If you get into an accident in Valdosta, a neck injury is likely. The force of a crash can cause strains, sprains, and tears to the delicate muscles and tendons. Unfortunately, neck injuries can be costly life-altering for accident victims.
If you or a loved one suffered neck injuries from an accident, you have legal rights. You might need help from a Valdosta neck injury lawyer to seek compensation. At John Foy & Associates, our team is here for you.
We know what it takes to build a personal injury claim for what you deserve. We’ll discuss your medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. From there, we can start fighting for the recovery you need. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Common Neck Injuries from Car Accidents
A car accident can injure your neck in many different ways. Even seemingly minor injuries can become debilitating, so don’t ignore them.
Here are some of the most common neck injuries we see.
Whiplash
According to the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI), soft tissue injuries are the most frequent car accident injuries. Whiplash is a common soft tissue injury that stretches neck muscles and tendons.
Whiplash happens when something whips the neck backward and forward. For example, the movement of a rear-end accident often leads to whiplash. After the crash, it can take time for whiplash to show up.
Symptoms of whiplash can include:
- Neck stiffness or pain
- Shoulder or arm pain
- Numbness in the arms
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Limited range of motion
- Ringing in the ears
Insurance companies often underestimate whiplash. The other driver’s insurer might try to claim that your whiplash isn’t that bad. But don’t let that discourage you.
Whiplash is a genuine condition, and it’s often debilitating. The pain and symptoms can also worsen with time. See your doctor immediately after an accident if you might have whiplash.
Herniated Discs
Your spine contains discs that protect your bones and nerves from harm. During an accident, a disc can slip out of place and compress nerves. You might have symptoms like:
- Pain, aches, or weakness in the neck or back
- Numbness in the neck, arms, shoulders, or hands
- Trouble moving or walking
- Electric-like pain that radiates down the arm
Neck injuries often lead to herniated discs after an accident. The symptoms might start immediately or show up later. If the spinal cord is damaged, symptoms can be more severe. Lost bladder or bowel control are serious signs of disc or spinal cord injuries.
Lacerations
Neck injuries can happen inside or outside of the body. While many neck injuries aren’t visible from the outside, some are very obvious. Neck cuts and lacerations can occur during a crash.
Objects inside of the car can fly around and cut you during the collision. If a door or window breaks, external hazards can cause lacerations.
Neck Fractures
In severe accidents, a victim can break their neck. After a neck fracture, do not move without medical attention. Call 911 immediately for an ambulance. Neck fractures need emergency treatment.
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Don’t Wait to Get Medical Treatment
You might not notice a neck injury right after an accident. When your body gets into a collision, it floods with pain-suppressing hormones like adrenaline.
As you deal with the aftermath, your body is in “fight or flight” mode. You might not realize you have pain until hours or days later. Over time, the pain might intensify — and even become unbearable.
It’s best to see a doctor immediately after an accident. Even if you feel okay, get medical attention just in case. Doing so will prevent further injury while protecting your legal rights.
How We Protect Your Rights
Neck injury cases have unique challenges. Some neck injuries, such as whiplash, do not show up on regular imaging tests. This can lead the insurance company to question whether you’re really injured.
At John Foy & Associates, we know neck injuries are very real. We also believe victims shouldn’t have to pay for an accident they didn’t cause. Those costs include treatment for neck injuries.
We can handle your case by:
- Collecting evidence from your accident
- Determining the guilty party
- Calculating your total damages
- Communicating and negotiating with the insurance companies
- Fighting for the fullest compensation possible
Insurance companies will use many tricks to pay you less. As for-profit businesses, insurers care most about their money. But our lawyers know how to stand up to insurance companies. We’re not afraid to fight for the full financial recovery you deserve.
Contact us today to discuss your legal options. We’ll discuss your accident and create a plan of action. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us today for a free consultation.
Deadline to File Your Claim
If you were not at fault for your accident, you shouldn’t have to pay the costs. All drivers have a “duty of care” to drive safely. If someone breaches their legal duty, they are responsible for the costs. This fact is stated under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-6.
As the injured party, you must bring a personal injury claim against the driver. Most of the time, the driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying. However, be sure to file your claim or lawsuit within the statute of limitations.
The statute of limitations is how long you have to bring a legal case for your accident. In Georgia, you have two years from the accident date to take action. If you miss that date, you won’t be able to recover anything. So, it’s best to start working on your case today.
Talk to a Valdosta Neck Injury Lawyer for Free
Neck injuries from a car accident are serious. A neck injury can cause pain, limited movement, and even disability. If you suffered this type of injury from a crash you didn’t cause, contact us today.
John Foy & Associates has been helping accident victims for over 20 years. We are not afraid to stand up for what you deserve. Our founder is the “Strong Arm” of Georgia for a reason.
Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation. You don’t pay a thing unless we win you money. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
229-232-8678 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form