5 Common Back Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents
| November 29th, 2021
The human body is not designed to absorb the force created when traveling in a car and abruptly stopping. Your back is particularly vulnerable to injury in a car crash. Although many back injuries may heal themselves, and others are treatable, some back injuries may negatively impact your quality of life, especially if they are catastrophic, like a spinal cord injury.
Some back injuries worsen with time, while others may not be obvious right away. It is important you seek medical attention immediately following a car accident so a professional can assess you for any potential back problems.
If you’ve suffered a back injury in a car accident, experienced California car accident lawyers can help build your case and pursue compensation for damages. The state of California recognizes pure comparative negligence laws for car accidents, so you may be entitled to compensation even if you were partially at fault for a car accident.
Here is a list of five of the most common types of back injuries that occur in a car crash:
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is perhaps the most common injury suffered in a car crash. It happens when the head and neck are propelled backward and forward with some force. This movement damages the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. However, the cervical spine is the primary area affected, which may cause long-lasting back pain.
2. Fractures
The force of a car crash can fracture the vertebrae in the spine. A compression fracture occurs when pressure on the spine causes cracks in the vertebrae. In major accidents, the force of the collision may be sufficient for the fracture to damage the spinal cord.
3. Soft Tissue Injuries
These types of injuries may not be severe but can include sprains, strains, and muscle and ligament tears. Soft tissue injuries can be extremely painful and may also cause tenderness and stiffness while the healing process occurs.
4. Herniated Disc
A car accident causes the body to absorb a lot of force. This may lead to the supportive discs slipping out of place or rupturing. A herniated disc can cause severe pain if it comes into contact with the lumbar or cervical spine nerves. This may lead to lower back pain and tingling down the leg. Compression of nerves in the cervical spine causes neck and shoulder pain. It may also cause tingling down the arm or hand.
5. Spinal Cord Injuries
This is by far the most serious type of back injury you could sustain from a car accident. If the spinal cord is bruised or damaged during an accident, it can lead to permanent injury or even paralysis. Immediate medical treatment is needed to prevent lasting harm.
Signs and Symptoms
After an accident, any type of back pain should be taken seriously. You should consult a doctor even if the back pain is only mild. Remember, sometimes, the symptoms will not be apparent for several hours after the accident or even the next day.
The type of back injury symptoms you may expect after a car accident are:
- Stiffness
- Muscle spasms
- Pain running from the buttocks down the leg
- Difficulty in walking or standing unaided
Claiming Compensation for Back Injuries
Back injuries may be relatively minor to extremely severe. Even low-speed collisions can cause painful and debilitating back pain. Back injuries profoundly affect your life and daily routine and may even prevent you from working. This may have a bad effect on your finances and quality of life.
You shouldn’t have to suffer financially due to a back injury caused by an accident that wasn’t your fault. If a car crash compromises your quality of life and finances, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and expenses, such as medical bills and lost wages, and even loss of companionship. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer at our law firm can explain the law to you and advise you on the best options for your circumstances.
Get the Legal Representation You Need With Berg Injury Lawyers
Berg Injury Lawyers have the experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal complexities to pursue your compensation claim. Contact us today for more information and a free consultation.
