Neck injuries are among the most frequently reported injuries in vehicle accidents. The neck is one of the most vulnerable areas of the body; the sudden force from a collision can stretch, compress, or twist the neck in ways that cause short- or long-term damage. 

If you sustained a neck injury from a car accident in Vancouver, it’s essential to understand what types of injuries can occur, how they’re diagnosed and treated, and what legal rights you may have. At Craig Swapp & Associates, our Vancouver auto accident lawyer can help you recover from suffering neck injuries in car crashes through injury claims.

Types of Neck Injuries in Vancouver Accidents 

Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of neck injuries nationwide. In fact, more than 800,000 vehicle crashes involving neck injuries are reported each year, with the estimated annual cost of treatment reaching $5.2 billion.

The most common types of neck injuries resulting from vehicle collisions include:

Whiplash

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury caused by a rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck. It’s most frequently associated with rear-end accidents, including those involving passenger cars, buses, and rideshare vehicles. Symptoms may not appear immediately but can last for weeks or even months.

Cervical Sprains and Strains

Ligaments (sprains) and muscles or tendons (strains) in the neck can stretch or tear due to a crash impact. These injuries often occur when a driver or passenger tenses up during a collision.

Herniated or Bulging Discs

In more severe crashes, such as truck or motorcycle accidents, the discs between vertebrae may bulge or rupture, pressing on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, tingling, and numbness that radiates down the arms.

Fractures

Cervical spine fractures (broken neck) are serious and can result from high-speed crashes or those involving large commercial vehicles. These injuries often require surgery and can lead to permanent damage.

Facet Joint Injuries

Facet joints connect the bones of the spine and allow movement. A sudden impact can cause these joints to become irritated or inflamed, resulting in localized neck pain.

Signs and Symptoms of Neck Injuries After a Crash

Not every neck injury is immediately obvious. Some symptoms may develop hours or days later, which is why medical evaluation is crucial even if you feel “fine” after a crash.

Common signs of a neck injury include:

  • Stiffness or reduced range of motion
  • Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
  • Pain that worsens with movement
  • Muscle spasms or tightness
  • Dizziness or balance issues
  • Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the shoulders or arms
  • Difficulty concentrating or sleeping

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of injury and the severity of the crash. Injuries sustained in bus, truck, or motorcycle crashes may be more serious due to the weight or force involved.

Getting Medical Care for Neck Injuries After a Crash

Getting medical care is not only important for your health, but it’s also essential for protecting your legal rights. Delayed treatment can worsen your condition and may weaken your neck injury claim.

Early Diagnosis

Doctors may use physical exams, X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to assess your injury. Timely diagnosis ensures you receive appropriate care and helps connect your symptoms directly to the accident.

Medical Documentation

Accurate records from medical providers support your claim. These records are critical when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.

Ongoing Treatment

Neck injuries often require multiple forms of treatment, including:

  • Physical therapy
  • Chiropractic care
  • Injections or medications
  • Surgery in severe cases

Prompt treatment can reduce the risk of chronic pain or long-term disability.

Can You File a Neck Injury Claim After a Crash in Vancouver?

Yes. If you sustained a neck injury from a car accident caused by another party’s negligence in Vancouver, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. This applies whether you were a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist.

Liability in Vancouver car accident claims may fall on:

  • A negligent driver who was speeding, distracted, or impaired
  • A trucking company that failed to maintain its vehicles
  • A bus operator or transit authority
  • A rideshare driver or service (like Uber or Lyft)

In some cases, more than one party may share fault. Working with injury lawyers in Vancouver can help you build a strong claim. 

A lawyer can:

  • Investigate the cause of the crash
  • Gather evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and accident reports
  • Handle communications with insurance adjusters
  • Ensure all deadlines under Washington’s statute of limitations are met

How Much Are Neck Injury Settlements Worth in Vancouver?

Settlement values vary widely depending on the facts of the case. 

The value of a neck injury claim in Vancouver depends on:

  • Severity of the injury: More serious injuries, such as herniated discs or spinal fractures, tend to result in higher settlements due to the cost of surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
  • Medical expenses: This includes emergency care, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, and medications.
  • Lost wages: If your neck injury prevents you from working temporarily or permanently, your claim can include both past and future lost income.
  • Pain and suffering: Washington law allows compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other noneconomic damages.
  • Insurance policy limits: The at-fault driver’s insurance coverage plays a role in determining the amount available for settlement.

Typical neck injury settlements in Vancouver may range from a few thousand dollars for mild soft tissue damage to six or seven figures for permanent disability. Each case is unique, so consulting with experienced personal injury lawyers is crucial for understanding what your claim may be worth.

Consult a Vancouver Personal Injury Lawyer After a Crash 

Whether in a car, on a bike, or riding in a bus, you should take neck injury seriously and seek both medical attention and legal guidance after a crash in Vancouver. 

Craig Swapp & Associates helps victims in Vancouver pursue the compensation they need to recover and move forward. Our personal injury lawyers are ready to advocate for those suffering from neck injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.

Call us at 360-964-8079 to speak with our lawyer in Vancouver, or send us a message about your case using our online form here to schedule your free consultation.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp