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Bellevue Truck Accident Lawyer

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Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Motorcycle Accidents | Bicycle Accidents

Truck Accident Attorneys in Bellevue, WA

Cargo that comes into Bellevue, Washington and surrounding areas certainly boosts the economy, which benefits the citizens. The more cargo that comes in, the more trucks that are needed to transport the cargo. More trucks on the road means a greater risk of truck accidents. Due to the sheer size of large trucks, truck accidents can be incredibly deadly. Unfortunately, truck accidents claim the lives of several thousand individuals in the United States each year. If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, an experienced Bellevue truck accident lawyer can assist you during the claims process.

 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

While a large number of trucks on the road increases the risk of truck accidents, truck accidents do not occur merely because of large amounts of traffic. Instead, truck accidents typically are the result of negligence. Negligence could be attributed to the truck driver, the driver of the smaller car involved, the trucking company, a shipper or loader of cargo, or even a truck or truck part manufacturer. Examples of the negligence that can cause large truck accidents include:

  • Driving too fast for the road conditions
  • Taking a turn too quickly
  • Failing to yield
  • Tailgating
  • Making an illegal lane change
  • Driving while drowsy
  • Driving while intoxicated or impaired
  • Failing to properly train a truck driver
  • Failing to take proper rest breaks
  • Improperly securing cargo
  • Manufacturing a defective auto part

If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by another person’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated for the losses you may have suffered as a result.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

When a truck and a passenger car collide, the damages can be extremely severe. Injuries and damages from a truck accident may include:

  • Head and brain injuries
  • Back and neck injuries, including spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Internal injuries
  • Bone fracture injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Burns
  • Crushed limb or loss of limb injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Psychological injuries
  • Cuts or lacerations
  • Death

Injuries are only part of the equation, as injuries are associated with a wide range of other losses. Such losses include high property damage expenses, costly medical services, lost wages, pain, suffering, and a diminished quality of life. A truck accident lawyer may be able to help you get the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries and other losses.

Why Should You Hire a Bellevue Truck Accident Lawyer?

If you have been involved in a truck accident, you should be compensated for the full extent of your harm. The truck accident lawyers at Premier Law Group can help. When you choose our law firm, you will benefit from the knowledge and skills of an experienced team that has a history of success in cases like yours.

Premier Law Group has a team of skilled truck accident lawyers helping clients who have been the victims of truck accidents. Our legal team knows that recovering from a truck accident can be highly stressful and difficult. That is why we are proud to provide our clients with the personalized and dedicated representation they deserve. Our services include:

Investigating Your Claim

As mentioned above, truck accidents can be complex because of the large number of potentially liable parties. We will open a thorough investigation into your case in order to determine what happened and who should be held liable. We can hire experts of various backgrounds, such as accident reconstruction experts, to assist with this process.

Calculating Your Damages

As you recover from your injuries, you should be focusing on yourself. We will focus on determining the value of your losses, both present and future. We will then issue a demand letter against the appropriate insurance party that reflects this amount.

Negotiating Your Settlement

Our job is to get you the largest settlement offer possible, which means putting our negotiation skills to the test. If out of court negotiations fail, we will file a lawsuit to litigate your case.

Our legal team believes in helping our clients get their lives back on track. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get through this difficult time. 

What Is Washington’s Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims?

One important detail you should know about is the statute of limitations. This is the amount of time that you have to file a lawsuit against the responsible party after a truck accident occurs. In Washington, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the cause of action, which is the date of the truck accident. If you wait longer than three years to file your suit, you can be permanently barred from recovery. We recommend initiating the claims process as early as possible to avoid any conflict with the statute of limitations.

How Our Bellevue Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You

When you reach out to our law office, the first thing we will do is help you determine if you need to hire a lawyer at all. With a minor crash, you may be able to handle things on your own. However, if you suffered a serious injury or the trucking company claims you are liable, you should consult with an attorney right away. Our legal team is ready to take immediate action to protect your rights. At Premier Law Group, we handle every aspect of our clients’ cases so that they can focus on their health and recovery. Among other things, our Bellevue truck accident attorneys will:

  • Conduct a free, comprehensive assessment of your truck accident claim
  • Take the time to hear your story and answer your questions
  • Investigate the truck collision, securing important evidence
  • Gather all medical bills and carefully document your losses
  • Deal with all requests from the insurance company
  • Walk you through the personal injury claims process, communicating regularly and making sure that you understand exactly what is going on with your case

When you work with a truck accident attorney, you will receive these services and more as we help you pursue justice for the losses you have suffered.

Partner with an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer at Premier Law Group

If you have been in a truck accident, or if a loved one has been badly injured or killed in a truck crash, you are not alone. You do not have to navigate the claims process or face insurance adjusters by yourself. The Bellevue personal injury lawyers at Premier Law Group will be by your side, advocating for the best outcome possible every step of the way.

Our skilled legal team has extensive experience helping clients build strong truck accident claims. At Premier Law Group, we are proud to offer you the unique and dedicated representation you deserve as you seek justice during this difficult time. To schedule a free consultation with our truck accident lawyers, contact us here or call (206) 880-7518.

Experienced Car Accident Legal Advocates

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experienced Seattle Bellevue Renton Federal Way car accident lawyers

You’re probably reading this page because you or a loved one were recently injured in a car accident in Washington. Maybe your car accident wasn’t so recent, but you think it’s time to start researching Seattle car accident lawyers. Either way, you’ve come to the right place.

We’re really sorry that you’ve been injured in a car accident in Seattle. We know how frustrating it is to be in your situation – we see situations like yours every day. That’s why we want to help you navigate your situation and get the best possible outcome.

On this page, you’ll learn about what’s at stake when you’ve been injured in a car accident, what you should do right now to protect your claim, and other important factors to consider at this stage. You’ll also discover resources to help you make the best decisions about your situation.

