Back Injuries After A Car Accident
Back injuries are among the most common, and most disruptive, consequences of car accidents. From whiplash to herniated discs, these injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and time away from work. A truck accident lawyer is here to explain how laws protect back injury victims and how to build a strong case for compensation.
Types Of Back Injuries In Auto Accidents
As our friends at Hayhurst Law PLLC can explain, there are multiple types of common back injuries seen in car crashes such as:
- Whiplash – Often caused by rear-end collisions, whiplash can result in neck and upper back pain that lasts weeks or even months. This can also show up later after the accident has occurred.
- Herniated Or Bulging Discs – When a spinal disc is displaced, it can press on nerves and cause numbness, pain, or weakness in the limbs.
- Fractured Vertebrae – In serious crashes, vertebrae can crack or shatter, potentially leading to surgery and long-term disability.
- Soft Tissue Damage – Even without broken bones, strained muscles and ligaments can significantly impact your daily life.
Why Back Injuries Are Hard To Prove
Unlike broken bones, back injuries often don’t show up clearly on X-rays. Insurance companies may claim you’re exaggerating or had a pre-existing condition. A lawyer helps clients gather the right medical documentation — from MRIs to physical therapy records — to support their claim. This is why it is so crucial to seek medical attention immediately after an accident to start documentation of possible injuries and pain you may be suffering. The more documentation you have, the better it will be for your case.
What Compensation Can Include
When you are injured, you are given a settlement for certain costs/expenses associated with your accident. This compensation can cover:
- Emergency room visits and imaging tests
- Follow-up doctor appointments and medications
- Physical therapy and chiropractic care
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Pain and suffering related to chronic back pain
This is not a comprehensive list, but it does contain the top items we see compensation covering.
Steps To Take After An Accident
- Seek medical treatment immediately — even if the pain seems minor at first, or even if you don’t feel any pain at all!
- Follow all treatment plans and keep detailed records. Even a hand written journal can go a long way for your case.
- Avoid posting about your injury on social media. Even if your profile is private, friends can still share or screenshot what you have posted.
- Contact a lawyer before speaking with the insurance company. If insurance contacts you, tell them they need to speak with your lawyer first.
Why Legal Help Matters
Back injuries often have long-term consequences that aren’t visible right away. A lawyer ensures that clients don’t settle for less than what they need for future treatment and recovery.
Back pain can disrupt every part of your life. Let an attorney help you get back on your feet — with the compensation you need to move forward. Contact a lawyer near you for help immediately on your case.