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Colorado Springs Neck Injury Attorney

Car accidents are often violent. When two vehicles collide, the result can be catastrophic for all of the passengers involved. In particular, car accident neck injuries are extremely common during collisions, due to the transfer of force between the vehicles. Car accident victims are often tossed around the car – and even when they wear their seat belts, their necks can be snapped back and forth causing serious trauma to the delicate vertebrae and surrounding tissue.

Why Choose the Neck Injury Lawyers in Colorado Springs?

If this happens to you, contact our experienced car accident attorney in Colorado Springs for help immediately. Car accident neck injuries are usually serious because of their ability to result in long-term disability, pain, and reduced mobility. If the injury is severe enough, a victim can even become paralyzed. Even seemingly minor neck injuries can easily turn into chronic conditions, resulting in a lifetime of pain and therapy.

If you have sustained a neck injury as a result of a car accident, you know how life-altering it can be. Such injuries can lead to chronic pain, and mobility issues, and can drastically impact your quality of life. At Green Law Firm P.C., our team of seasoned Colorado Springs neck injury attorneys is dedicated to advocating for victims of neck injuries.

We understand the complexity of these cases and will work diligently to secure the compensation you need to cover medical bills, loss of income, and other associated costs. Trust us to fight on your behalf, providing you with the experienced, compassionate legal counsel you need during this challenging time. Contact us today for your free consultation.

How Do You Prove Your Injuries to the Insurance Company in Colorado Springs?

Proving a neck injury to an insurance company following a car accident often involves multiple steps and requires several types of evidence. Here are some pieces of evidence that can help prove your case:

  • Medical Records: These are crucial in proving the severity and cause of your neck injury. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately following a car accident, even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not present symptoms until days after the incident. Your medical records should detail the diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis of your injury.
  • Medical Bills: Keep track of all medical expenses related to your neck injury, including costs for hospital visits, medications, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment. These can help establish the financial impact of your injury.
  • Accident Report: The police report from the accident can provide crucial details about the incident, such as the location, time, weather conditions, and any citations issued. It may also include statements from both drivers and witnesses, which can be important in establishing fault.
  • Photographs: Photos taken at the scene of the accident can provide valuable evidence. This includes photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and visible injuries.
  • Witness Statements: If there were witnesses to the accident, their statements can corroborate your account of the incident and help prove that the other party was at fault.
  • Expert Testimony: In some cases, it may be helpful to have a medical expert testify about the extent of your injury, the likely cause, and the expected future impact on your life.
  • Evidence of Lost Wages: If your neck injury caused you to miss work, documentation of your normal wages and the time you missed can help demonstrate the financial impact of your injury.

Remember, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to try to minimize payouts. Unfortunately, neck injuries can be difficult to prove to insurance companies – especially when the injury fails to show up on an MRI or CT Scan.

As such, victims with neck injuries need an experienced lawyer on their side to establish their claim and fight aggressively with insurance companies. Neck injury victims will need money to pay for physical therapy, medical appointments, and pain medications, as well as lost wages.

Statute of Limitations for Colorado Springs Car Accident Neck Injuries

In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which includes car accident neck injuries, is typically two (2) years from the date of the accident. This means that if you’ve suffered a neck injury due to a car accident, you generally have two (2) years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the party you believe to be responsible.

However, there are certain exceptions. If your claim is against a government entity – for example, if a poorly maintained road contributed to your accident – the time limit to file a claim is usually much shorter, typically around 180 days. On the other hand, in some circumstances, the statute of limitations may be extended. This could happen if the injury was not immediately discovered.

Please note that even if you begin by negotiating with an insurance company, the statute of limitations still applies. If you don’t file a lawsuit within the prescribed time, you could lose your right to seek compensation through the court system.

