Types of Back Injuries Common in Car Accidents
Since there are many different types of car accidents, there are a variety of back injuries that can occur. Here are some of the most common back injuries from car accidents.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is what helps the brain communicate with the rest of the body. If that connection is lost, partial or total paralysis may occur. Spinal injuries may either be complete (causing total paralysis and numbness in the affected part of the body) or incomplete (where some movement or sensation remains).
The higher up the spine an injury occurs, the more of the body is affected. Spinal cord injuries to the low- or mid-back area typically affect only the legs, while spinal cord injuries to the upper back or neck may affect the arms or even the ability to breathe unassisted.
Disc Injuries
Discs are spongy cushions between the vertebrae that give the spine flexibility and protect the vertebrae from each other. Car accidents can cause herniated, slipped, or ruptured discs, which are all the same injuries with different names. No matter what you call it, it’s when a disc becomes deformed, destroying its ability to cushion the vertebrae.
The damaged disc can also apply pressure to nearby nerves, causing weakness, numbness, or pain in whichever part of the body the affected nerve goes to. One example of this is sciatica, where a disc injury in the lower back causes tingling, numbness, or shooting pain down one leg.
Sprains and Strains
Back strains happen when tendons or muscles get torn or stretched in a car accident. Back sprains involve torn ligaments. Back strains and sprains can cause weakness, muscle spasms, limited mobility, and pain.
Compression Fractures
More common in older adults, compression fractures are small cracks in vertebrae. These can be caused or exacerbated by car accidents and can eventually cause the bone to deform or collapse, permanently altering the structure and shape of the spine.
Compression fracture symptoms include breathing trouble, pain, and posture changes.
Lumbar (Lower) Back Injury
Most common in side-impact crashes, lumbar injuries occur in the lower back and can dramatically impact a person’s quality of life. Effective medical treatment can be costly.
What Compensation Could I Get After a Car Accident?
If you suffer a lower or mid-back injury after getting in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible for many types of compensation, including for:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Reduced earning potential
- Lost wages
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Lost enjoyment of life
Only an experienced Las Vegas back injury lawyer can tell you what damages your case may be eligible for, so schedule a free consultation with Morris Injury Law today.
How Much Is My Back Injury Worth?
Every case is different, and many factors impact the size of a settlement, including things like:
- Whether you had a pre-existing back problem
- The severity of your back injury
- Your age
- Your previous income and projected earning potential
- If you are partly at fault for the crash
- The at-fault party’s policy limits
To get an idea of how much your case may be worth, contact an experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney at Morris Injury Law today. We’re available 24/7 to help you, so contact us anytime day or night.
Common Symptoms of Back Injuries After a Car Crash
Different types of back injuries will have varying symptoms, but some typical symptoms of back injuries after a car accident include:
- Back pain
- Pain that radiates down the butt and one or both legs
- Muscle spasms or stiff muscles
- Inability to stand properly
- Lack of coordination
- Feeling of “pins and needles” in arms and legs
Untreated lower and mid-back injuries can cause chronic pain and even permanent disabilities, so get medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident that causes you back pain. You may be able to get compensation for the medical bills if another party is responsible for the accident, so don’t let finances stop you from seeking treatment.
What if My Back Injury Leads to Permanent Disability?
Insurance companies frequently deny disability claims for back pain, arguing a lack of evidence to prove the case. To increase your odds of getting the disability benefits you deserve, take the following steps after your car accident:
- Seek medical attention: and get a proper diagnosis for your back pain
- Ask the doctor to draft a detailed report: with any limitations you have due to your injury, such as trouble standing, sitting, walking, or lifting
- Provide outside documentation of disability,: such as proof that you were approved for Social Security Disability benefits
- Get third-party statements: from people who know you well and can confirm how your injured back limits your ability to work and perform other activities
- Hire a reputable back injury attorney: like the experts at Morris Injury Law
Contact an Experienced Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies make their profit by paying as little as possible, so make sure you have a reliable Las Vegas car accident attorney on your side if you suffer a back injury in a car accident that wasn’t your fault. At Morris Injury Law, we’re committed to customer service and community, and there’s no fee unless we win.
We won’t pressure you into selecting us to represent you, so schedule a no-pressure free consultation today to discuss your case. If we don’t think we can help you, we’ll let you know, and if we take your case, we’ll fight day and night to get you every penny of the money that you deserve for your life-altering back injury.