A neck injury can have a serious and debilitating impact on your life. The neck is a crucial yet delicate part of the human body, consisting of seven bones that make up the cervical vertebrae. Any fractures in this area can result in severe complications and, in certain circumstances, even prove fatal.
In Spokane car accidents, bone fractures in the neck are an unfortunately common injury, particularly in high-speed collisions or instances where the driver or passenger experiences sudden jerks or whiplash, and can have long-lasting effects on a person’s physical and mental health.
Since these types of injuries are common in car accidents and can have serious consequences, it is extremely important for both drivers and passengers in Spokane to understand these risks and be aware of what their options are if they do suffer a neck fracture.
Contact Experienced Spokane Car Accident Lawyers Today
Any injury in a car accident can be a distressing and painful experience, yet it’s a common occurrence in Spokane and surrounding areas. In these unfortunate situations, having reliable legal support becomes crucial. At CCD Law, our team of experienced Spokane car accident lawyers has been providing our clients with the necessary guidance and assistance since 1948. Whether you have suffered a neck fracture or any other injury, our team is equipped to help you recover. Contact us today for a free consultation and let our team help you.
How Do Neck Fractures Happen in Spokane Car Accidents?
When there is a car accident, a number of different factors are in play that can lead to fractures in the neck. Generally speaking, these fractures happen when the impact force causes the neck to go beyond its normal range of motion. Other times, impact with a hard, stationary object inside or outside the car can also cause a neck fracture.
Moreover, virtually any type of car accident can cause a neck fracture at either a low or high-speed collision. That said, there are certain ways that neck fractures are more likely to occur during a car accident:
- Sudden jerks caused by rear-end collisions.
- Whiplash injuries resulting from the sudden acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle during a collision.
- Head-on collisions, which can cause a significant impact on the neck.
- T-bone collisions, where the car is struck from the side, causing the neck to twist or bend unnaturally.
- Rollover accidents, where the car flips over, causing the neck to experience extreme movements.
- Collisions involving pedestrians or cyclists, where the neck can be injured due to the impact.
- Side-impact collisions can cause the neck to move in unnatural ways due to the force of the impact.
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups, where the neck can sustain injuries due to multiple impacts.
After a car accident where a neck fracture or injury has occurred, it’s imperative that you don’t move or touch the person that’s injured. Instead, call for medical help immediately and have EMTs or other professionals treat the injury. After that, seeing a specialist is vital to getting a diagnosis of the injury and what the treatment plan should be.
Types of Neck Fractures Common in Spokane Car Accidents
Because of its relative proximity to the spinal cord, the bones in your neck are extremely important to supporting the stability and function of this area of your body. Also, your neck is a complex structure composed not just of bones but muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Any damage to this area can affect multiple functions of your body. Still, a neck fracture is somewhat unique in terms of the pain and complications it can cause. This can include:
- Paralysis
- Loss of sensation
- Chronic pain
- Restricted movement
- Nerve damage
- Breathing difficulty
- Swallowing difficulty
- Cognitive changes
On top of these complications, there are a variety of different types of neck fractures that can happen in a car accident, like:
- Spinous Process Fracture – This type of fracture involves a break in the bony projections that extend from the back of each cervical vertebra.
- Transverse Process Fracture – This type of fracture occurs when the bony projections on the side of each cervical vertebra are broken.
- Compression Fracture – A compression fracture of the neck occurs when one or more cervical vertebrae collapse or break due to the impact of the accident.
- Burst Fracture – This type of fracture occurs when the vertebrae in the neck are shattered into small pieces.
- Dislocation Fracture – This type of fracture occurs when the ligaments that hold the vertebrae in place are torn, causing the vertebrae to shift out of position.
- Flexion-Distraction Fracture – This type of fracture is commonly known as a “whiplash” injury and occurs when the neck is violently thrown forward and backward, causing the vertebrae to move beyond their normal range of motion.
- Hangman’s Fracture – This type of fracture occurs when the second cervical vertebra is broken due to a sudden, forceful impact, such as in a head-on collision.
Obviously, the complications that can come with a neck fracture and its related injuries can profoundly impact your life. Not only do you have to deal with recovery from the initial injury, but changes in your quality of life and ability to enjoy things as you once did usually accompany these injuries. That’s why it’s important to understand your legal options that can aid your recovery.
Liability in Spokane Car Accidents
In Washington, as in other places, responsibility for the car accident that left you with a neck fracture depends on the specific circumstances. Generally speaking, though, the person or party who caused the accident due to negligent or reckless behavior is considered liable for any damages or injuries resulting from the accident.
Negligence, in legal terms, can take many forms:
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
Depending on the nature of your accident, multiple parties could share in the liability, so it’s important to speak with our team of experienced car accident lawyers to understand your options better. We can assist you in filing a claim with the appropriate insurance company, negotiating a settlement, or pursuing legal action against the responsible parties.
Legal Options After a Spokane Car Accident
Legally speaking, you have several options to recover “damages” after your car accident in Spokane. Damages refer to things like your medical bills and other losses that you suffered as a result of the accident.
Usually, the first option is to file an insurance claim against the at-fault party. If that process doesn’t meet your needs, the second is to file a personal injury lawsuit. The main difference between these two processes is that an insurance claim is outside of the legal system, while a lawsuit requires filing a complaint in civil court against the person. While these processes have unique procedures, both ultimately allow you to be compensated for your injuries. In a successful claim, you can recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses, which cover the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, and rehabilitation services.
- Lost wages, or compensation for the income you lose due to missing work.
- Property damage can include the cost to repair or replace any vehicle damage or other property that was damaged in the accident.
- Costs relating to the pain and suffering you experience from the accident, which include physical and emotional distress.
- Costs relating to your loss of enjoyment of life, like the inability to participate in hobbies or activities that you once did.
It’s important to remember that what you’re able to recover depends on the circumstances of your accident and the extent of your injuries and other damages. Most importantly, you’ll need support and guidance to make it through this sometimes challenging process. Our team of dedicated Spokane car accident lawyers can provide you with this every step of the way.
Work With Experienced Spokane Car Accident Lawyers
Suffering a neck fracture or any other injury in a car accident is a stressful and traumatic event. However, our team of experienced and dedicated Spokane car accident lawyers can help ensure a smooth recovery process. At CCD Law, we understand the challenges that come with neck fractures, and our unique approach sets us apart.
We will take the time to explain the legal process, provide personalized attention, and be there every step of the way to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
