
Yes. Car accidents can cause problems with the thyroid, and this is surprisingly not uncommon. This is because the thyroid can be affected even if it not directly injured in the accident. Any kind of neck injury has the potential to affect the thyroid and its functioning as well.
How do I know if my car accident caused a thyroid problem?
Dealing with thyroid problems can be as frustrating as it is painful. For example:
- You have pain but you don’t know why
- You experience a variety of different problems—mood changes, energy levels, fatigue—that don’t seem directly connected
- Your doctor has run numerous tests but can’t find anything wrong
- You may have even been told “you’re fine”—but you know that’s not true
If these sound familiar, you may be one of the millions of people suffering from thyroid problems. And there is now strong medical evidence that many thyroid problems are caused by car accidents.
How does a car accident cause thyroid problems?
The thyroid is located at the base of the neck. And one of the most common injuries in car accidents is whiplash—a painful trauma to the neck itself. It now appears that this type of neck injury can not only affect the tendons and muscles of the neck, but the thyroid gland that they surround as well.
Unfortunately, once the thyroid is affected, the injury is no longer limited to the neck alone. Any kind of damage to the thyroid can cause body-wide problems. That’s because the thyroid contributes to so many crucial functions, including:
- Brain function
- The immune system
- Mood
- Metabolism
- Weight
- Energy levels
It’s no wonder why accident victims with thyroid problems face so many disparate, seemingly unconnected symptoms.
Will my car accident claim pay for my thyroid issues?
The answer is it should, but insurance is not going to pay if it can help it. This is because insurers continue to treat thyroid problems as if they aren’t “real” injuries—in direct contradiction of medical evidence. They will also argue that a thyroid condition can’t be caused by an accident, which is also false. But make no mistake: under Georgia law, the at-fault driver or their insurance company has to pay for all damages. This includes thyroid conditions.
If you are making a car accident claim about your thyroid, you will need evidence including:
- A diagnosis of your thyroid problem, with recommendation for treatment
- In most cases, a diagnosis of a neck injury from the accident (such as whiplash)
- Records of what you spent on any treatment so far (including supplements as well as medical treatment)
- An estimate of the total long-term cost of treatment
Unfortunately, not all doctors understand thyroid conditions, and many victims have a hard time getting what they need—but in terms of proper medical care and in terms of building evidence. A good accident attorney can help you by getting you do doctors who are recognized authorities on thyroid conditions, making sure you’re getting effective treatment, and documenting it in a way that the insurance companies can’t fight.
Talk to an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer for Free
You deserve proper treatment for your thyroid condition—and full compensation. We can connect you with a top car accident attorney who can help you. Let us give you a FREE consultation and help you build a case. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.