Atlanta is a beautiful and popular city but also a huge traffic artery with two major highways, I-85 and I-75, which run through the heart of the city. Because of these busy highways with, millions of people passing through Atlanta and Fulton County on their way to other destinations. It’s not a huge surprise that Atlanta is one of the top 5 cities with the most car accidents. In 2021, 32,000 car accidents occurred in the first nine months. Car accidents are again on the rise this year. One of the most common car accident injuries that occur is a back and/or neck injury.
“As more cars are on our roads, some drivers have become more reckless, in the process endangering themselves and others with high speeds and inattentive driving,”
-Mayor Dickens said. Quoted by news 11Alive
So, how can you tell if you have a back and/or next injury from a car accident? What should you do if you have back and/or neck injuries in an Atlanta car accident? Our Atlanta car accident attorneys explain how to tell if you have back or neck injuries and what you should do after a car accident in Atlanta.
How to Tell if You Have a Back or Neck Injury from a Car Accident
Understandably, you will have some pain and stiffness after a car accident. But this pain could be more than just simple soreness from whiplash. Symptoms of a back or neck injury are:
- Nausea and dizziness
- Chills or fever
- Neck pain that moves to your back or shoulder area
- Feeling overtired or having difficulty falling asleep
- Mood changes including anxiety, irritability or depression
With these symptoms, you may have one of several injuries.
Whiplash – one of the most common neck injuries caused by a car accident. Whiplash is caused by the rapid back and forth movement of the head and neck. Severe whiplash can tear the tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, bones, discs, and even the spine.
Sprains and Strains – A common back injury is lumbar strain or sprain. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the lower back are overstretched or torn, causing lower back pain, tightness, or muscle spasms.
Spinal Disc Damage – the discs between the vertebrae cushion the bones. A car accident can damage or move one or more discs out of place, causing bulging discs, tears, or a herniated disc.
But these are only a few neck and back injuries you could sustain from a car accident. The advice we always give our clients is, that it’s best to see a doctor immediately after your accident.
Should You See Medical Attention After a Car Accident?
During a car accident, your body releases large amounts of adrenaline that may mask any pain and injuries. Because of this jolt of adrenaline, you may have delayed symptoms that can take days or weeks to develop. This is why it is best to see a doctor immediately following a car accident instead of assuming you’re fine. The doctor may know you need anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, or physical therapy. Let them do a full examination to determine how to help you heal.
Too many people ignore the symptoms of a back or neck injury. You might believe the pain is normal and will soon fade. Taking it easy and not moving much is okay only for a couple of days. But after that, a lack of movement can cause the healing process to slow down, causing more pain and stiffness.
After your doctor’s appointment, your next call should be to an Atlanta personal injury attorney.
Working With a Personal Injury Attorney in Atlanta
After a car accident with back and neck injuries, you may be tempted to accept the first offer from your insurance company… don’t do it. Your injuries may be worse and last longer than you expected. Working with the insurance companies alone may cause you to miss out on large payments. You deserve to have all your medical bills covered.
When working with a personal injury attorney in Atlanta who is experienced in car crash injuries, you may be entitled to a settlement including money for all of your treatment, your time off work, and your pain and suffering.
It isn’t easy to prove all of the above on your own. An experienced attorney can help you prove the severity of your neck and back injuries due to a car accident.
Here are some ways to collect evidence to help establish your case:
- Your Medical Records – while X-rays and MRIs may not show all neck and back injuries, your medical records will show you received treatment for your injuries
- Doctor’s Testimony – It helps to have a medical expert on your side. Their knowledge of neck and back injuries can help establish your case.
- Keep a Journal – It’s a good idea to keep a journal of your days after a car accident. Write down your pain levels and if you have any dizziness, headaches, nausea, or any other symptoms.
Maximizing Your Insurance Settlement
The amount of settlement the insurance company wants to give you is probably much less than what you need to cover your medical bills. The insurance company will fight to lessen the amount they pay you. This is why you need an expert on your side. Georgia Trial Attorneys are experienced in helping you fight back against the insurance companies.
If you are ready to meet with an attorney, contact us at 833-4TheWin for a complimentary consultation.