Broken neck from a car accident? Learn symptoms, causes, treatment options, and how a personal injury lawyer can help you claim rightful compensation.
Victims of car accidents face numerous injury risks, from sprains and strains to damage to the spinal cord. A broken neck from a car accident is not uncommon, but it may be a life-threatening condition. Any type of accident involving serious injuries benefits from having an experienced personal injury lawyer. In cases like this, where your life could be forever changed due to the negligence of others, a lawyer can be the advocate you need.
What Is a Broken Neck?
Broken necks, also called cervical spine fractures, are any type of break in the vertebrae in the neck. There are seven vertebrae, numbered C1 to C7. Fractures involve one or more of these bones.
The types of cervical fractures common to car accidents include:
- Jefferson fracture: A Jefferson fracture impacts both the anterior and posterior arches of the very top vertebra, called C1 or the atlas.
- Hangman’s fracture: This fracture occurs in the pedicles of the C2 vertebra. The most common reason for this is hyperextension of the neck or distraction, both of which can happen in a severe-impact car accident. The pedicles are the two short, barrel-shaped projections that extend from the back of the vertebra.
- Odontoid fracture: This type of neck fracture occurs in the dens, or odontoid process, of the C2 vertebra. These fractures occur in the portion of the vertebra that projects from the Axis, which is the second cervical vertebra. Doctors classify these fractures on three levels, depending on location and severity.
- Clay Shoveler’s fracture: This type of fracture can impact the lower cervical or upper thoracic vertebrae. In scientific terms, it is an avulsion fracture of the spinous process.
- Compression fractures: Though compression fractures often occur as a worsening of osteoporosis, these fractures may also occur in any of the vertebrae as a result of trauma that causes compression of the neck.
- Extension teardrop fracture: In this avulsion fracture, the anteroinferior corner of the vertebra suffers a break. This often occurs as a result of flexion injuries.
A broken neck from a car accident can cause any of these types of fractures. The angle, type of strike, and the impact itself create different types of fractures in these seven bones. All fractures are serious and require immediate medical attention.
How Likely Is a Broken Neck From a Car Accident?
Car accidents are one of the most common reasons for neck fractures. Annually, about 869,000 cervical spine injuries happen from car accidents. Whiplash is the most common injury to the neck, but fractures are considered the second most common cause of neck injuries resulting from a car accident.
How Car Accidents Cause Neck Fractures
Neck fractures happen in numerous ways. While the bones of the neck are not necessarily any less protective than others, they are smaller and more likely to fracture if twisted, compressed, over-extended, or otherwise put under significant force. Consider a few reasons car accidents cause neck fractures.
Scenarios Leading to a Broken Neck
When in a car accident, the amount of force from one vehicle striking another, the angle of the hit, and the overall position of your body in the vehicle all play a role in what happens next. Some of the most common types of accidents that can cause a break in the cervical neck include:
- Rear-end collisions: The rapid forward movement from being struck from behind causes the neck to overextend. If the head strikes the dashboard or another hard surface, that creates additional pressure on the spine as it bounces back. The vertebrae are not likely to withstand this type of intense pressure and force.
- Rollovers: A rollover creates numerous opportunities for the neck to face both overextension and compaction. Compression creates smaller fractures, though potentially more of them.
- Head-on collisions: A head-on collision creates a high risk of serious compression of the neck as well as overextension. The amount of force striking the front of the vehicle can be transferred into the vehicle, causing a serious neck fracture.
These fractures occur as a result of sudden impact, the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle, and hyperextension or hyperflexion (rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck).
Risk Factors That Increase the Likelihood of a Neck Fracture
A variety of factors may contribute to or enhance the risk of a neck fracture in victims. That includes:
- The speed at which both vehicles are traveling at the time of the strike, as higher speeds cause more risk of damage
- Lack of seatbelt, which means there is less of an opportunity to prevent the head from rapid movement
- Angle of the impact, such as the difference in a side-impact collision, causing one-sided trauma more so than others
- Flying debris that strikes a person during the collision
- Headrest position, which can reduce or impact the amount of force present, depending on the location
- The type of vehicle, which affords differences in dashboard and seat position, as well as in the amount of force that the vehicle absorbs
Each situation requires careful consideration from doctors to determine what happened and why. A broken neck from a car accident could be not only painful but deadly if enough force or just the right angle is applied.
Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Neck From a Car Accident
Not all neck fractures from a car accident cause immediate immobility. Some may involve smaller breaks that may be missed. Key symptoms to look for that indicate a larger problem include:
- Mild to severe neck pain, often localized,that can radiate down the arms or back
- Lack of movement of the neck, including limited ability to look up or down or feeling intense, stiff muscles
- Headaches, especially those stemming from the base of the skull
- Changes in swallowing or breathing ability, since these muscles can be impacted as a result of the break
- Neurological symptoms, including tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs, indicating nerve damage
One of the most important reasons to visit a doctor after a car accident is the risk of minor symptoms like these, which may be the only indication of a neck fracture. Without treatment, fractures may create more damage and further movement limitations.
How Is a Broken Neck Diagnosed?
After a car accident, emergency room doctors provide a full physical examination to look for any potential indications of damage. If they suspect a neck fracture from symptoms or neurological symptoms become evidence, doctors will order X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI to gain better visibility into the condition of the bones.
What Are the Treatments for a Cervical Fracture?
Treatment is dependent on the location and severity of the injury. Some require wearing a cervical collar. Others will require traction, surgery, or, in the most severe cases, a rigid cast to hold the bones in place to allow healing.
Potential Complications for a Broken Neck From a Car Accident
Complications are numerous. Some people may be unable to work for weeks or months. Others may suffer permanent disability from the accident, resulting in loss of mobility and chronic pain. Because there are such extensive risk factors, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is a critical investment in car accident cases.
Safety Tips for Drivers and Passengers
Even if you do everything right behind the wheel, the actions of others can lead to devastating accidents and injuries like this. You cannot control others, but you can drive defensively by increasing the distance between you and other vehicles and paying closer attention to those around you on the road. A car accident lawyer will help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
FAQs
1. What are symptoms of a broken neck in a crash?
A broken neck can hurt a lot and make it hard to move. You might feel tingling or numbness in your limbs. Headaches and trouble breathing can also happen. Always get medical help after a crash.
2. Can a rear-end collision cause a broken neck?
Yes, rear-end collisions can hurt your neck. They can cause serious fractures in the cervical spine. The back-and-forth motion is very harmful.
3. How do doctors diagnose a broken neck injury?
Doctors use X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to check your neck. These tools show if there are fractures. They also do a physical exam first.
4. What is the treatment for a neck fracture?
Treatment depends on the fracture’s type and severity. You might need a cervical collar, traction, surgery, or a cast. Quick treatment helps your neck heal better.
5. How can a lawyer help with neck injury claims?
A personal injury lawyer can help build your case. They prove who was at fault. They fight for money to cover your medical costs, lost wages, and future care. Their help is very important after a serious injury.