Your First Step After a Car Accident

Download Our Free Car Accident Guide!The Truth About Auto Accidents Book

At Premier Law Group, we believe in educating people who have been injured in car accidents so they can make good decisions regarding their situations. That’s why one of our partners, Jason Epstein,  wrote a guide called The Truth About Washington Auto Accidents and we give it away for free. In this guide you’ll discover:

  • Ten insider secrets that insurance companies hide from you.
  • The “service” some lawyers provide that is actually a “kiss of death” to your car accident claim.
  • Whether or not your health insurance company can force you to repay them if you win your claim.
  • The one document you should never sign for an insurance company.
DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

Discover Other Useful Information

The Premier Law Group website contains a wealth of information and resources for people injured in Washington State car accidents. Click the links below to discover…

The Impact of Car Accidents and How Our Washington Lawyers Can Assist

Safeguarding Your Health Post-Accident

When it comes to injuries resulting from car accidents, most people tend to think about physical injuries like whiplash, concussions, and broken bones. Physical injuries are a major component, but there are other types of injuries as well. Car accident injuries include those related to mental and psychological health. Regardless of how you were injured, your health is now at stake. You probably need resources like time, money, and therapy in order to make the best possible recovery. Typically, insurance is available to help you access these resources.

Addressing the Emotional Toll of Car Accidents

Many insurance companies and adjusters don’t want to give you full and fair compensation. The reality is, insurance companies exist to generate profit and adjusters are incentivized to pay out the bare minimum in compensation. In fact, the compensation they offer when you don’t have a car accident attorney may not even cover costs associated with making a good recovery. And by the way, it’s hard to know what a good recovery should look like just a couple months after your car accident. This is to say that your emotional well-being is also at stake. Without a Seattle car accident lawyer, insurance representatives will pressure you to accept unfair compensation, causing a lot of unnecessary anxiety and frustration.

Protecting Your Finances After a Car Accident

Finally, your financial well-being is at stake after a car accident. For example, injuries may be preventing you from working in your chosen field, or performing as you would have had you not been injured. Either of these scenarios may be costing you money. You may have mounting medical expenses and other bills associated with the accident. If injuries have impacted your ability to perform domestic chores, there may be increased costs associated with keeping up your home and quality of life. There are all kinds of ways that mild, moderate, and severe injuries impact your day-to-day financial well-being.

For all these reasons, it’s important that a trusted Seattle car accident lawyer assist with your injury claim. The right car accident attorney will enable you to make the best possible recovery, handle communications and negotiations with the insurance company, and help you get full and fair compensation.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Washington State Car Accident

How to Securely Preserve Accident Evidence

There are several things you can do to protect your Seattle car accident claim. We recommend that you or someone you trust do the following, if possible:

  • The most important thing is to collect information from other people involved in the accident. This includes their name, address, phone number, and insurance information.

  • It’s also helpful to document the names and phone numbers of witnesses.

  • Take photos of the car accident scene. Include pictures of the vehicles involved and try to capture the type of accident (ex. rear-end collision, head-on collision, T-bone, rollover, hit-and-run, commercial vehicle, trucking, motorcycle, bicycle…). Also try to take pictures of the people involved.

  • Call the authorities if appropriate (police or 911 for emergency medical assistance).

  • Get pictures of any injuries that are evident at the scene of the accident.

  • If there is surveillance footage from the area, act quickly to request it. Without acting quickly enough, owners of the surveillance equipment may erase the footage.

  • If someone called 911, contact the authorities to request the 911 tape. Authorities may erase this as a matter of course if you don’t act fast enough.

  • It may be helpful to have pictures of your injuries as they are healing.

 

 

 

Why Act Quickly: Consult a Washington Auto Accident Attorney

One of the common questions we get is, when should I hire a Seattle car accident attorney? There are many advantages to hiring someone as soon as possible. The right attorney will help protect your health, emotional well-being, and finances right away, and give you useful resources.

Keep in mind that there is a statute of limitations. This is the cut-off date for filing a claim. Usually, you have to file a claim within three years of your car accident, but there are always exceptions and there may be circumstances that change the statute of limitations in your particular situation.

At Premier Law Group, our mission is to ensure that everyone who contacts us ends up more informed about their legal options – whether we end up representing them or not. Contact Premier Law Group to schedule a free Washington State car accident case review today. Call 206.285.1743.

Connect with Our Car Accident Experts in Washington for a No-Cost Review

The best way we can help you is by speaking with you directly. We offer free case reviews to people who were injured in car accidents and are looking for a car accident lawyer in Seattle, WA. By speaking with you and collecting information about your specific situation we’ll be able to provide the most accurate information and explain our recommendations in detail. Call us at 206.285.1743 to schedule a free case review today.

Breakdown of Injuries from Washington Motor Vehicle Accidents in 2023

Pie chart illustrating the types of injuries suffered in Washington State motor vehicle accidents in 2023, categorized into fatal, suspected serious injury, suspected minor injury, possible injury, and no apparent injury. Fatal injuries account for a small fraction, while the majority of accidents result in no apparent injury. The chart uses distinct colors to differentiate each category, with exact numbers and percentages provided for each type of injury.
Data for the above chart was sourced from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Collision Data Portal, providing a detailed view of motor vehicle accidents in Washington State in 2023. For more information and data access, visit WSDOT’s Collision Data Portal.

Line graph showing the annual total motor vehicle crashes in Washington State from 2014 to 2023. The graph highlights a peak in crashes in 2016, followed by a decline, a notable drop in 2020, and a slight fluctuation in subsequent years. Key years such as 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2023 are annotated for emphasis on significant changes. The graph uses a red line with markers for each year, plotted against a grid for easy reference.
Data for the above chart was sourced from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Collision Data Portal, providing a detailed view of motor vehicle accidents trends in Washington State from 2014 to 2023. For more information and data access, visit WSDOT’s Collision Data Portal.

Essential Qualities of an Effective Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve never been injured in a car accident or hired a lawyer before, you may appreciate some information about what to look for in a car accident attorney. At the very least, the attorney you hire should:

***Have specialized experience representing victims of car accidents. (At Premier Law Group, you could say this is our “area of expertise”.)

Google Reviews

***Have a good reputation in the community. A good reputation in the legal community and beyond shows that a lawyer has experience and other qualifications. (We’re proud to say that our Seattle car accident attorneys are recognized by the media and receive awards from various organizations on a regular basis. We also have a track-record of getting excellent case results.)

***Be accessible and approachable. There’s a lot at stake in a car accident claim, so it’s important that you have a good and productive working relationship with your lawyer. (We’re known as the “approachable” car accident attorneys in Seattle).

