Neck Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents Can Be Catastrophic
Given how exposed and vulnerable motorcyclists are during collisions, neck injuries are probably more common than you think. It’s estimated that neck injuries occur in approximately 22 percent of motorcycle accidents. That’s the same percentage as head injuries. Our Redmond, WA accident attorneys can help motorcyclists who’ve been seriously injured in a crash.
The severity of the neck injuries can vary, from relatively minor to catastrophic and life-changing. The lawyers of the Quick Law Group, PLLC would like to consider some different types of neck injuries.
Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash refers to the sudden stretching and movement of the neck, resulting in strain and spraining of the upper portion of the spine. Sudden start-and-stop motions are the most common cause of whiplash, and the injury is likely to occur when someone is struck from behind. Whiplash can lead to soreness and stiffness in the neck, dizziness, headaches, disorientation, poor balance, and other issues. Symptoms may take a day or two to be apparent.
Herniated Discs of the Cervical Spine
Between each of your vertebrae is a small spongy disc. These vertebral discs help with the proper motion and movement of the neck. When these discs are forced out of place, they bulge outward. This is known as a herniated disc. These injuries most often occur in the lower back, but they can occur in the neck following severe trauma. Herniated discs cause severe pain and limit a person’s range of movement.
Fractured Vertebrae in the Neck
The individual vertebrae in the neck could be damaged during a collision. Even just hairline fractures in the cervical vertebrae need to be taken seriously as they can result in pain while moving the neck. Surgery will often be necessary to mend the broken bones and restore some amount of strength and mobility to the neck.
Soft Tissue Damage in the Neck Area
There’s more to the neck than just the vertebrae and the vertebral discs. The muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves of the upper back and neck can be seriously injured during a motorcycle accident. These soft tissue injuries can affect the neck and head as well as the shoulders and arms.
Quadriplegia and Paralysis
The most serious kind of neck injury is one that severs the spinal cord and results in paralysis. The loss of use of all limbs is known as quadriplegia. The further up the neck the spinal cord damage occurs, the more serious the impairment. For instance, some quadriplegics require mechanical assistance simply to breathe in and breathe out. As you can imagine, the whole course of your life will be changed if you experience such an injury.
The Road to Recovery Can Be Long and Difficult
Following neck injuries, the road to recovery can take a long time. Vertebral damage or herniated discs could require surgery to make necessary repairs. The surgery could limit neck movement if vertebrae have to be fused together. Soft tissue injuries can similarly have a lasting impact, with arm movement and grip strength changed forever even with physical therapy.
If a person is rendered a quadriplegic, there is no cure for the condition. This means the need for constant assistance and medical care simply to go about the day as normal. A change in career and overall outlook on and approach to life will be necessary given the tragic nature of these injuries.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable
Given the nature of neck injuries and how they can impact your life, our lawyer are here to help. We will hold negligent parties accountable for their actions and help you seek damages to cover medical costs, lost wages, and the emotional pain and suffering you and your loved ones have had to endure.
Learn More About Motorcycle Accident Cases
For more information about your legal rights and options following a motorcycle accident, be sure to contact the lawyers of Quick Law Group, PLLC. We will help you in your time of need, offering expert counsel and compassionate legal assistance.
