Back pain is one of the most common complaints after a car accident. It can range from minor discomfort to severe and life-altering.
Below, Galloway Jefcoat addresses how back pain occurs during a car crash, the types of injuries that can cause this pain and how to determine the severity of your injuries. Additionally, we discuss the types of compensation victims may be eligible to pursue through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
If you or a loved one are suffering from back pain after a car crash, call Galloway Jefcoat’s auto accident lawyers in Lafayette. We have recovered millions for our clients who have been injured in collisions. We represent the injured with no upfront cost or fees.
How Does a Car Crash Cause Back Pain?
Car accidents are sudden, violent events that exert significant force on the body. This force can cause various types of back injuries, depending on the nature of the crash and the position of the occupants.
Back pain from a car crash is typically the result of one of the following causes:
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries suffered in rear-end collisions. The sudden jolt causes the neck and head to whip back and forth, straining the cervical spine and surrounding muscles. Victims may experience chronic pain that lasts for months or even years after the collision.
Impact Injuries
Some vehicle occupants get hit in the back during the collision. For instance, this might happen in a side-impact collision.
Compression Injuries
The force of the crash can compress the spine, leading to fractures or herniated discs.
Torsion Injuries
Sometimes your body twists or bends in an unnatural way during the crash. This type of motion can cause strains, sprains or more serious damage to the spinal cord.
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Types of Car Accident Back Injuries
These are some of the most common back injuries caused by car accidents:
Muscle Strains and Sprains
These types of injuries occur when muscles and ligaments in the back are overstretched or torn. Symptoms include pain, swelling and limited mobility.
Herniated Discs
The force of the accident can cause the discs between vertebrae to rupture or bulge out, pressing on nerves and causing pain, numbness or weakness.
Fractures
High-impact crashes can fracture the vertebrae, leading to severe pain and instability in the spine. This could cause partial or complete paralysis.
Severe vs. Minor Back Pain
Determining the severity of your back injuries is essential for getting the right treatment and support.
Here are some signs to help you understand whether your injuries are severe or minor:
- Pain Intensity: Severe, unrelenting pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relief is usually a sign of a serious injury.
- Mobility Issues: Difficulty moving, walking or performing everyday tasks often indicates a severe injury.
- Numbness or Tingling: These symptoms often suggest nerve damage or a herniated disc.
- Weakness: If you experience weakness in your limbs, it may indicate a spinal cord injury or severe nerve damage.
- Persistent Symptoms: Symptoms that persist for weeks or worsen over time need immediate medical evaluation.
No matter the severity of your symptoms, or how minor you think they may be, get treatment immediately.
Sometimes crash victims think their injuries are less severe and they wait to seek treatment. This is dangerous because you could allow the damage to get much worse and take a lot longer to heal. An accurate diagnosis and early intervention can prevent complications and improve your recovery prospects.
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What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive for Back Injuries?
You may be eligible for compensation if you have sustained back injuries in a car accident. Victims may be able to claim compensation for the following damages:
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications and any future medical care related to your injury.
- Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you can claim compensation for the income lost during your recovery period.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Rehabilitation Costs: These are the expenses for ongoing rehabilitation, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injury results in long-term disability, you may be able to recover compensation for the reduction in your ability to earn a living.
- Property Damage: Costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
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Call Galloway Jefcoat to Discuss Legal Action Over Back Pain From a Car Crash
At Galloway Jefcoat, we handle every aspect of auto accident cases on behalf of our clients, from gathering evidence and dealing with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary.
Our experienced team is dedicated to guiding you through this challenging time. We know how devastating back injuries and the pain they cause can be.
There are no upfront costs or fees to speak to one of our lawyers. Call us today to discuss your legal options.
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