Common Types of Car Accident Neck Injuries

The most common neck injuries that occur in a car accident are:

  • Cervical spinal cord severing (paralysis) – This is one of the most severe neck injuries that can occur in a car accident. If the cervical (neck) portion of the spinal cord is severed or damaged, it can lead to paralysis, which may be partial or complete, and often results in quadriplegia – paralysis of all four limbs. A spinal injury is a life-changing injury that requires extensive medical treatment and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
  • Neck sprains – A neck sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament (the tissue that connects bones together) in the neck. This can occur when the neck suddenly twists or turns beyond its normal range, which can occur during a car accident. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and swelling.
  • WhiplashWhiplash is one of the most common neck injuries resulting from car accidents. It occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully thrown forward and then backward, causing a whip-like motion that can strain or tear the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Whiplash can cause severe pain, limited neck movement, headaches, and dizziness.
  • Herniated cervical discs – The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, each separated by a disc. A herniated disc, often caused by the impact of a car accident, occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a disc pushes out through a tear in its tough exterior. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, or even hands.
  • Neck fractures – A neck fracture is a break in one or more of the cervical bones. This is a serious injury that can potentially lead to paralysis or even death, depending on the severity of the break. Symptoms can include severe pain, swelling, tenderness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and an inability to move the affected area.
  • Cervical dislocation – This injury occurs when a cervical bone shifts out of its normal position, often as a result of a high-impact collision. A cervical dislocation can damage the spinal cord, leading to temporary or permanent paralysis.
  • Neck muscle tears – A neck muscle tear occurs when the muscle fibers in the neck are stretched or torn. This can result from the sudden jolt of a car accident. Symptoms often include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the neck.

Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common – yet, most misunderstood neck injuries. Unlike other neck injuries, there is no definitive test to diagnose whiplash. The damage is done to the tendons and ligaments of the neck, and can be difficult to spot – even on an MRI. Yet the pain and the stiffness you feel is very real. Whiplash symptoms can range from mild stiffness and pain to more debilitating back pain, neck pain, and even reduced movement of the neck. If undiagnosed and left untreated, whiplash can result in a lifetime of limited mobility, pain, and decreased quality of life.

Herniated Cervical Disc Injuries

A herniated cervical disc can be very debilitating. It is caused by tears in the discs during the accident. When the disc tears, the soft substance inside of the disc is pushed out, putting pressure on the spinal cord. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, partial paralysis, and weakness in the arms and legs.

Causes of Colorado Springs Car Accident Neck Injuries

Car accident neck injuries can occur for a variety of reasons, often stemming from the forceful impact and sudden movements involved in a collision. Here are some common causes:

  • Rear-End Collisions: These accidents are one of the most common causes of whiplash, as the sudden jolt can cause the head and neck to snap forward and then backward.
  • Head-On Collisions: The intense force of a head-on collision can cause severe neck injuries, including fractures, dislocations, and even spinal cord injuries.
  • Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as “T-bone” accidents, these can cause the head and neck to be thrown to the side, potentially leading to sprains, strains, or other neck injuries.
  • Seatbelt Malfunctions: While seatbelts save lives, they can also cause injuries if they do not function properly. A faulty seatbelt may not restrain the occupant sufficiently, causing the neck to move forcefully in a crash.
  • High-Speed Collisions: Accidents that occur at high speeds can result in particularly severe injuries due to the force of the impact, potentially leading to life-altering conditions like paralysis.
  • Rollover Accidents: When a vehicle flips or rolls, occupants can be violently tossed around, leading to potential neck injuries.
  • Airbag Malfunctions: When an airbag deploys too forcefully or fails to deploy at all, it can result in serious neck injuries.

Contact our Colorado Springs Neck Injury Attorney Today

Don’t navigate the aftermath of a car accident and the complexities of a neck injury claim on your own. Reach out to our dedicated team at Green Law Firm P.C. in Colorado Springs today. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process, advocating for your rights, and tirelessly working to secure the compensation you deserve.

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a neck injury can take and we’re committed to offering you the legal support you need during this challenging time. Contact our Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation. Let us help you take the first steps toward your recovery and justice.