In motor vehicle crashes and other accidents in Colorado, neck injuries pose significant dangers and can result in severe, long-lasting consequences. Whiplash, herniated discs, and cervical fractures are common neck injuries that often lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and even permanent disability. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment, including physical therapy, surgeries, and ongoing pain management. The impact on a victim’s life is profound, potentially affecting their ability to work, perform daily activities, and maintain their quality of life.
If you or a loved one has suffered a neck injury due to someone else’s negligence, look no further than Dave Ganderton at Ganderton Law, LLC. As a Best of the Springs (The Gazette) 2024 Winner, our neck injury law firm in Colorado is dedicated to putting the “personal” back into personal injury law. With over 17 years of experience, neck injury attorney Dave Ganderton is uniquely equipped to handle your case with a deep understanding of both prosecution and defense tactics.
Common Types of Neck Injuries
Some common neck injuries following car crashes and other accidents include:
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most prevalent neck injuries resulting from car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backward and then forward, causing strain or sprain to the neck’s muscles and ligaments. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. In severe cases, it can lead to chronic pain and long-term disability.
Cervical Fractures
Cervical fractures, or broken neck bones, are severe injuries that can occur during high-impact accidents such as car crashes or falls. These fractures can involve one or more of the seven vertebrae in the cervical spine. Depending on the severity, a cervical fracture can lead to significant pain, loss of mobility, and even paralysis if the spinal cord is affected.
Herniated Discs
The cervical spine consists of intervertebral discs that act as cushions between the vertebrae. During an accident, the force can cause these discs to herniate or bulge out, putting pressure on the spinal nerves. Symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck include sharp pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the shoulders, arms, and hands.
Neck Strain
Neck strain involves the overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons in the neck. This injury is often caused by sudden movements or forceful impacts, commonly seen in a car accident and slip-and-falls. Symptoms of neck strain include pain, muscle spasms, and reduced range of motion.
Cervical Dislocation
A cervical dislocation occurs when the ligaments that hold the cervical vertebrae in place are torn or severely stretched, causing the bones to become misaligned. This type of injury can result from high-impact accidents and is often accompanied by severe pain, swelling, and potential nerve damage.
Neck Sprains
Neck sprains are similar to strains but involve the ligaments instead of the muscles. This injury is caused by the same mechanisms as neck strains and presents with similar symptoms, including pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Facet Joint Injuries
Facet joints are small stabilizing joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae. During an accident, these joints can be damaged, leading to facet joint syndrome. Symptoms include localized neck pain, headaches, and pain in the shoulders and upper back.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Accidents can also cause soft tissue injuries, which include damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck area. These injuries can lead to pain, swelling, bruising, and decreased neck function.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that sends signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand. An accident can cause these nerves to stretch or tear, leading to pain, weakness, and loss of function in the affected arm and hand.
Common Causes of Neck Injuries in Colorado
Our lawyers for neck injuries at Ganderton Law, LLC can identify the cause and the negligent action of the defendant that resulted in your neck injury. These may include:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are among the leading causes of neck injuries. The sudden impact during a collision can cause the head to snap forward and backward, leading to whiplash, cervical fractures, herniated discs, and other serious neck injuries. Rear-end collisions are particularly notorious for causing whiplash.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often result in severe neck injuries due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks. Victims of truck accidents can suffer from a range of injuries, including spinal cord damage, cervical dislocation, and severe whiplash, especially in high-speed collisions or rollovers.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to neck injuries in accidents due to the lack of protection compared to occupants of enclosed vehicles. Even with helmets, riders can sustain severe neck injuries such as fractures, dislocations, and spinal cord injuries upon impact.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists can experience neck injuries when they are struck by vehicles, collide with objects, or fall from their bikes. These injuries can include whiplash, cervical fractures, and soft tissue injuries. The lack of protective gear for the neck area makes cyclists particularly susceptible to injury.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians hit by vehicles can suffer from various neck injuries, ranging from whiplash to more severe conditions like cervical spine fractures and spinal cord injuries. The force of the impact can cause significant trauma to the neck and upper spine.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents, often caused by hazardous conditions such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting, can lead to neck injuries. When a person falls, they may instinctively try to catch themselves, leading to awkward movements and potential neck strains, sprains, or even fractures.
Construction Accidents
Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and accidents such as falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, or equipment malfunctions can cause severe neck injuries. Workers can experience trauma like cervical fractures, spinal cord injuries, and soft tissue damage.
Sports Accidents
Engaging in contact sports like football, hockey, or wrestling can lead to neck injuries. Athletes may suffer from strains, sprains, fractures, and concussions due to collisions, falls, and sudden movements during play.
Recreational Accidents
Activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and diving can lead to neck injuries if accidents occur. Falls, collisions, and improper technique can result in whiplash, fractures, and other neck-related injuries.
