The spine is delicate and not built to withstand the impact of an auto accident. Unfortunately, spinal cord injury is common in car crashes. As a car accident lawyer I know that the extent of the damage and the permanency of the injuries can vary substantially.
Some injuries can be made worse if the injured person is moved. Even after a low speed accident, if you feel pain in your back, seek immediate medical help.
Common Back Injuries Caused By Car Accidents
A muscle strain may heal on its own, but someone who experiences pain from a more serious back injury may remain in pain for months or years after the car accident. Some of the most common types of back injuries include:
- Herniated discs: There are 24 vertebrae and 24 discs running along the back in front of the spine. The discs protect and cushion the vertebrae. Trauma from an auto accident can cause one or more discs to become herniated. This means the disc breaks open, part of the inner cartilage bulges outward, and the disc is shifted out of its natural position between vertebrae.
- Compression fractures: Vertebra can fracture when the force of a car accident impact causes the anterior part of the spine and vertebra to become compressed downward.
- Flexion distraction fractures: The spinal cord and upper vertebrae violently bend forward, while the lower back and pelvis are anchored in place by the seat belt. The vertebrae can fracture from this forced, unnatural movement. This type of injury is most likely to occur in head-on crashes.
- Dislocation fractures: One or more vertebrae break in the back, and the soft tissue from surrounding discs moves into the damaged area.
- Transverse fractures: A crosswise fracture, called a transverse fracture, can occur when the vertebrae and spine twist past their normal radius because the vertebrae and spine pitch forward due to the auto accident impact.
- Soft tissue damage: Tendons, muscles, and ligaments surrounding the vertebrae can become torn or stretched, causing pain as nerve endings are affected by the damage.
- Spinal cord damage: Damage to the spine can be permanent. Full or partial paralysis can result from spinal cord damage.
Any back pain from a car accident should be checked by a doctor. It is important to be evaluated immediately if you experience numbness, weakness, tingling or loss of bladder or bowel control, as these can be signs of a more serious injury.
The more severe the back injury, the more care the victim will need and the greater his or her damages. Victims of a car accident are entitled to compensation for all medical bills, wage losses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any other damages resulting from their injuries.
A Long Beach Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Your Injuries are Personal to Me
I am a Long Beach personal injury attorney who exclusively represents injured accident victims. If you incurred a spinal cord injury from an auto accident or a slip and fall accident, I can help you get the medical care you need and the compensation you deserve.
Call the Law Office of Michael D. Waks at 888-394-1174 or use the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation to speak with a Long Beach car accident lawyer to learn how I can help you if you’ve suffered a back injury in an auto accident. You will be under no obligation and you will never pay any money unless you recover compensation for your losses.
You can also download my convenient glove box checklist and keep it in your vehicle so you will be prepared with a checklist for what to do if an accident happens.