not mention head or neck pain to their doctor.
One main reason for this is that pain can take time to develop. But this makes it all the more important for car accident victims to take action for their neck pain right away, even if it’s initially minor.
Get the strong arm
What to Do for a Neck Injury After a Car Accident
No matter how the accident occurred, you should get help for your neck pain. And if the Georgia car accident was not your fault, you may be entitled to financial recovery for all your costs, including treatment of your neck pain. But you need to act quickly to protect yourself. That includes getting medical attention.
See a Doctor
Even if your neck pain is minor discomfort initially, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible and tell them about any pain you feel. And if the pain worsens after the first doctor visit, see your doctor again about the changes.
Obtain Medical Records
You’ll have medical documentation that you saw a medical professional after the accident. It will also include any diagnoses you received, such as whiplash, and all treatments to be given, both now and in the future.
This is all good for any car accident claim you make because it supports the fact that you had legitimate injuries and costs associated with treatment.
Obtain Expert Testimony
You’ll have access to testimony from a medical expert who can claim your injuries happened because of the car accident and not before it. In addition, the other driver’s insurance company may look for ways to discredit your injuries.
If they can make your damages seem questionable, they may be able to pay you less. This is unacceptable, but it can happen, so seeing a doctor is the best way to protect yourself and your case after your accident.
Save All Medical Bills
Always keep a record of all expenses you face related to the car accident. That includes doctor bills, co-pays, prescriptions medications, and future treatment you will go through. Medical costs are known as special damages in a car accident case. You have the right to total compensation for these costs, but you’ll need to show a clear record of them.
Call a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
Neck injuries are hard enough to diagnose after any car accident. But if you’re also filing an insurance claim for your costs, it’s best to get the help of a car accident lawyer.
Also, do not accept anything from the insurance company before talking to a lawyer. They have adjusters trained to lowball your settlement amount and try to get you to take much less than you truly deserve.
File an Insurance Claim
The costs of treating your neck pain are known as damages in a car accident case. Suppose the other driver was at fault for your accident due to negligence. In that case, you can file an insurance claim with their auto insurance for all those damages under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-6.
A car accident lawyer can help you with this. Your attorney can also help compile evidence that your neck injuries are real and not exaggerated while preventing the insurance company from taking advantage of you.
Take Care of Yourself
Your doctor will likely give you instructions on how to manage the neck pain at home, as well. That might include taking an over-the-counter medication like Advil or Tylenol, icing the neck injury, or doing gentle stretches. While you want to prove that your injuries are serious, that doesn’t mean not taking care of yourself and making your neck injury worse.
Your well-being is the top priority after a car accident, especially if you are recovering from physical injuries. That’s why hiring a car accident lawyer can be so beneficial. They can help you file a claim for your injuries and other damages while focusing on getting better.
Fight for Financial Compensation
Aside from medical treatment costs, there are many more damages that you can recover a settlement for. Among the most common are:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma
- Property damages
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability or disfigurement
Get compensated for all of your damages and much more. Remember, filing a claim doesn’t guarantee that you’ll win a fair settlement. More often than not, you’ll have to fight against the insurance company. Take action with a dedicated lawyer by your side.
Don’t Settle for Less
Insurance companies love to shift the blame on car accident victims. This is because, in Georgia, a modified comparative negligence system exists under OCGA §51-12-33. As a result, if you’re more than 50% responsible for your accident, you won’t be able to file a claim. Because of this, it’s essential that you get strong legal representation.
Even if you have solid proof of your neck injury, insurance companies will still try to find some way to claim that you’re overreacting or that your injuries aren’t that serious. So don’t let them get away with paying you less than what you deserve. You only have two years to file your claim, so don’t waste any time getting started today.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Don’t wait to get your neck pain treated after a car accident. If you didn’t cause the accident, you shouldn’t have to pay for related expenses that aren’t your fault. That’s why it’s so important to see a doctor, keep detailed records of your bills and other expenses, and work with a car accident attorney who can protect you throughout the process.
At John Foy & Associates, we have represented car accident victims for 20+ years. We’ll go over the details of your accident, including your neck pain, and discuss the best options for you. Contact us anytime or fill out the short form on this page.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