***Never pressure you. Instead, your lawyer should guide you and provide the information required for you to make the best decisions. (This is the mark of a real professional.)

***Be considerate of your client experience. You’ve been through enough already! The firm you choose should make the process of working with them a positive experience for you. (We’re pleased to have excellent client satisfaction and be the only car accident law firm in the state to offer a VIP Program.)

Why Washington Chooses the Premier Law Group

If you don’t need an attorney to settle your claim, we’ll tell you up front. We’ll even give you a copy of our guide How To Settle Your Own Case.

Our mission is to ensure that everyone who contacts us ends up more informed about their legal options – whether we end up representing them or not. Contact Premier Law Group to schedule your free car accident case review. Call 206.285.1743 today. There’s no legal fee unless we settle or win your case.

Call 206.285.1743 For A Free Case Review Today

premier law group team

Seven Types of Pregnancy Injuries From a Car Accident

| Blog, Car Accidents

For expectant mothers, being in a car accident is a scary thing to consider. In addition to the injuries the mother can sustain, the growing baby can sustain a variety of injuries. Auto accidents are the leading cause of fetal mortality and serious maternal injury, affecting approximately 93,000 women each year.

If you are in a car accident while pregnant, see your doctor right away. If the accident is serious, you should be taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure for the unborn baby.

Pregnant women who are involved in car accidents may face more serious damages and expenses than other injured people. This is due to the increased cost of monitoring, required doctor’s visits, and, potentially, the need to treat your baby for any injuries stemming from the accident. If you are pregnant, and you suffer injuries in a collision, your potential compensation is likely to be higher than if you were not expecting. Oftentimes, this is information that the insurance company will try their best to keep to themselves.

What Types of Injuries Can Occur After a Car Accident While Pregnant?

Miscarriage

The baby is very well protected in its amniotic fluid, so unless the stomach and uterus is punctured, or the woman undergoes a period of cardiac arrest, without breathing, the baby should survive. A miscarriage is rare in the case of most accidents, but you should still get checked.

Premature Birth

Each year, preterm birth affects nearly 500,000 babies (that’s 1 of every 8 infants born in the United States). Preterm birth is the birth of an infant prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy. A car accident can cause premature birth because of the stress put on the mother’s body during and after the accident.

Birth Defects

Direct injuries to the fetus or the baby being born prematurely as the result of a car accident can cause birth defects. Injured and premature babies do not always develop serious disabilities. The earlier a baby is born and the more severe the injuries; the higher the risk for disabilities.

High-risk Pregnancy

Pregnancies are labeled “high-risk” when there are complications with either the mother or the baby that need careful monitoring and observation. Many times, high-risk pregnancies are labeled as such because of a pre-existing medical condition of the mother. However, a high-risk pregnancy can develop after the mother incurs health problems due to a car accident.

Coup and Contrecoup Injuries

When a moving object impacts the head while stationary, a Coup injury can occur, while Contrecoup injuries are produced when the moving head strikes a stationary object. These injuries often happen during car accidents. The mother is more likely to be affected by Coup and Contrecoup injuries, but her unborn child can also be injured. In the case of an unborn baby, this type of injury is commonly referred to as “shaken baby syndrome.”

Placental Abruption

A placental abruption is a serious condition in which the placenta partially or completely separates from your uterus before your baby is born. Placental abruption happens in about one in 150 pregnancies. Abdominal trauma sustained during a car accident increases a mother’s chances of placental abruption.

Fetal Trauma

82% of fetal deaths are caused by car accidents. Injuries to the baby’s body and or brain can have long-term, life-threatening results. Fetal trauma can result during a car accident from a blow to the mother’s abdomen, a lack of oxygen if the mother is in distress, and other infections and injuries.

How to Prevent Pregnancy Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents:

Driving may become more uncomfortable as you progress in your pregnancy, but there is no reason you can’t use a car while pregnant. As long as you can fit behind the wheel comfortably, feel free to drive unless otherwise advised by your doctor. Use these tips to stay safe while driving:

  1. Follow the rules of the road. You are protecting your unborn child. Many accidents are caused by failing to obey traffic laws and not leaving enough space between your vehicle and others.
  2. Make sure you are comfortable in the car. You do not want to be distracted while driving because you are thinking about your discomfort. Plan your route accordingly, and make sure you have enough time to stop if needed.
  3. Always wear your seatbelt. It is a common misconception that a seatbelt could cause harm to your baby if you have to brake quickly or are involved in an accident. However, a 3-point seatbelt is made to hold your body in place by the boney areas of your body. Placing the seatbelt in the correct spot across your chest (over your bump) and across your pelvis (under your bump) will have no negative impact on the baby, protecting you both in case of an accident.
  4. Make sure your airbags are working. A myth regarding pregnant driving is that an airbag will hurt your baby. This is untrue. As long as you are wearing the seatbelt properly, the airbag will spread out the force of the crash for the both of you. If you continue to worry that the airbag is too close to your bump, adjust your steering wheel so that the majority of the airbag will spread out over your chest and face (as long as you can still drive safely).

Call Us Today If You Suffered Injuries After Being in a Car Accident While Pregnant

Only an experienced, well-qualified attorney can help you protect your rights in this situation. If you were involved in a car accident while pregnant, call 206-285-1743 for immediate help.

Further reading:

Baby Center: Car Safety During Pregnancy
WebMD: Traveling While Pregnant
Wikipedia: Trauma during pregnancy

Diagnosis and treatment of lumbar radiculopathy

| Blog, Car Accidents, Personal Injury

Many injuries can result from an auto accident. Your spine, one of the most complex parts of your body, is also one of the vulnerable in the event of a collision. The effects of a spinal injury can be long-lasting and very painful. Among these injuries, a lumbar radiculopathy can be among the most aggravating in your day to day life. Making sure you know exactly what part of your body was injured is crucial to getting proper medical care. Experienced personal injury attorneys understand the kinds of injuries that result from serious car accidents and can help you find the right track for your recovery from your injuries.

