Many neck injuries after a crash are often mistreated or overlooked. This can lead to long-term pain and suffering. If you are in a crash and require medical treatment to heal a neck-related injury, you may be able to qualify for accident benefits coverage. These benefits are issued regardless of fault and must be included in Ontario auto insurance policies. We discuss this and more below.
Greg Monforton & Partners has been helping accident victims across the province obtain just and fair compensation to cover their injuries. We have successfully recovered millions for our clients, including $900,000 for a victim who sustained significant neck pain, among other injuries, after a rear-end crash.
Call (866) 320-4770 for a free consultation.
What Happens to the Neck During a Crash?
The neck is highly vulnerable and has little protection during a crash. Even the most minor incident can lead to neck pain. In a crash, the neck may jolt backward and forward or jolt to one side.
Any rapid and sudden movement can result in serious harm to the muscles, ligaments, joints, tendons and nerves in the cervical spine. Even before impact, the neck muscles may tense up in anticipation, causing increased muscle strain.
Additionally, it could take hours or several days for symptoms of a neck injury to manifest. This is why it is important to seek medical care after a crash as soon as possible, especially if you are experiencing:
- Headaches or dizziness
- Pain that radiates to the arms, hands and shoulders
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Tingling, numbness or weakness in the fingers, hands and arms
A minor neck injury if left untreated may cause chronic pain and lasting complications. Delaying treatment may also hurt your ability to pursue compensation for your injuries in a legal claim.
Neck Injuries Accident Victims Experience
Crashes can cause a variety of neck injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Herniated disk – A high-impact crash can cause the supportive disks in the cervical spine to slip out of place and compress the nerves in the spinal cord. Having a pinched nerve can lead to pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in the neck that can radiate to the shoulders and arms.
- Neck fracture – A neck fracture after a crash is a very significant injury that can cause severe pain. It is important to get medical treatment immediately when a neck fracture is suspected. Any improper movement could injure the spinal cord and cause paralysis.
- Soft tissue damage – A crash can cause straining, spraining or tearing of the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the neck. Soft tissue damage can lead to tenderness and stiffness in the neck.
- Whiplash – This happens when the head and neck moves backward and then forward suddenly with great force. This motion can cause straining, tearing and damage to the ligaments, muscles, nerves and other tissues of the neck. Whiplash is common in rear-end crashes.
Accident Benefits for Neck Pain After a Crash
If you are seriously injured in a crash, you may be able to take legal action against the negligent party who caused your damages or file a claim under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS).
SABS is a form of no-fault insurance. It is mandatory and included as standard automobile coverage. Accident benefits could help cover the following:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation
- Caregiver benefits
- Income replacement
- Attendant care
For instance, income replacement benefits can help provide financial relief to accident victims whose injuries prevent them from being able to work at all or in the same capacity as before. Accident benefits can also cover future medical costs you may need. This can be particularly useful if you suffered neck pain or another neck-related injury that was not immediately apparent after the crash.
If you require therapy or other care to heal a neck injury, your insurance provider may cover necessary and reasonable treatment related to the crash that the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) will not cover.
What If I Was a Passenger in the Car?
Accidents benefits can apply to anyone involved in the crash, including the driver of the car and any passengers in the car. If you are covered or you are riding with someone who is covered, then you may be able to file a claim regardless of who caused the crash. Therefore, a neck-related injury after a crash could be covered despite your role in the crash.
Injured in a Crash? Seek Legal Help Today
The Windsor-based automobile crash lawyers at our firm have many decades of experience handling benefit claims on behalf of accident victims. We know what it takes to conduct a detailed investigation and gather evidence to support the extent and seriousness of your injuries.
An initial consultation is free and there is no obligation involved. If your claim has merit and you decide to retain our services, we charge no upfront fees. We only get paid if we help you obtain a recovery.
Get answers to your legal questions. Ph:
(866) 320-4770