Indianapolis Neck and Whiplash Injury Lawyers

Neck and whiplash injuries are some of the most common types of injuries that victims suffer from following a car accident. The neck is a sensitive part of the body and can easily become damaged even after minor car incidents. Though minor neck injuries often require little treatment and can heal on their own, severe car accidents can cause more devastating cervical neck injuries.

If you become injured after a car accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries and other damages. If another party is guilty of causing the accident, you can file a personal injury claim against them or their insurance. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for insurers to attempt to deny claims or to reduce compensation amounts to less than what injured victims deserve. For this reason, it is often necessary to work with an attorney who can advocate for your rights and ensure you receive adequate compensation.

At Poynter & Bucheri Accident Recovery, our team will do everything we can to help you and your loved ones seek justice and get the compensation you need to recover and move on with your life. We will walk you through your case and the legal process to ensure all of the necessary steps are taken to win your case. Recovering from whiplash or other neck injuries can be challenging, but our compassionate team of experts does the hard work for you so you can focus on what matters most—your health and recovery.

Let the Law Office of Poynter & Bucheri fight for your rights to protect you and your family. Call us today at 1-800-265-9881 for a free case review.

How Do Neck and Whiplash Injuries Occur?

Neck injuries and whiplash associated disorders can occur when there is sudden force placed on the body, causing the neck to jerk or whip around. Even minor incidents that cause little force can result in the neck tweaking or moving in a sudden way that strains the muscles.

Numerous types of incidents can cause neck injuries, but car accidents tend to be the most common cause, particularly rear-end collisions. Other types of accidents that can result in neck injuries and whiplash include:

If you were injured in an accident and suffered a neck injury, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. Contact our PBAR legal team for a free case review to discuss your legal options for recovering money for your injuries and losses.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the neck whips suddenly back and forth. Doctors may also refer to whiplash as a neck sprain or neck strain. The soft tissues can become overextended and strained when the neck is forced beyond its typical range of motion.

Though whiplash injury can be painful, it is generally considered a more minor neck injury. Pain medications and rest are often all that is suggested, but in some situations, the injury can lead to long-term pain and discomfort.

What Other Neck Injuries Can Occur After a Car Accident?

Aside from whiplash, there are various other types of neck injuries that can occur after a car accident. Typically, the severity of the injury will coincide with the severity of the accident. Minor accidents will likely only result in minor or mild conditions, while severe accidents can lead to more serious neck injuries and complications.

Some common neck injuries seen in patients involved in car accidents include:

  • Neck fractures: When the neck or cervical spine is fractured or broken, it is a severe and life-threatening injury that will require immediate medical attention. These types of injuries often lead to paralysis or even death.
  • Bruising and lacerations: Trauma to the skin around the neck can cause cuts, bruises, or even deep lacerations. Cuts or lacerations often occur from broken glass in the car or other objects striking against the neck.
  • Slipped or herniated discs: Your neck is connected to your cervical spine. When the neck is injured in an accident, it can cause discs in your spine to slip, herniate, rupture, or bulge. In some cases, discs that are damaged can compress against the nerves of the spinal cord, which can cause permanent nerve damage or paralysis.
  • Pinched nerves: There are a lot of nerves all over our body, especially in the neck. When bones, muscles, or tendons are damaged, they can compress against the surrounding nerves in the neck, which can cause pain, numbness, and tingling.
  • Cervical spondylolisthesis: Our necks are also connected to the bones in our vertebrae. When the neck becomes injured, it can cause parts of our vertebrae to dislocate and slip out of alignment. Similar to slipped discs, vertebral bones that become damaged can compress against the nerves in the spinal cord, causing further damage and pain.

Neck and Whiplash Injury Symptoms

When you sustain a neck injury, you might not immediately feel any pain or experience symptoms of whiplash. With neck injuries, it can take hours or even days for signs and symptoms to appear. In other cases, you may feel the pain and experience symptoms immediately; it simply depends on the individual and the extent of their injury and the exact type of neck injury they sustained.

Even if symptoms are not immediately apparent, you should always seek medical attention following an accident. If you wait too long, the damage could get worse and lead to complications. If you are ever in doubt, you should go to the doctor just in case. Medical records showing that you were injured are also important should you decide to find a personal injury claim.

Common signs and symptoms of neck injuries can include:

  • Neck pain
  • Stiff neck
  • Throbbing neck pain
  • Pain that radiates into your back and shoulders
  • Tingling or numbness in the arms
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle spasms in your neck
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Blurred vision
  • Memory problems
  • Irritability
  • Ringing in your ears

How Are Neck Injuries and Whiplash Treated?

If you suspect you have sustained a neck injury, you should see your doctor or visit an emergency room immediately. To diagnose your injury, a doctor will likely perform an exam involving various tests. They will usually perform a physical examination first that assesses your pain, range of motion, and reflexes. They may also ask you a number of questions.

Beyond the physical examination, your doctor will likely order imaging tests, such as:

  • X-rays
  • CT scans
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

After the doctor has determined the exact injury you have sustained and how bad it is, they will suggest treatment options. The options available to you will vary depending on how bad the injury is and your level of pain. Treatment options may include:

  • Prescription pain relievers
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Rest and application of heat or ice
  • Numbing or steroid injections
  • Physical therapy
  • A neck brace to stabilize the area and limit movement
  • Surgery for more serious injuries that involve the spine or vertebrae
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage
  • Chiropractic care
  • Electric nerve stimulation

The recovery time for neck injuries can vary depending on how severe the damage is. Some mild neck injuries may only take a few days to heal, while other more serious injuries can take weeks or even months. In some cases, neck injuries can lead to permanent damage that can affect you for the rest of your life, such as paralysis.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get After Sustaining a Neck Injury in a Car Crash?

There is no way to determine exactly how much money you will be awarded when you file a claim for a neck injury sustained in a car accident. It can vary depending on insurance policy coverages, how bad the injury is, what kind of pain and suffering you are experiencing, and other damages. Many factors will be taken into account before a settlement amount can be determined.

Damages you can receive compensation for after an injury include:

  • Medical expenses and bills
  • Loss of wages if you have to miss work
  • Loss of future earning potential if your injury results in permanent damage that affects your ability to return to work
  • Property damages
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and trauma

When all damages are accounted for, and the insurance company provides a settlement amount, you may still feel that the compensation you are awarded is not enough. In this case, you can potentially pursue further compensation through a lawsuit, or you can work with an attorney to fight against the insurance companies to negotiate for a higher settlement amount.

Our Indianapolis Firm Can Help

When you are suffering from a neck injury, you need a compassionate yet aggressive personal injury lawyer who cares about you and will fight for your rights. Let the Poynter & Bucheri Law Office protect you and your family and get you the compensation you need and deserve to recover from your injuries.Contact our PBAR legal team by calling 1-800-265-9881 to schedule a free consultation with an Indianapolis spinal cord injury lawyer.