Trucks Wrecks Are a Pain in the Neck: Common Truck Collision Injuries of the Neck
The most common type of traffic accident injury is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head is flung backward and then forward, causing the muscles and ligaments in the neck to be pushed beyond their normal range of movement.
In truck accidents, the velocity and tremendous force of the collision causes your head to violently jerk when you apply the brakes
or during the moment of impact.
Every action has an equal but opposite reaction, so when your forward moving vehicle slams into a truck, your forward momentum will be exerted back toward you, forcing your head back as well.
Whiplash Symptoms
Whiplash can be annoying, but it is a relatively mild injury and should heal itself over time. Many people find relief from the following whiplash symptoms by taking some pain medication, applying ice or heat, and doing small exercises:
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Stiffness
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Dizziness
- Low back pain
- Fatigue
- Pain or numbness in the arm that can extend into the hand
A whiplash injury might not be immediately apparent. In fact, sometimes symptoms don’t present themselves for a day or longer after the accident. However, a medical professional may be able to detect physical damage before symptoms manifest in order to prevent, or at least ease, pain and suffering.
Other Common Impact Neck Injuries
Whiplash isn’t the only possible consequence after a collision with a commercial van or tractor-trailer. Two other potential neck injuries are very common and should be kept in mind as potential risks:
- Herniated discs. A herniated disc, also called a ruptured or slipped disc, is when a disc from your spinal cord bulges or breaks open. A herniated disc in your neck is slightly more serious than whiplash, but treatment is very similar. Taking it slow, dulling pain with medication, and doing doctor-recommended exercises can prove to be very effective. In more serious situations, surgery may be an option, but it is not common.
- Neck fractures. A neck fracture is more commonly referred to as a broken neck. This means that one or more of your vertebrae were broken in the accident. Neck fractures are not to be taken lightly. If you experience swelling, bruising, limb numbness, or paralysis you should consult your doctor immediately so that he can perform the proper tests to determine the severity of your injury. A minor injury will probably be treated with a cervical brace or collar worn for a few weeks. Severe fractures may require surgery, and your injuries may take a very long time to heal.
Recovery and Compensation
Recovering from a neck injury can be expensive and keep you from being able to work for a long period of time. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, there is no reason you should have to bear all of the costs. To learn more about possibly filing a personal injury suit against the negligent party call us today at 800-232-3711 and schedule a FREE consultation.
A claim against a truck company, driver, or manufacturer can require some wrangling, as the insurance companies that represent them can be ruthless. It is their job to pay you as little as possible for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses you may have incurred, and they will do everything they can to look after their own interests, not yours. Steve Lee, on the other hand, prides himself in putting the client first. Come see how he can help you during your recovery.