Neck Injury After a Car Accident

If you’re dealing with a neck injury after a car accident, you don’t have to face the recovery process on your own. At our law firm, we represent individuals across Chicago who have suffered serious injuries in car crashes caused by someone else’s negligence. Whether you’re experiencing ongoing neck pain, facing steep medical expenses, or struggling to return to work, our team is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We understand how these injuries affect your daily life, and we fight to hold at-fault drivers accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

What Are Common Types of Neck Injuries After a Car Accident?

A neck injury after a car accident can involve muscle strain, facet joint injury, compressed nerves, or even spinal cord damage. These injuries are common in crashes due to the way the neck moves during impact. A whiplash injury, for example, often occurs in a rear-end collision, where the head is forcefully thrown backward and forward. But whiplash-associated disorders are just one of several injuries that may develop after a crash. The following are some of the most frequently diagnosed neck injuries related to auto accidents:

Neck Strain or Sprain

A neck strain affects muscles or tendons, while a neck sprain involves ligaments. Both are soft tissue injuries that can cause stiffness, tenderness, and reduced mobility. Sudden stretching or twisting of the neck during impact often leads to swelling and muscle spasms, especially in the first few weeks after a crash. Without proper rest or treatment, these injuries may lead to chronic pain.

Facet Joint Injury

The facet joints in the cervical spine help stabilize the neck and support motion. In a car accident, the facet joints can be jarred or compressed, causing inflammation or misalignment. A facet joint injury often leads to localized pain that worsens with certain head or neck movements, and it may also limit the ability to turn or tilt the head comfortably.

Muscle Spasms

Soft tissue damage, stress, or irritation of the neck muscles may result in involuntary contractions known as muscle spasms. These can range from mildly uncomfortable to causing severe pain and may interfere with sleep or daily activities. Spasms can also be a sign of an underlying injury, like a neck strain or nerve irritation.

Disc Injuries

The discs between the cervical vertebrae act as cushions for the spinal cord. A strong jolt from a car crash can cause discs to bulge or rupture–commonly referred to as herniated discs. When disc material presses against nerves or the spinal cord, it can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness in the arms, and chronic neck pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to identify this type of injury.

Nerve Injuries

Nerves in the neck can become compressed, inflamed, or stretched due to disc damage, swelling, or bone movement after a crash. This often results in pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms, or hands. Two types of nerve-related injury include:

• Cervical radiculopathy – A condition where a nerve root is irritated or pinched as it exits the spine, often causing pain, numbness, or weakness along the nerve’s path.
• Nerve compression – Pressure from a herniated disc, swelling, or structural shift can compress nerves, interfering with signals and leading to functional problems in the arms or upper back.

Structural and Chronic Neck Injuries

More serious injuries may involve the bones, ligaments, or alignment of the neck. These types of injuries often require urgent medical attention and can lead to long-term disability if not adequately treated:

• Cervical fractures – Also called a neck fracture, this is a break in one of the cervical vertebrae and is considered a severe injury, especially if the spinal cord is at risk.
• Vertebral misalignment – Even without a fracture, vertebrae can shift out of position, disturbing the spine’s stability and causing pain or nerve issues.
• Ligament tears – Torn ligaments in the neck may result from sudden force during a crash. These injuries affect stability and can take significant time to heal.
• Instability in the neck – When supporting structures are damaged, the neck may lose its ability to maintain alignment. This condition can lead to long-term pain, muscle fatigue, and a greater chance of reinjury.

How Are Neck Injuries Diagnosed After a Car Crash?

Diagnosing a neck injury after a car accident typically begins with a physical exam and range-of-motion testing to assess stiffness, swelling, or visible signs of trauma. A neurological exam helps identify nerve involvement, such as weakness or numbness. Imaging tools like X-rays are used to detect fractures or instability in the neck, while MRI scans reveal disc injuries and soft tissue damage. A CT scan may be used for more detailed views of the cervical vertebrae, and EMG testing can confirm nerve compression. Doctors also monitor for delayed symptoms, which are common after a car crash.

What Does Medical Care for Car Accident Neck Injuries Involve?

Treatment for neck pain after a car accident depends on the severity of the injury and the structures involved. In most cases, doctors recommend rest and restricted movement early on to allow healing, sometimes using a cervical collar for short-term support. Anti-inflammatory medication and muscle relaxers can help reduce swelling and control muscle spasms. Many recovery plans include physical therapy, gentle exercises, or chiropractic care to restore function and flexibility. Other options include massage therapy, acupuncture, or traction to relieve tension and improve mobility. For ongoing or severe pain, pain management injections may be considered. In cases involving severe nerve compression or herniated discs, surgery might be necessary. A structured treatment plan is key to long-term recovery and pain control.

How Much Can Chicago Car Accident Victims Recover for Neck Injuries?

