Back Injuries From Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause serious back injuries that dramatically change people's lives. When cars collide, the force of the impact can damage the spine and surrounding tissues.

Davidoff Law has seen all types of back injuries from car accidents, and these kind of injuries might not only cause severe pain but can also lead to long-term disabilities.

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can seriously impact your ability to work and perform daily activities.

If you have suffered a back injury from a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately to assess the damage.

Additionally, knowing your legal rights is essential, as you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Our experienced car accident attorney can help guide you through the process and ensure you receive the support you need.

The Serious Nature of Back Injuries in Car Accidents

Back injuries sustained in car accidents can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating conditions. The force exerted during a collision can cause various types of damage to the spinal structures and soft tissues.

Such injuries often lead to major life changes, requiring victims to adapt their lifestyles around their recovery. They can prevent individuals from returning to work and enjoying their usual activities.

Additionally, back injuries can cause a lot of emotional and financial stress. Victims may face high medical bills, ongoing treatment costs, and lost wages if they are unable to work.

The impact on quality of life and mental health can be extensive. This is why it is so important to understand the nature of these injuries and seek appropriate legal and medical advice.

Common Causes of Back Injuries in Car Accidents

• Sudden impact. The sudden stop of a vehicle during a crash can cause the body to jerk violently, stressing the spine and back muscles. This can cause strains, sprains, or more serious injuries.
• Compression. The compression of the spine occurs when the body is pressed hard against the seatbelt or steering wheel, compressing the vertebrae and potentially leading to bone fractures.
• Whiplash. Although commonly associated with neck injuries, whiplash can also affect the back. The rapid back-and-forth movement can strain the back muscles and ligaments. This neck injury can lead to major stiffness and soreness.
• Ejection from the vehicle. Being thrown from the vehicle can cause severe trauma to the back upon landing. This is often catastrophic and can result in spinal cord injuries or fractures.
• Rollovers. Rollover accidents put extreme stress on all parts of the body, including the back. The twisting and turning motion can severely damage the spinal column and surrounding areas.

Types of Back Injuries

Back injuries from car accidents can vary widely in severity and type, each affecting the body in different ways.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries cover damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the back. These injuries can lead to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Although they are less severe than other types of spinal injuries, they can still cause major discomfort and require treatment.

Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains, which result from stretching or tearing of ligaments and muscles, are common back injuries. They can result from sudden, forceful movements during a car crash. Sprains and strains often lead to pain, muscle spasms, and a limited range of motion.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are some of the most severe injuries one can sustain in a car crash. They can cause partial or complete paralysis, depending on the area of the spine affected and the extent of the injury. A spinal cord injury needs quick medical attention and long-term rehabilitation.

Herniated Discs

A herniated disc occurs when the soft discs between the vertebrae get displaced or ruptured, often due to the impact of a car crash. This can lead to severe back pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs. A lumbar spine or thoracic spine injury of this nature is not uncommon in car accident victims.

Fractures

The vertebrae of the spine can fracture or break because of the force of a car accident. This type of injury can be extremely painful and could lead to long-term complications if not properly treated. You might even have facet joint injuries that can lead to major complications.

Paralysis

Paralysis from a car accident is a life-changing condition that can impact all parts of a person's life. It occurs when the spinal cord is severely damaged, interrupting communication between the brain and body parts below the injury level. This could even lead to chronic pain.

Common Symptoms of Back Injuries

• Persistent pain. Continuous, severe back pain that does not improve over time can indicate a serious back injury.
• Reduced mobility. Difficulty moving or bending can be a symptom of a back injury, affecting daily activities.
• Numbness or tingling. Numbness or tingling in the back, legs, or feet can indicate nerve damage from a spinal injury.
• Muscle weakness. A feeling of weakness in the muscles of the back or legs can be a sign of a spinal injury or nerve damage.
• Spasms. Back spasms are a common response to injury and can indicate muscle or ligament damage.
• Changes in posture. Spinal misalignments or injuries can cause an inability to stand straight or changes in posture.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control. This is a serious symptom often associated with spinal cord injuries and requires immediate medical attention.

Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

After a car accident, it is important to complete diagnostic tests to assess the extent of any back injuries.

Common procedures include X-rays, which can reveal fractures and spinal misalignments, and MRI scans, which create important images of the soft tissues, discs, and nerves. These tests help doctors develop an effective treatment plan.

Doctors may also use CT scans to obtain a clearer picture of the spine and assess any bone damage. Electromyography (EMG) tests can assess nerve damage by measuring the electrical activity in muscles.

These diagnostics are critical for understanding the full scope of the injuries and planning appropriate interventions.

Medical Treatment and Recovery

Treatment for back injuries after a car accident may involve a range of approaches depending on the severity of the injury.

Common treatments include physical therapy, which helps restore strength and mobility, and pain management techniques, including medication or injections. For catastrophic injuries, surgery might be necessary to repair damaged areas of the spine.

Recovery from a back injury can be lengthy and often requires ongoing therapy and support. Rehabilitation programs may include exercises to improve flexibility and strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, which support the spine. The goal is to restore as much function as possible and prevent future pain and disability.

Legal Implications of Back Injury Claims in Car Accidents

If you suffer a back injury from a car accident, you could be entitled to damages for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Documenting your injuries, treatments, and any related expenses is important. An experienced car accident attorney can help you go through the legal process and fight to help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Handling a back injury claim involves negotiating with insurance companies and possibly going to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Legal experts in back injuries understand how to present your case effectively to maximize your compensation. They will collect all required evidence, such as medical records and expert testimonies, to support your claim.

Get a Free Case Consultation Today From Our Queens Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered a back injury from a car accident, don't hesitate to seek legal help. Davidoff Law is here to help those who have suffered chronic pain after a car accident.

If a car accident caused your back injury, see a doctor immediately. Then, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your auto accident back and neck injuries.