Your First Step After a Car Accident

Download Our Free Car Accident Guide!The Truth About Auto Accidents Book

At Premier Law Group, we believe in educating people who have been injured in car accidents so they can make good decisions regarding their situations. That’s why one of our partners, Jason Epstein,  wrote a guide called The Truth About Washington Auto Accidents and we give it away for free. In this guide you’ll discover:

  • Ten insider secrets that insurance companies hide from you.
  • The “service” some lawyers provide that is actually a “kiss of death” to your car accident claim.
  • Whether or not your health insurance company can force you to repay them if you win your claim.
  • The one document you should never sign for an insurance company.
DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

Discover Other Useful Information

The Premier Law Group website contains a wealth of information and resources for people injured in Washington State car accidents. Click the links below to discover…

What is Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy is when a compressed nerve in the spine causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the course of the nerve. Radiculopathy can occur in any part of the spine, but it is most common in the lower back, which is called lumbar radiculopathy. Nerve roots branch out from the spinal cord and carry messages to and from the brain, the lower extremities, and pelvis. If one of these roots is injured in the area where it leaves the spine, it is called a radiculopathy. In a car or motorcycle accident, compression injuries to the spine can cause lumbar radiculopathy.

The symptoms of radiculopathy depend on which nerves are affected. The nerves from the lower back (lumbar spine) control the muscles of the buttocks and legs and supply sensation there. The most common symptoms of radiculopathy are pain, numbness and tingling in the arms or legs. It is also common for patients to have localized neck or back pain. When lumbar radiculopathy causes pain that radiates down a lower extremity, it is commonly referred to as sciatica. Some patients develop a painful hypersensitivity to light touch. Less commonly, patients can develop weakness in the muscles controlled by the affected nerves, indicating nerve damage.

In this interactive video from Spine-Health’s website, see how the body is affected by injury to the spine: http://www.spine-health.com/video/sciatica-interactive-video

LumbarRadiculopathyInjuryExhibit1

Image courtesy MedLegalVisuals

How Will Your Doctor Diagnose Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Your doctor will always perform an initial physical examination, but will not diagnose you until they have thoroughly tested you. After the initial examination, the diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy can be supported in many different ways including different imaging machines to see your spine. Treatment of lumbar radiculopathy will vary depending on the actual cause of the radiculopathy. These treatments can include the use of back supports, medication, physical therapy, steroid injection in the spine, and even surgery.

Your doctor will most likely follow this series of steps until they are comfortable giving you a diagnosis:

Ask about your medical history. They will likely ask about the type, location and duration of symptoms, presence of weakness, any current therapy, questions regarding your family medical history, and if your symptoms have caused you to miss any work.

Perform a physical examination. Your caregiver may test you for weakness, numbness, or tingling in your back, buttocks, and legs through a series of exercises and reflex exams.

Blood Tests. You may need blood taken to give your doctor information on how your body is working.

Give you an X-ray. X-rays are far less expensive than any additional testing you may receive. However, they can not produce an image for much other than broken bones, or very severe spinal deficiencies.

Give you a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test. An MRI machine is also used to take a picture of your lower back. This picture will be used to check for problems and changes in your backbones, nerves, and discs.

Electromyography (EMG). An EMG tests the function of your muscles and the nerves that control them. The testing is done while your muscles are resting, and during activity.

Computed Tomography (CT) scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your lower back. It may be used to look at your bones, discs, and nerves. You may be administered a radioactive dye in your IV to help improve the pictures.

How is Lumbar Radiculopathy Treated?

Treatment of lumbar radiculopathy may reduce pain and swelling, improve your ability to walk, and allow you to do your normal activities. As a personal injury attorney, I know that diagnosis and seeking treatment options can take a lot of time and money. This is why you should make sure that you have a qualified doctor and an experienced injury attorney on your side. Here are some potential treatment options your doctor will talk to you about:

  • Medicines:
    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine may decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor’s order, but should only be purchased as the result of a doctor’s recommendation.
    • Muscle relaxers may be used to decrease pain and muscle spasms.
    • Opioids are a strong medicine given to reduce severe pain, but will only be prescribed for extreme cases.
    • Oral steroids can be used to reduce swelling and pain.
    • Steroid injections may be given through a needle into your lumbar spine. This may help decrease your nerve pain and swelling, however, you may need more than one to show signs of improvement.
  • Physical therapy: Your physical therapist may teach you certain exercises to improve posture, flexibility, and strength in your lower back. They may also teach you how to remain safely active and avoid further injury.
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: This treatment, called TENS, stimulates your nerves and may decrease your pain. Wires are attached to pads and then attached to your skin, then the wires send a mild current through your nerves.
  • Surgery: You may need surgery to relieve a pinched nerve if your condition has not improved within 4 to 6 weeks.

Lumbar radiculopathy is a serious injury and should be treated immediately. If you have been injured at the fault of someone else, do not hesitate to contact me right away in order to ensure you get the care that you deserve. Call us now at 206-285-1743.

Further reading:

Wikipedia: Radiculopathy

John Hopkins Medicine: Acute Radiculopathies

Physiopedia: Lumbar Radiculopathy

Whiplash: Causes and recovery after an auto accident

| Blog, Car Accidents, Personal Injury

What is whiplash?

Victims of auto accidents often suffer from a few common neck injuries associated with crashes.

There are several injuries that are especially common, but none more prominent than “whiplash.” The name for this injury comes from the motion that one’s head makes in a rear-end accident. The head flicks back then forward forcefully like the end of a whip.

The common term “whiplash” really refers to a neck sprain or strain. A sprain occurs when the ligaments in the neck are stretched or torn. A strain comes from pulling a muscle, stretching or tearing it. In a collision the neck often hyperflexes and/or hyperextends, meaning the muscles are contracted or stretched past their normal limit. That sudden movement can cause neck pain and stiffness, headaches (most commonly at the base of the skull), dizziness, blurred vision, and/or fatigue. The symptoms may be masked temporarily by the adrenaline rush from the car accident, and sometimes show up hours later. In addition, some victims also experience difficulty concentrating, memory problems, ringing in the ears, sleep disturbances, and/or irritability, according to the Mayo Clinic.

A doctor may take X-rays to rule out bone problems, such as a fracture. MRIs and CT scans can help detect damages in soft tissue like muscle and ligaments. Doctors sometimes feel inflammation in the neck with their hands and can make a diagnosis. Sometimes there are no outward signs that an injury has occurred, but symptoms of whiplash can still appear.

