A motorcycle accident can lead to serious injuries including a neck injury, which occurs when your head moves forcefully, possibly damaging your spinal nerves and neck muscles. After this accident, you should seek immediate medical attention to undergo extensive medical examinations and treatments. Depending on the severity of your neck injury, you may need surgery or rehabilitative therapy. Because a neck injury can lead to significant losses for you, recognizing the need to seek legal advice can motivate you to pursue monetary compensation successfully. If you are looking for the best attorney for the job, click here.
Kinds of Neck Injuries You May Suffer from a Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle accident can leave you suffering from any of the following neck injuries:
- Spinal cord injuries. The spinal cord is composed of delicate nerves and soft tissues that extend from the lower back to the skull. This part of the human body facilitates movement. But sudden vertebral trauma can lead to spinal cord injuries, possibly resulting in paralysis.
- This neck injury happens when the body is thrust forward following a collision with another vehicle. This accident can cause the neck to extend and snap backward. With such sudden movement, the muscles and ligaments can get torn, leading to serious discomfort and pain.
- Neck fracture. Serious accidents may result in cervical fracture, where your vertebrae suddenly crack. These injuries are quite painful and can result in joint paralysis, which limits your movements.
- Sprains and strains. Less serious neck injuries may lead to muscle tears and bruising, resulting in sprains and strains. As the injury site gets inflamed, further discomfort and muscle spasms can develop.
- Herniated or slipped disc. A motorcycle accident can cause the spine’s intervertebral discs to protrude from the spine, pinching nerves and resulting in a slipped disc.
- Lacerations and abrasions. Broken glass and other sharp objects can cause deep wounds and lacerations in the neck. Abrasions happen when the skin’s top layer is scraped during a collision.
Neck Injury Symptoms
The impacts of your neck injury following a motorcycle accident in Alpharetta can vary in severity, possibly leading to permanent spinal damage or paralysis. After an accident, you may experience different symptoms like pinched nerves and muscle spasms, which can cause more severe complications such as fractures and slipped discs. Neck injuries usually present symptoms such as headaches, loss of range of motion, blurred vision, shoulder pain, neck stiffness, difficulty speaking, and confusion.
Steps to Take After a Neck Injury
After suffering a neck injury in a motorcycle accident, below are the steps you must take:
- See a doctor right away. Seek prompt medical attention to get proper treatment for your injuries. Timely intervention can prevent further spinal damage and reduce the risk of serious complications. Also, medical documentation will support your insurance claim and lawsuit.
- Document the crash scene. If possible, stay at the accident scene and call the police to file a report of the accident. Take photos or videos of the scene because they can serve as evidence in your case.
- Consult with an attorney. As you navigate the complex claim process, you need the guidance of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. The attorney can be your advocate, helping you get the compensation you are entitled to. They make sure the compensation covers all your damages including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. By having legal representation, you can concentrate on your recovery while your lawyer takes care of the legal aspects of the case. In addition, your attorney will collect the necessary evidence to support your claim, handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies, as well as represent you in court, if necessary.
