Neck injuries in Missouri can have a profound and lasting effect on a person’s mental and physical health. There are many different ways someone can hurt their neck. Hospitals across the U.S. treat an estimated 869,000 motor vehicle-related neck injuries annually, including whiplash, fractures, and spinal cord injuries.
If you’ve sustained a neck injury because of another person’s negligence, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Contact an experienced Missouri neck injury lawyer from our law firm to learn more about your rights.
Neck Injuries and Whiplash as a Result of Motor Vehicles in Missouri
Stiff, aching necks are nothing new in today’s world. Hours spent sitting and staring at screens are responsible for an increasing number of back and neck complaints. However, injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents can be far more serious than mild muscle strain.
The violent motions characteristic of many auto accidents can cause the neck to jerk awkwardly, taking the brunt of the force of the collision. With the torso secured by a seat belt, even a low-speed collision can result in the head being whipped back and forth, causing a type of injury known as whiplash.
The cervical spine (neck) is made up of just seven small bones. With the heavy weight of the head sitting on top of such a delicate structure, it’s not surprising that such forceful movement could result in damage to the surrounding muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and bones.
Here are some quick facts about whiplash many people may not realize:
- Low-speed accidents (around 10 mph) cause the majority of whiplash injuries
- Children and seniors have an increased risk of whiplash
- The pain of whiplash can be disabling, leaving victims unable to work or fully participate in life
- Over two million people suffer a whiplash injury every year in the U.S.
Whiplash and other neck injuries can sometimes go unnoticed after an accident.
While some people notice painful symptoms immediately after a crash, it’s not unusual for the stress and shock of being involved in a collision to distract from physical injuries. In many cases, pain and other symptoms may not begin to occur until 24–72 hours after an injury.
For immediate legal assistance from an experienced Missouri neck injury attorney, contact our legal team today. We offer free case evaluations and are never too busy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have.
What Are Some Types of Neck Injuries?
Whiplash is the most common neck injury related to auto accidents, but it isn’t the only one victims might suffer. Knowing more about the types of neck injuries common in car crashes and their symptoms can help you get better care and increase your chances of making a full recovery.
Whiplash
Any accident that causes the neck and head to be flung back and forth or side to side with great force can result in whiplash. This injury is most frequently caused by rear-end collisions, though it can also occur in different types of accidents.
Many people recover from whiplash within a few weeks with rest, medication, and physical therapy. For some, however, the injury can have long-lasting effects and lead to other complications.
Symptoms of whiplash include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches originating at the base of the skull
- Numbness and tingling in the arms
- Stiffness and pain in the neck
- Pain that worsens with movement
- Difficulty sleeping
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
- Pain in upper back, arms, or shoulder
- Difficulty focusing
The symptoms of whiplash can be mild or severe enough to cause disability. Some crash victims lose range of motion in their necks and upper extremities and suffer debilitating chronic pain. Older adults and those who have had whiplash before are at higher risk of severe complications.
Pinched Nerves
A nerve can become “pinched” when the surrounding soft tissues (tendons, ligaments, and muscles) become inflamed and put pressure on the nerve. This might happen when the neck is injured in an auto accident and the strained tissues become inflamed.
A pinched nerve can produce numerous uncomfortable symptoms, such as:
- Muscle spasms
- Weakness in the nearby muscles
- Sharp pain at the site of the nerve
Many people recover once the worst of the inflammation subsides, but some complications can be ongoing. Steroid injections or surgery may be required to relieve the chronic pain of a pinched nerve.
Herniated Discs
A herniated cervical disc can occur when the disc is subjected to great pressure, causing the jelly-like fluid inside to bulge out of the encapsulating membrane. The most common cause of herniated discs is wear and tear, but injuries like those associated with auto accidents can also be responsible.
Some of the symptoms of a herniated cervical disc injury include:
- Neck pain
- Weakness in one or both arms
- Tingling in the shoulder or arm (usually on one side)
- Pain radiating down the arm (usually on one side)
Treatment typically includes physical therapy, medication, and steroid injections. Surgeries like microdiscectomy for cervical fusion may be necessary in some cases.
Fractured Cervical Spine (Broken Neck)
A fractured cervical spine is a rare but serious condition that can result from an auto accident. Its symptoms include severe pain, loss of mobility, and loss of consciousness.
This type of injury requires immediate emergency care. Complex surgery is necessary to repair the fracture, and the lengthy recovery process requires the support of a rehabilitation team. Safely, permanent paralysis and other life-altering complications are common outcomes.
For more information on the types of neck injuries, schedule a consultation with an experienced Missouri neck injury lawyer from our law firm today.
The Effects of Neck Injuries on a Person’s Daily Life
The personal impact of a neck injury depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of the injury and the health of the individual who suffers it. When a neck injury causes chronic pain, it can impact every aspect of a person’s life, including their ability to perform simple daily activities.
Research from the Centers for Disease Control found that nearly 10% of workers are forced to stop working or change jobs because of pain.
The economic impact of a neck injury also affects seniors. Older people may accrue considerable medical debt or be forced to sell their homes because pain prevents them from managing household upkeep.