The most common treatment for whiplash is physical therapy exercises to stretch and strengthen the neck muscles. It’s important to start treatment soon after a whiplash injury occurs, as chronic neck issues can result from ignoring the injury. Though foam neck collars to stabilize the neck used to be normal in the treatment of whiplash, they are used only rarely now, only the first few days after the injury for a few hours at a time, if at all. Neck movement has been shown to heal whiplash quicker than immobility. Icing the neck and upper back helps with pain and inflammation after the injury, while heating that area helps loosen muscles to do neck stretches. If over-the-counter painkillers aren’t enough, a doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers, do lidocaine injections (numbing medicine), and/or prescribe muscle relaxants, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Whiplash

Image credit Medlegalvisuals

How is whiplash treated?

Most people suffering from whiplash recover within a few months or less, others may experience its effects for years. Early treatment is the best way to ensure a speedy recovery. Do not delay seeing a doctor if you experience any symptoms of whiplash.

People often suffer from herniated discs after auto accidents, known commonly as a “slipped disc” or “ruptured disc.” Between vertebrates in the spine there is a soft rubbery gel known as a disc, which allows the spine flexibility and absorbs shock. The impact from an auto collision can cause that disc fluid to be squeezed out the outer edge of the disc and toward the spinal canal, where it may press against the sensitive spinal cord. The spinal cord carries nerves from the brain and is the center of function for arms and legs. The pressure on the spinal cord in the neck may cause symptoms; including “shooting pain in one arm, neck pain, headaches, weakness in one arm, tingling (a “pins-and-needles” sensation) or numbness in one arm, loss of bladder or bowel control (If you also have significant weakness in both arms or legs, you could have a serious problem and should seek immediate attention), and/or burning pain in the shoulders, neck, or arm,” according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS).

The vast majority of herniated discs do not require surgery to heal. OTC drugs, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory medication may help in the healing process. Ice and heat can be applied to reduce pain and swelling and relax the neck muscles. Physical activity should start slowly with physical therapy exercises. Pain from a slipped disc may last weeks or months depending on the severity and treatment. A regime of cortisone shots may be administered if the pain is persistent. Surgery is required in some cases. For slipped discs in the neck, doctors will often fuse together the two vertebrae surrounding the discs, restricting movement. Full recoveries are possible even if the injury needs surgery. NFL quarterback Peyton Manning had a fusion surgery on his neck and went on to continue playing professional football afterward.

Another common injury from car accidents that can affect the neck and spine is a cervical radiculopathy, known as a “pinched nerve.” Nerves stemming from your spine connect to the arms and legs and supply feeling to them. They send electric pulses (from brain to spine to limb) that movement of the limbs and digits. In an auto accident, the nerves can be pinched by a bone spur or part of a herniated disc, causing problems in the nerve’s functions. These may manifest as a numbness of the skin where the nerve goes, pain where the nerve goes, and weakness in the muscle where the nerve goes, according to legal publisher NOLO.

X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and electromyography may all be used to rule out other conditions and pin-point where the nerve damage is. A soft collar to stabilize the neck and ease the “pinching,” but will weaken the neck if worn for too long of periods. Physical therapy is an effective form of treatment to stretch and strengthen the neck. Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (like aspirin and ibuprofen), oral corticosteroids, prescription painkillers, and/or getting spinal injections of steroids, can help reduce pain and swelling, according to the AAOS. Surgery is necessary for some victims to get back to normal health.

In all cases, the victim of a neck injury should see a doctor and start treatment promptly. Taking these steps will help ensure a full recovery and a return to life as normal.

Motorcycle Accidents

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What are the most common types of injuries in a motorcycle accident?

Why do I need an attorney if I have been in a motorcycle accident?

How likely is death after a serious motorcycle accident?

What should I look for in a motorcycle accident attorney?

What happens if the rider or passenger die in the motorcycle accident?

What do I do with my medical bills while the case is in progress?

Should I talk to the insurance company about my accident and let them take my recorded statement?

Can I get money for the time lost from work after my motorcycle accident? What if I have to switch careers?

Is a rear-end collision in Washington State automatically the fault of the driver that hit the other?

How much do I need to pay you to hire you as an attorney?

Can I change my lawyers if I am not happy with them? How much is that going to cost me?

How much is my case worth?

What is the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident injuries in the State of Washington?

What Are the Most Common Types of Injuries In a Motorcycle Accident?

Because motorcyclists have very little protection in an auto accident, the injuries sustained are usually much greater than those of a person in another vehicle. In fact, motorcyclists are 37 times more likely to die in an auto accident than a person driving a car. The common injuries sustained are lacerations to the body, broken bones and serious head injuries such as a brain contusion.

It is important to keep in mind how to best protect yourself before you get on a bike. Always wear a helmet and protective clothing and take a motorcycle safety class to ensure you are equipped to deal with any situation.

Why Do I Need an Attorney If I Have Been in a Motorcycle Accident?

There are several reasons to hire an attorney when involved in an accident:

1) Pursuing recovery for injuries is a complicated legal process, which requires the expertise and experience of a highly trained injury attorney. Many rules and strategies take years for an attorney to learn and acquire. Therefore, always speak to an attorney before trying to handle your legal case on your own. Your recovery will generally be substantially higher, even after all the costs and fees that you incur in hiring legal representation are subtracted.

2) When you have an attorney, you can seek medical treatment for your injuries through the most competent doctors at no upfront cost in most cases. Knowing an attorney has taken your case will give doctors the security that their bills will be paid once the case settles. This is especially important to those who have no PIP (personal injury protection) or health insurance and cannot afford to pay for the cost of the medical treatment needed.

3) Only an experienced lawyer can assess the value of your case after learning the full nature and extent of your injuries, the value of your claim for pain and suffering, and the cost of future treatment and rehabilitation. Chances are, without an attorney, you will settle your case for much less than it is really worth.

4) Most importantly, you need an attorney because the insurance company will offer you very little money for your injury. Only a competent, aggressive, and experienced lawyer has the means, the knowledge, and the ability to sue the insurance companies and force them to give you the appropriate settlement that you are entitled to. Insurance companies have a duty to protect and defend their own insured (the person who caused the accident). No matter how friendly they appear, the insurance company representatives are not your friends. They have a duty to act in the best interest of their shareholders by saving money. You need someone on your side that has your best interest in mind.

