No matter the circumstances, getting into a car accident is always an unfortunate event. In a best-case scenario, you have minor damages and can drive away after exchanging information with the other driver. In a worst-case scenario, someone is severely injured — or there is a fatality. When it comes to the minor variety, you hope that a few calls to the insurance companies will take care of everything. But, what do you do if you start experiencing neck pain soon after? How long does it last after a car crash? And, when is it time to see a doctor?
Neck Pain After a Car Accident
Something you should always keep in mind is that it’s possible to be involved in a car accident, think you have no injuries, then later find out that you do have some internal damage that’s now causing chronic pain. This could be due to two factors:
An Adrenaline Rush After the Accident
Whenever you’re faced with a stressful situation — particularly one that may place your life in danger — the adrenal glands in your body release adrenaline. This hormone causes you to be more alert and react on instinct. It’s part of your fight or flight response. It may also numb you to pain temporarily. It is for this reason that it’s common for individuals to be involved in a car accident and not even realize that they’re hurt.
You Have an Injury That Takes a While to Manifest
Certain injuries — such as lacerations and damage to the spinal cord — are evident immediately. Even if adrenaline prevents you from feeling pain, you can see the actual cuts or perceive a loss of sensation. However, injuries such as whiplash or herniated discs may take a while to exhibit symptoms. And, if left untreated, could develop into more serious complications — such as nerve damage, chronic pain, or permanent disability.
How long does neck pain last after a car accident?
How long the pain will last depends on the type and severity of the injury. You may also experience other symptoms relating to the injury prior to developing neck pain. For example, if the accident resulted in whiplash, you may experience dizziness, severe headaches, blurred vision, and/or ringing in your ears. For other types of injuries, it may take a few weeks until you notice the pain.
When to See a Doctor Due to Neck Pain After a Car Accident
You should always see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. Wrongly determining that you are not injured will result in receiving less compensation than you’re entitled to, as well as increasing the risk of medical complications. Seeking medical care ensures you get imaging of your spine. Your doctor will be able to identify fractures, strains, herniated discs, or anything else that may cause inflammation.
Waiting to seek this care provides the other party’s insurance company an opportunity to blame your pain on something else — such as going to the gym, doing manual labor, or carrying heavy groceries. Also, if you experience another unfortunate event — such as a fall or getting injured while playing sports — it would be an uphill battle to prove the car accident was the source of your neck injury. Since Section 550.026 of the Texas Transportation Code only requires filing a police report if there were obvious injuries or death, or damage to a vehicle to the extent that it cannot be driven away, you may not have much to document details of the accident if you wait too long to obtain a medical evaluation.
If you don’t have health insurance — or if you’re not sure whether your insurance policy will cover auto accidents — talk to an experienced personal injury attorney in Texas. We can send a letter of protection to your doctor assuring that your treatment will be paid from money recovered from your settlement. This can allow you to receive care without paying for treatment upfront. And, since Texas is a fault jurisdiction, this means that if the other driver caused the car accident, they will be held liable for the costs of your medical bills. If the accident was caused by both of the drivers, Section 33.001 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code establishes that you may not recover damages if your percentage of fault is greater than 50%.
Civil Litigation Attorneys in Texas
If you were injured in an auto accident and want to know how to move forward, the experienced attorneys at The Weycer Law Firm can help.
Discuss your case for FREE today by contacting us online or by calling (713) 668-4545.
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney/client relationship.