Car Accident Back Pain Occurs in Most Collisions
Auto and motorcycle crashes cause the majority of spinal cord injuries in the U.S. About 50% of new spinal cord injuries each year result from car and motorcycle accidents.
The sudden movement and force of automobile accidents cause trauma resulting in back and neck pain. When a car crashes into a moving vehicle or a stationary object, the people inside the car experience severe force. They continue in motion until something stops their movement: a seatbelt, airbag, steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. If they are not wearing seatbelts, the impact may eject them from the vehicle.
Rear-end collisions are the type of crash most likely to result in head, neck and spine injuries. The impact causes what is commonly called whiplash. The rapid acceleration and deceleration force the head, neck and upper spine back and forth while a seatbelt restrains the torso. This movement can cause significant injury to spinal vertebrae, nerves, discs, muscles, and ligaments. It can also cause the brain to collide with the skull, leading to traumatic brain injury. About a third of all car wrecks are rear-end crashes.
Head-on collisions, side swipes, and T-bone crashes also cause car accident back pain. Auto accident victims should seek immediate medical attention. They should also consult with an experienced car crash attorney who can explain how to obtain compensation for their injuries. An experienced attorney knows the mechanics of car accident back pain and other injuries. He understands the evidence needed to support a claim and how to collect that evidence.
Common Neck, Spine and Back Injuries Resulting in Car Accident Back Pain
Car crashes damage a person’s head, neck, spine, and back. When one part of the skeletal system is thrown out of alignment, the body adjusts and compensates, which can cause additional strain and pain.
Traumatic injuries from car accidents can harm tendons, ligaments, and muscles in the back. This often leads to lower back pain. A car crash can cause the spine to become overly compressed, resulting in ruptured or herniated intervertebral discs. This leads to pressure on spinal cord nerves and severe or chronic pain. Compressed, irritated spinal nerves can lead to sciatica, with pain in the lower back, buttocks, and leg. Other common car crash injuries include compression fractions, flexion injuries and fractures, and concussions.
Untreated, one type of back injury can lead to additional problems. That is why car accident victims should see a medical provider after a crash. Often, car accident back pain does not start right after the crash. If the pain begins a few days after the wreck, many people don’t connect the pain to the accident. A medical professional can advise victims about what to watch for after an accident. An experienced car accident attorney can help victims track their symptoms and document the aftermath of the wreck.
Crash Victims Deserve Compensation for Car Accident Back Pain
Treatment for car accident back pain can range from a doctor visit to prescription medicines to chiropractic care, physical therapy and pain management in the case of chronic pain. It can also require surgery and rehabilitation. All of these cost money and the person who caused the accident must pay.
In addition to the direct costs of treatment and therapy, recovery takes time. Victims usually lose work days, with the time off either being unpaid, or consuming sick and vacation leave. Medical expenses, rehabilitative therapy, pain relief treatment, transportation for appointments, and lost wages are all recoverable.
In addition, a victim can seek compensation for a reduction in enjoyment of life, interruption of intimate relationships, and pain and suffering. For example, a runner who can no longer train for nor participate in the Boston Marathon experiences several losses. She may be depressed because she won’t accomplish this life goal. She struggles with the adjustment from being a competitive athlete to living a sedentary lifestyle. Her social life may suffer because on evenings and weekends she socialized with athletes and she is no longer one. She will also lose her investment in the race (gym membership, running coach, race gear, plane ticket, hotel and other travel). If any of these expenses are non-refundable, she deserves compensation.
Car Accident Back Pain is Treatable
Back pain is a common ailment that may be acute or chronic. For many car accident victims, it is correctable with proper rest and treatment. People injured in car wrecks deserve the best treatment for their injuries. An expert treatment team can identify the causes of pain and recommend appropriate treatment. The expense of proper services or the fear of losing income should not interfere with a victim’s recovery. Delaying treatment can lead to degenerative conditions and lifelong pain.
Contact a Long Beach Car Accident Attorney for Help
Your Injuries Are Personal to Me
If you are suffering from car accident back pain, I can help. For 35 years I have advocated for car accident victims to receive proper payment for their injuries. If someone caused a car accident and you got hurt, you deserve just compensation.
Your injuries are personal to me. My goal is to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your current and future expenses and pain and suffering. Call me today to learn how I can put my decades of experience to work for you.
Call the Law Office of Michael D. Waks at 888-394-1174 or use the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
You are under no obligation, and you will never pay any money unless you recover damages for your injuries. I offer bilingual services and I am available 24/7 to talk to you about your case.