Chronic pain can also increase an individual’s risk of developing a mental health condition. People living with constant pain see an increased risk of depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and other mood disorders. Similarly, self-medicating with alcohol or misusing prescription pain medications may lead to addiction use disorders.
For more information on how a neck injury affects a person’s life, reach out to a skilled Missouri personal injury lawyer at our firm today.
Why Is It So Important to Get Medical Treatment After an Injury or Accident?
Seeking medical care as soon as possible after an auto accident is always advisable. Always follow your doctor’s medical advice, and make sure to keep any recommended follow-up appointments, such as physical therapy or diagnostic testing.
Delaying medical care could make recovering from a neck injury more difficult. If you consult an experienced Missouri neck injury lawyer after a car or truck accident, they’ll therefore advise you to seek immediate care.
Having a record of your medical care and treatment isn’t just advantageous for those who want to file a lawsuit. Getting a checkup after an accident is the best option for your overall health and well-being. Treating an injury like it’s “no big deal” could result in months or even years of unnecessary pain and complications.
Since the symptoms of a neck injury don’t always manifest right away, diagnostic medical tests like X-rays and MRIs are necessary to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
During an accident, the body’s fight-or-flight response causes a surge of endorphins and adrenaline. These hormones allow you to function in emergency situations, but they also mask pain symptoms. Once hormone levels return to normal, severe pain and other symptoms may become impossible to ignore.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Neck or Back Injury in Missouri?
Establishing liability for an auto accident can be complex.
The circumstances leading to the injury influence who can be found legally responsible. For example, a driver who was operating their vehicle recklessly or failed to follow traffic rules could be found liable. In some cases, multiple drivers could even be to blame. However, motorists aren’t the only ones who can cause an accident.
Property owners who create unsafe conditions, including the owners of parking structures, might also be legally responsible for a victim’s injuries. A lack of signage or poor visibility can make it more likely for even careful drivers to be involved in a collision.
Similarly, auto manufacturers or retailers who sell defective parts may be found legally liable for injuries. If one of these parties knowingly used or sold dangerous vehicles or parts, the courts may find them liable for accidents involving those vehicles or parts.
In some cases, it’s not the accident itself but poor medical care that leads to complications. If a medical professional is negligent in caring for a neck injury, they can be found liable as part of a malpractice claim.
Determining liability isn’t always straightforward — it can take lots of research and investigation to uncover all of the relevant facts.
Most people don’t have the time or expertise for this kind of work, especially if they’re recovering from an injury. Consulting a Missouri neck injury lawyer is the best way to determine who is liable for an injury.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Neck Injury Claim in Missouri?
Every state has laws and regulations for filing injury claims. Missouri operates under an “at-fault” system, meaning the person who is at fault for an accident is responsible for paying damages to the injured party.
However, Missouri also has a comparative negligence rule. Therefore, you may be entitled to some compensation for your accident even if you were partially responsible.
For example, if another driver hit you while speeding through a red light but you were making an illegal left turn, you would both be considered at fault. In such cases, the costs and liability are shared, with each party’s exact percentage of fault being determined by the court.
The statute of limitations for filing a neck claim injury is another important consideration. In Missouri, injury victims are allowed up to five years from the date of the injury to file a claim.
One notable exception to the standard statute of limitations involves the discovery rule. “Discovery” refers to the pre-trial evidence-finding process required to build a legal case. A Missouri neck injury lawyer will need to request documents, interview witnesses, take depositions, and speak to experts before presenting a case at trial.
If the victim’s injury goes unnoticed or undiagnosed for several weeks after their accident, the discovery process will naturally be delayed. Adjusting the deadline to account for a legitimate delay in discovery serves to ensure a fair trial.
More Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations
Five years may seem like more than enough time to file a personal injury claim. However, accident-related neck injuries can be extremely severe.
Some victims may be hospitalized or in rehabilitation facilities for many months following a collision, and it can take years for them to regain function and mobility. Giving injured parties time to focus on their recovery is seen as a necessity under Missouri law.
Other exceptions to the statute of limitations may be made for victims under 21 and those who are mentally incapacitated by an accident. In such cases, the court may agree to start the five-year limit when the injured party turns 21 or regains competency.
Lastly, the statute of limitations may be paused if the defendant leaves the state between the time of the accident and the time a suit is filed. For example, if a Missouri resident causes an accident and then leaves the state for three months, the plaintiff would have five years and three months from the date of the accident to file their claim.
Experienced Missouri Neck Injury Lawyers
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we believe injury victims should be free to focus on their recovery without giving up their legal right to financial compensation. When you choose us to handle your injury claim, we’ll take care of all necessary communication and negotiation with the at-fault party and their insurer so you don’t have to.
Being in an accident can change your life in unexpected ways. We’re here to provide vital security and support by fighting for the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you love has suffered a neck injury in a motor vehicle accident, contact us today to discuss your next steps.
Our legal team has helped car accident victims throughout the state of Missouri including Kansas City, Florissant, Pine Lawn, St. Louis, Columbia, Kirksville, Springfield, and Cape Girardeau.