Symptoms and Long-Term Effects of a Serious Neck Injury
Get neck injury legal assistance from our Colorado attorneys to recover damages for the following symptoms and long-term effects of your neck injury:
Symptoms
- Neck Pain: Persistent or severe pain in the neck
- Stiffness: Difficulty moving the neck or a feeling of tightness
- Headaches: Frequent or severe headaches originating from the neck
- Numbness or Tingling: A sensation of numbness or tingling in the shoulders, arms, or hands
- Weakness: Muscle weakness in the arms or legs
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Reduced Range of Motion: Limited ability to move the neck in different directions
- Swelling and Bruising: Visible swelling or bruising around the neck area
Long-Term Effects
- Chronic Pain: Persistent pain that can affect daily activities
- Reduced Mobility: Long-term stiffness or limited range of motion
- Paralysis: Partial or complete paralysis due to spinal cord damage
- Nerve Damage: Permanent nerve damage causing numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Headaches: Ongoing headaches or migraines
- Psychological Impact: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD related to the injury
- Decreased Quality of Life: Overall reduction in the ability to perform everyday tasks
- Arthritis: Development of arthritis in the neck due to injury
Steps to Take If You Have Suffered a Neck Injury in an Accident in Colorado
- Call 911 to seek immediate medical attention
- Avoid moving to prevent further injury
- Report the accident to the police
- Collect photos and videos, if possible
- Obtain contact information of the other party and potential witnesses
- Follow medical advice
- Keep medical records
- Notify your insurance company
- Avoid direct negotiations with insurance adjusters
- Call a Colorado personal injury lawyer at Ganderton Law, LLC
How Our Colorado Neck Injury Attorneys Prove Liability
We will move fast to collect all possible evidence that points to the negligent actions of the other driver that led to your neck injuries. These may include:
Evidence to Prove Negligence
- Accident Reports: Official police reports detailing the accident and any citations issued
- Witness Statements: Testimonies from bystanders or passengers who observed the accident
- Photographic Evidence: Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
- Surveillance Footage: Video recordings from traffic cameras or nearby businesses capturing the accident
- Expert Testimonies: Opinions from medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and other professionals
- Driver’s Record: History of the at-fault driver, including any prior traffic violations or accidents
- Vehicle Data: Black box data from the involved vehicles showing speed, braking, and other critical information
- Traffic Citations: Any tickets issued to the negligent driver at the time of the accident
- Cell Phone Records: Evidence of the at-fault driver’s phone usage at the time of the accident
- Eyewitness Accounts: Statements from other drivers or pedestrians who witnessed the incident
- Maintenance Records: Service and repair records of the vehicles involved, particularly if a mechanical failure contributed to the accident
Evidence to Prove Neck Injury
- Initial medical reports from the ER detailing your neck injury
- Notes from your primary care physician or specialists regarding your neck injury diagnosis and treatment plan
- X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other imaging results showing the extent of your neck injury
- Documentation of any surgeries performed to treat your neck injury
- Records of your hospital stays, treatments, and procedures
- Records and progress reports from physical therapy or other rehabilitation treatments
- Billing statements showing the costs of your treatments, medications, and other expenses
- Records of prescribed medications for pain management and treatment of your neck injury
- Reports from neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, or other specialists who evaluated your neck injury
- Discharge summaries detailing your treatment and required follow-up care
- Personal logs or pain journals documenting your pain levels and how the injury affects your daily life
- Functional capacity evaluations from qualified professionals
- Proof of medically advised work restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions on Neck Injury Claims in Colorado
What Compensation Can I Receive?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term care needs.
How Long Do I Have to File a Neck Injury Claim in Colorado?
In Colorado, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, but in the case of most automobile accidents, the statute of limitation is three years.
What If the Accident Was Partially My Fault?
Under Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Why Choose Our Colorado Neck Injury Lawyer at Ganderton Law?
- Putting the Personal Back into Personal Injury Law: At Ganderton Law, LLC, we prioritize personalized legal services to ensure you receive the care and attention you deserve throughout your case.
- Best of the Springs (The Gazette) 2024 Winner: Our firm has been recognized for excellence, reflecting our commitment to delivering outstanding results for our clients.
- Dedicated Focus on Personal Injury Law: We specialize in personal injury law, dedicating our practice to helping those injured due to the negligence of others receive fair compensation.
- Extensive Experience: With over 17 years of legal experience, David Ganderton has a deep understanding of neck injury claims in Colorado, which is critical to obtain the best possible settlement or verdict.
- Insurance Defense Background: Attorney Ganderton’s experience working as an insurance defense attorney provides valuable insight into the strategies of insurance companies, giving us a unique advantage in negotiating and litigating your case.
- Proven Track Record: Dave Ganderton has successfully tried million-dollar cases and obtained multi-million-dollar settlements, demonstrating his capability to handle complex and high-stakes personal injury claims.
- Comprehensive Advocacy: Our firm handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and slip and fall claims, ensuring expert representation in each case.
- Client-Centered Approach: Colorado neck injury attorney Dave Ganderton and our team support clients through challenging times with a commitment to clear communication, understanding, and dedicated legal services.
To schedule a free consultation with our neck injury lawyers in Colorado, call us at 719-867-4447 or contact us online.