5) Lastly, when you have a lawyer, you don’t deal with any of the hassle, paperwork, headache and worry of dealing with insurance companies. You just sit back with the knowledge that an experienced lawyer who has your best interest in mind is going to handle your case and deal with the headache.

How Likely Is Death After a Serious Motorcycle Accident?

Bikers are 37 times more likely to die in an accident than those driving other vehicles. 59% of these motorcycle accident fatalities occur when the motorcyclist is not wearing a helmet. Also keep in mind that 93% of motorcycle accidents involve bikers that have not taken a motorcycle training course. So although there is a significantly greater risk involved in riding a bike there are simple steps a rider can take to better protect themselves.

What Should I Look For in a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

One of the most important things to consider when hiring an attorney is experience. There are many personal injury attorneys out there that are not experienced in motorcycle accident cases. Motorcycle accident cases have unique issues and require an attorney who understands them. The attorney’s experience in personal injury law is also important. There are general practice attorneys who would be happy to take your case, but will not have the experience and focus in personal injury to get you the best offer or be able to make the best arguments for your case.

What Happens If The Rider or Passenger Die in The Motorcycle Accident?

This becomes a case of wrongful death. In Washington, fatal accident cases survive the death of the victim. These cases can be very difficult, and it is best to seek the advice of an experienced wrongful death lawyer.

Two of our attorneys, Jason Epstein and Patrick Kang, have authored a book on the topic; In Case of Death – Straight Talk on Washington Wrongful Death which is provided free to Washington state residents. You may order your free copy on our website.

What Do I Do With My Medical Bills While The Case Is In Progress?

While your case is being handled, make sure you continue seeking treatment for your injuries and follow your doctor’s instructions. Do not stop with your treatment without first consulting your attorney as this can hinder the progress of your case. Also make sure to mail copies of all insurance forms received and receipts for medications and tools necessary for your recovery.

Should I Talk To The Insurance Company About My Accident and Let Them Take My Recorded Statement?

No. Absolutely not, especially in the case of a catastrophic injury. It is vital that a law firm that understands how carefully a settlement needs to be structured protect your rights, because no insurance company is on your side – ever – even your own. They are only trying to find an excuse to get away with paying you very little or not paying you at all. Statements made while your brain isn’t functioning at par could be used against you. Sometimes, you have to provide your own insurance company with a recorded statement because your policy requires it. In that scenario, you should consult with your attorney who will prepare you for the statement.

Can I Get Money For The Time Lost From Work After My Motorcycle Accident? What If I Have To Switch Careers?

Absolutely. You must first prove that the accident occurred – not hard to do if the accident was serious – and discuss with your physician the nature of your work. If the physician agrees that you will not be able to perform your work as a result of your injuries, and instructs you to take off from work for a certain period of time, you will be entitled to get all the money that you would have earned if you had gone to work in that period of time (even if you wind up getting paid by using sick leave or vacation time). Furthermore, you are entitled to compensation for loss of income capacity if you are no longer able to perform the same occupation as prior to the injury (i.e. income you would have been able to earn had you not been injured that you are now unable to earn).

Is a Rear-End Collision in Washington State Automatically The Fault of The Driver That Hit the Other?

The automatic-determination of fault is no longer in existence in Washington, but there is an automatic presumption that the person rear ending is at fault. Insurance companies will try to use this to their favor and refuse to cover a claim, so it is important to hire an experienced lawyer to prove the facts and force the insurance company to take responsibility

How Much Do I Need to Pay You To Hire You As An Attorney?

Nothing. You don’t have to pay anything upfront. You hire us on a contingency basis, which means we don’t charge you anything unless we win your case. We even pay for all of the expenses associated with your case out of our own pocket. Also, if for any reason we don’t recover any money (for example if we find out later that the party at fault has no insurance), we still don’t charge you anything. However, when your case settles, we take a percentage of the settlement for our fees and costs. This percentage depends on whether your case resolves before litigation or after trial. Please note, however, that in Washington, the law requires that the client ultimately be responsible for reimbursing an attorney for costs advanced, even if the case is unsuccessful. Please contact us so that we can explain how this would work in your case.

Can I Change My Lawyers If I Am Not Happy With Them? How Much is That Going To Cost Me?

Fortunately, you can change your lawyer anytime at absolutely no cost to you. All you have to do is call and let us know. We will immediately send a letter to your former attorney. As soon as they receive our letter, by law they are immediately obligated to forward your file to our office. Also, they are forbidden to contact you. You are not even required to inform them of your decision. Of course, if they have done substantial work in your case, they are entitled to get a portion of our fees for their contribution. This will only affect our fees and will not change your recovery.

How Much Is My Case Worth?

Only an experienced attorney can put a dollar value on your case and that is only after you have been examined by specialized physicians and the full nature and extent of your injuries are precisely determined and the cost of your present and future medical treatments are known. Furthermore, there are other factors that determine the value of your case such as, recent jury verdicts on similar cases in your area, the credibility of all parties involved, the length of time, the frequency, and the intensity of your pain and suffering, etc. Give us a call at 206-285-1743 to schedule a free initial consultation. This will allow us to better determine how much your case is worth.

What Is The Statute of Limitations For Motorcycle Accident Injuries In The State of Washington?

A statute of limitations creates a cut-off date after which a suit can no longer be filed. In general, an action must be filed within three years of the act that is alleged to have caused the injury. Because there are circumstances that can alter the statute of limitations, it is crucial to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

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Washington State Vehicular Assault

| Uncategorized

Washington State Wrongful Death LawyerI have come to realize that the roads are filled with reckless or negligent drivers. Sadly, these drivers do not know what they risk by speeding down the freeway or driving intoxicated and may eventually end up with vehicular assault charges when they are involved in a serious auto accident.