According to Law.com’s VerdictSearch, the average award in cases involving neck pain after a car accident is approximately $192,969, while the median award is significantly lower at $19,502. The value range spans from $1,108 to $18,500,000, highlighting just how much outcomes can vary depending on the nature and impact of the injury.

Several factors influence the amount a victim might recover:

• Diagnosis of serious conditions like herniated discs, nerve compression, or facet joint injury
• Severity and duration of symptoms, including chronic pain, limited mobility, or muscle spasms
• Impact on daily life and ability to work, especially in cases involving long-term pain or permanent damage
• Imaging results confirming soft tissue damage or cervical spine involvement
• Ongoing need for physical therapy, pain management, or potential surgery
• Strong medical records linking the injury to the car accident
• Emotional distress caused by chronic neck pain or visible physical limitations
• Lost wages and high medical bills from extended care or specialist treatment

What Damages Are Awarded in Claims Involving Neck Injury After a Car Accident?

If you’re suffering from neck pain after a car accident, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation, depending on the severity and impact of the injury. Economic damages include reimbursement for medical bills, such as hospital care, physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, and medication. Claims may also cover lost income and reduced future earning capacity, especially in cases involving chronic neck pain or long-term disability. Non-economic damages can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In fatal cases, surviving family members may pursue compensation for loss of economic support, grief, and loss of society. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help calculate full damages and build strong evidence using medical records and expert testimony.

Example Motor Vehicle Accident Cases Involving Neck Injuries

$7,365,000 Verdict for Fatal Neck Injury in Rear-End Collision on Dan Ryan Expressway

On July 10, 2009, George F. Harris, a 40-year-old machinist, was killed in a rear-end collision while riding in a carpool van on the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago. The crash occurred when tow truck driver Nicolas Nieves attempted a failed lane merge and struck the van from behind. Harris suffered multiple injuries, the most severe being a cervical subluxation at C1, described by his trauma surgeon as an “internal decapitation,” resulting in death within hours. His wife, Bernadine Harris, filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of herself, their two children, and Harris’ estate, naming Nieves and his employers, United Road Towing Inc. and E&R Towing Inc. as defendants. The defense argued that a “phantom vehicle” caused the crash, but presented no expert testimony at trial.

$5,250,000 Settlement for Man Left Partially Paralyzed After High-Speed Crash

On January 12, 2008, Adam Copack, a 29-year-old business manager, was struck by a fleeing driver at the intersection of 111th Street and Kedzie Avenue in Chicago. The driver, Michael O’Donnell, ran a red light while being pursued by police. Copack was ejected from his vehicle and suffered a cervical fracture at C5-6, along with skull and facial fractures and a closed head injury. He underwent cervical fusion surgery and was left an incomplete hemiplegic, unable to move the right side of his body. Copack sued O’Donnell, Officer John Longini, and the Village of Merrionette Park, alleging willful and wanton conduct during the police pursuit. Although Longini denied engaging in a high-speed chase, Copack’s experts testified that the pursuit violated standard procedures and led directly to the crash. After mediation, the case settled for $5.25 million, paid by the Village’s insurers. The settlement accounted for long-term care costs, lost earning capacity, and permanent disability.

What to Do If You’ve Suffered a Neck Injury After a Car Accident

Consult a Healthcare Provider

Always seek medical care immediately after a crash, even if symptoms seem minor. Conditions like whiplash-associated disorders, herniated discs, or nerve compression may not appear right away. A prompt diagnosis and clear treatment plan can help manage symptoms and support your legal claim.

Record Chronic Pain and Other Symptoms

Track all signs of injury, including chronic neck pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, or limited movement. Document how the neck injury affects your work, sleep, and daily routine. These records, along with consistent updates, can serve as key evidence when seeking compensation for a personal injury claim.

Avoid Giving Statements to Insurers Without Consulting an Attorney

Insurance adjusters may look for ways to downplay your injuries or shift blame. Before making any statements, speak with a Chicago car accident lawyer to protect your rights. An attorney can guide communication and help you avoid jeopardizing your claim.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help

A Chicago personal injury attorney can provide critical support in cases involving neck injury after a car accident, helping you understand your rights and options. Our attorneys will gather medical records, consult with experts, and calculate damages related to lost income, medical bills, and pain and suffering. They can also push back against insurance companies that try to minimize your injury or deny coverage. Whether your case involves soft tissue damage, nerve compression, or a neck fracture, having legal representation ensures you’re not left facing long-term consequences without fair compensation. Most importantly, we’ll work to secure a full and fair recovery.

Book a Free Consultation and Secure the Legal Help You Need

If you’re suffering from neck pain after a car accident, don’t wait to get answers. Our qualified legal team can review your case, explain your rights, and help you take the next step toward recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.