Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine have found that more than 70% of car accident victims still continue to have consistent musculoskeletal pain even six weeks after their accident. Sadly, the majority of these victims will not even seek treatment for their injuries—much less compensation. Why? It seems that car accident victims are afraid others will not take their claims seriously—especially if their injury involves neck pain.
According to researchers, nearly 4 million Americans go to the emergency department for evaluation after a car crash—and more than 90% are discharged promptly. Yet this is not the end of their story. Results showed that people who have been involved in a car crash experience persistent pain—despite being discharged from the E.R., and this pain could persist even six weeks following their accident. Even worse, more than 30% of study participants experienced pain in four or more body regions.
When the injury involves the neck, many car crash victims believe that their injury will be met with skepticism and doubt, and that they will be seen as someone who is just trying to sue. The study showed that a mere 17% of accident victims had contacted a lawyer six weeks following an accident—with the vast majority suffering in silence.
Of the accident victims who were injured, 28% had moderate to severe neck pain, 13% had widespread musculoskeletal pain in 7 or more body regions, and 4% had fibromyalgia symptoms six weeks after their crash. Yet despite the pain, many of these victims were not seeking treatment or compensation.
If you are suffering from neck pain after a car accident, it is important to know that you do not have to suffer alone. Neck pain is very real and very debilitating. When chronic neck pain goes untreated, it can lead to complications. Inflammation can cause nerve damage and result in limited mobility. At the very least, you need to be sure that insurance companies are taking your injuries seriously, so you have the money you need to pay for medical expenses, therapies, and lost wages.
Contact Seattle Car Accident Attorneys
If a negligent driver injures you or someone you love, an experienced Seattle car accident attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle personal injury attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.
The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington.