Contrary to what many people believe, being involved in a serious auto accident doesn’t automatically make it a vehicular assault case. Washington State Vehicular Assault law (RCW 46.61.522) states that a vehicular assault charge is the result when a car accident results in substantial bodily harm to another when a driver operates a vehicle:

  1. in a reckless manner
  2. under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
  3. with disregard for the safety of others

While this may open up a vehicular assault to a wide variety of accidents the key lies in that the victim has to be inflicted with “substantial bodily harm” as a result of the accident. While whiplash or a facial laceration may be painful it does not quite count as substantial… substantial is an injury that: causes substantial but temporary disfigurement, causes substantial temporary loss or impairment of a organ or other body part or causes a fracture to a body part.

With this definition in mind, a vehicular assault charge can result from an accident in which the victim breaks a bone, suffers internal bleeding, or receives a brain contusion or substantial concussion.

So What Counts??

As stated earlier, not every accident merits a vehicular assault charge. If a vehicle malfunctions and causes severe injury when it crashes into another vehicle the driver will not be charged with vehicular assault as they had no control over the accident. If the driver, however, is speeding, fails to obey common traffic signals and laws, driving recklessly or drunk they will face a vehicular assault charge.

What Are the Consequences?

A vehicular assault is considered a Class B Felony in Washington State which comes with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. The vehicular assault also goes on not only the offenders driving record, but on their criminal record and may require the use of an ignition interlock device, if the offense was the result of a DUI.

What Affects the Sentence?

Like all criminal cases, the sentence depends upon the jury’s verdict and the judge’s mindset. There are a few things that contribute to the sentence length which include:

  • The driver’s criminal and driving record prior to the offense—drivers with multiple offenses typically serve longer terms
  • And the circumstances surrounding the accident also affect the sentence as well as the extent of the injuries—if the victim will suffer permanent debilitating injuries the sentence will most likely be higher than if they broke their nose alone.

What are the leading causes of injuries to children?

| Blog, Children & Minors Injuries

As a Seattle child injury lawyer, I understand that child injury cases are different from other personal injury cases because they present unique issues and can be devastating for the whole family. For example, a major way in which child injury cases differ from other personal injury cases is the fact that a parent or legal guardian must file the claim on behalf of their child. Also, the serious injuries sustained by a child could potentially have life-long effects on the child and their family. Because of this, it is very important for the attorney to be aware of the future costs that can be incurred by an accident, and must be willing to go out of their way to make the legal process as easy to understand for the family.

The leading cause of death and injury among children ages 2 to 14 is motor vehicle accidents. According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, about 250,000 children are injured every year in car accidents.  In many cases, there is very little a parent or guardian can do to protect their child from an accident caused by a negligent driver. However, safety restraint use has the potential to save the lives of countless children. Between 1975 and 2002, an estimated 5,399 lives were saved by the use of child restraints (either child safety seats or adult seatbelts) and in 2005, an estimated 425 lives of children under the age of five were saved by car and booster seat use. However, these restraints must be used correctly to be effective.  Among 3,500 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration inspections of child safety restraints, 72% were installed incorrectly. A properly installed and used child safety seat lowers a child’s risk of death by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers ages 1 to 4. You can read this article for more information about seat belt safety. Properly installing and using a child safety restraint such as a seatbelt or a safety seat can effectively reduce the risk of injury that children incur motor vehicle accidents.

Other common causes of injury to children are water related accidents, playground accidents, and the ingestion of household products. The second leading cause of injury death for children under 14 is drowning, which also sends many more children to the emergency room for non-fatal submersion injuries. There are, on average, nearly 10 drowning accidents that occur every day. One in four of these accidents involve children under the age of 14. For every child who drowns, there are four other children who visit the emergency room for non-fatal injuries that can be catastrophic nevertheless and cause brain damage, affecting the child’s ability to hear, see, and learn. Most of these accidents occur because of certain risk factors such as a lack of pool barriers and a lack of parental or adult supervision. Playground-related injuries lead to 200,000 kids being treated in United States hospitals. Many of these accidents occur with adequate supervision, but those that do not are easily preventable.  Injuries that happen because of a lack of proper playground maintenance, or overtly negligent supervision may very well serve as grounds to pursue legal action. Children are more prone to injury than adults, therefore parental supervision is necessary to keep them safe.

If you believe that your child has been injured as a result of the negligence of another person, whether it is a lack of supervision by a school counselor on a playground, a motor vehicle accident, or a lack of pool barriers, you may have a case to receive compensation for the injuries that came about as a result of this negligence. You need an experienced Bellevue child injury lawyer to make the process as easy and stress free as possible. Here at Premier Law Group, we understand that you may have a lot of questions about an injury to your child. Our aggressive and experienced Seattle child injury attorneys are willing to help answer all of your questions and help your child recover the maximum possible compensation. For a free consultation and case evaluation, call us today at 206-285-1743. If we take your case, you will pay absolutely no legal fees unless we win.

Spinal Cord Injuries

| Brain Injury

As a Seattle personal injury attorney, I have seen people’s entire world change because of a car accident that results in a spinal cord injury. The range of symptoms for a spinal cord injury is vast, ranging from temporary pain to paralysis. Car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, and can cause permanent damage that drastically alters one’s life physically and financially. When an innocent driver suffers a spinal injury because of the negligence of someone else, it is imperative for that person to seek the advice of an experienced Burien car accident lawyer. It is likely that the medical bills to manage the injury will be very expensive, and the insurance companies do not make their record profits by easily giving out the proper compensation for these types of claims. A seasoned Bellevue injury lawyer can level the playing field and fight the insurance companies tooth and nail to get you the money you deserve.

A quarter of a million Americans are currently living with spinal cord injuries (SCI), with 10,000 to 12,000 new injuries happening every year. Causing nearly 40% of all spinal cord injuries, car accidents are the most common cause of the injury. It generally takes a very severe car accident to cause SCI to happen, but when a collision results in direct force on, or unnatural twisting of the back or neck, serious injury can occur. One of the most common ways this happens in a car accident is during a rollover crash. The roof may collapse in, and crush the head, neck, or back of the vehicle’s occupants. Seatbelt failures or lack of wearing the seatbelt are other typical contributing circumstances to car accidents that cause spinal cord injuries. Just as car accident statistics show that the overwhelming majority of accidents involve males, more than 80% of all spinal cord injury patients are male.

When the spinal cord is injured from a traumatic and direct force, initial damage causes a chain reaction that further harms the body. Initially, spinal discs that sustain the impact will fracture and become displaced. This can lead to the rupturing of blood cells, which causes heavy bleeding and internal damage in the area. Soon after, the spinal cavity will swell, thereby cutting off blood and oxygen to the area, and potentially harming important neurons and the connection between the brain and parts of the spinal cord.

There are two major classifications of spinal injury: incomplete and complete. An incomplete spinal injury allows for at least some sensation or motor function below the injured part of the spine. There are different levels of an incomplete spinal injury, but normal movement or sensation is impaired in some regard no matter what. A complete spinal cord injury is paralysis. Sensation and movement is lost below the affected part of the spine, which could mean quadriplegia if the injury was in the lower neck. If there is any chance for recovery in a spinal cord accident injury, it requires immediate medical attention. There is no cure for spinal cord injuries right now, but doctors and scientists have made huge strides in spinal cord injury research.

In both incomplete and complete spinal injuries, the victim’s life will inevitably be different. Long term medical care will be necessary, it may affect job performance, and there are added pressures on close family members. If you or a family member has suffered a spine injury due to the negligence of someone else, you should speak with an experienced Seattle spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible. If you would like a free consultation to get the advice you need on how to handle your injury, give Premier Law Group a call at 206-285-1743.

Police Chase Leads to Lakewood Car Crash | Tacoma Auto Crash Lawyer

| Blog, Personal Injury

After spending several years working with Kent personal injury cases as an auto accident attorney I have witnessed the mangled mess of metal a severe auto crash can make of a car. A car crashing into a tree, building, or other obstacle at high speeds can rip a car apart as a recent car hijacker who evaded police found out in a Lakewood car crash.

A Tacoma resident reported that their 1993 Honda sedan had been hijacked at knife point shortly before 11 am Tuesday, December 28th. After receiving the report a police officer located the vehicle being driven by Mark A. Mertz in Lakewood, Washington. The police officer attempted to make a routine traffic stop and pull the stolen vehicle over, but Mertz refused to pull over and instead attempted to elude the police officer.

During the chase Mertz hit a curb which sent the Honda flying through the air and smashing into a tree in a Lakewood car crash. The impact from the accident was so great the Honda actually split in half. The accident occurred shortly before 11 am at 3900 100th St. SW in Lakewood, Washington. The driver of the stolen vehicle did not suffer life threatening injuries; he was taken to the hospital, treated and then taken into custody for armed robbery and eluding a police officer.

Seattle auto accident attorneyTacoma car crash attorney

The driver in this accident was very lucky not to have sustained serious and life-altering injuries, but most drivers are not so lucky. Auto accidents lead to a variety of injuries; whiplash, head or brain trauma, pelvic injuries and pregnancy complications to name a few, but there are some things you can do to help protect yourself from serious injury in an auto accident.

1.       Always wear your seatbelt: 60% of auto accident fatalities occur because the victim was not wearing a seat belt.

2.       Watch your speed: speeding contributes to an overwhelming number of serious auto accidents, and injuries in a high-speed accident are far more severe than those in a lower speed incident.

3.       Beware of adverse conditions: drive safely for the conditions on the road- slow down on slick, wet or icy roads.

Facial Fracture Injuries

| Blog, Personal Injury

For the most part, airbags do their job in protecting the driver and passenger of a vehicle, but can sometimes cause severe facial trauma. As a Seattle auto accident attorney, I have seen a lot of accidents lead to head injuries that can seriously disfigure the face. There is not always something that an innocent driver can do to avoid somebody that is reckless on the road, but to reduce the chance of being in an accident, it is important to always be aware of road conditions and the other drivers on it.

The face is extremely complex, with 14 bones making up the jaw, nose, and skull. Because it protrudes from the face, the nose is the most vulnerable area in the event of an auto accident. The force of the face hitting a dashboard or deployed airbag can oftentimes result in a broken nose. Anyone who sustains an injury like this should seek immediate medical help, because a fracture may obstruct the nasal septum, which will block the airway and can cause difficulty breathing. Depending on the extent of the injury, a fracture may result in disfiguration of the nose.

In high-speed auto accidents, there is the potential for greater facial trauma than just the nose. I have seen many accident victims sustain injuries that result in the loss of teeth, cuts and bruises, trauma to the brain, broken jawbone and fractures in the facial structure.

Images are provided by:Med Legal Visuals

The blunt force to the head that causes facial trauma can immediately lead to swelling in the injured area, pain, bruising, bleeding and numbness. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention right away. The various treatments that are recommended for facial fractures are hot and cold packs to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Surgery may be required for more severe facial trauma.

Cervical Radiculopathy

| Personal Injury

Being a Kirkland personal injury lawyer and that has worked on many Seattle auto accident cases, I have come to the realization that every part of the body can be affected in a severe auto accident. The worst injuries, however, occur to the brain and spinal column which can lead to severe pain, disability and in the worst cases, death. One common result of a severe auto accident is radiculothapy which leads to discomfort and pain.

Radiculopathy or a pinched nerve occurs when severe impact or the body’s natural aging process ruins a spinal disk. There are 24 vertebrae that make up the spinal column with the upper 7 vertebrae in the neck make up the cervical bones; all of the vertebrae are separated by an intervertebral disc. These disks separate and cushion the bones, preventing them from rubbing on each other or the spinal cord. In a severe auto accident these discs can be pushed out of place or rupture- releasing the liquid that the disk is composed of- deflating it and making it useless as a cushion. This puts pressure on the spinal nerve causing symptoms such as tingling, numbness, shooting pain or a sensation of hot or cold in the damaged area.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Images are provided by:Med Legal Visuals

If the nerve is pinched it will not work properly and will reduce the feeling in nearby appendages such as the arms or shoulders. A doctor can easily determine where the problem is by the location of the pain or numbness in your body and through the use of x-rays and CT scans.

Conservative methods to treat a cervical radiculopathy include pain medications, anti-inflammatory’s and a neck brace to help immobilize the muscles and allow them to relax. Physical therapy may also be suggested to help build the muscles in the neck. Steroid injections may also be used to reduce the swelling in the disc and relive the pressure on the nerve. Surgery called a cervical fusion is used in severe cases which consists of removing the disk and replacing it with a piece of bone.

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