What If I Am Left with Back Pain from an Auto Accident?

After an auto accident, you can endure minor to severe injuries. And one of the most common car accident injuries is back pain. The discomfort can occur immediately following the collision, or it can show up weeks after the crash occurred.

Either way, you should never ignore back injuries. But seeking professional treatment can be costly, which is why you need to collect compensation from the liable party. If you were left with back pain from an automotive collision, a back injury lawyer can help you collect a fair settlement.

What Causes Back Pain After an Auto Accident?

When you’re in an auto accident, the risks of back injuries are high, especially ones involving the neck and lower back. These areas are sensitive, and the intense trauma of a vehicle collision can cause severe damage.

During a crash, the blunt force causes your body to move until you eventually collide with something, like your seat belt, dashboard, or car door, that stops the movement. When this happens, it puts enormous pressure on your back and neck, leading to severe back pain.

What Types of Back Injuries do Car Accidents Cause?

Whiplash is the most common car accident injury, with over three million whiplash injuries a year. It often leads to discogenic pain caused by damage to the spinal discs (the pieces of cartilage that cushion the area between each bone in the spine). 

Other common back injuries due to auto accidents include:

• Spinal stenosis:A bone fragment or ruptured disc gets into the spinal canal and puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
• Lumbar sprains: Excessive force stretches the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back.
• Degenerative spinal disorders:These ailments can go by many names and result from the spine or areas of the spine breaking down.
• Herniated discs:The inner filling of a spinal disc ruptures through the outer casing and touches surrounding nerves, causing intense pain.

What Should I Do If I Have Back Pain from a Car Crash?

Back pain from an auto accident can be painful, frustrating, and debilitating. If you sustain back pain after a collision, you need to seek medical treatment, keep track of your injuries and medical expenses, and consult with a car accident lawyer. 

Seek Medical Treatment

After a car accident, see a doctor right away. Back injuries, or at least the extent of their severity, are not always immediately apparent. Get checked out as soon as possible so that you can get proper medical attention. Your doctor might need to perform imaging tests to determine the full extent of your injuries and prescribe a treatment plan.

Your doctor will document the visit and keep it as part of your medical record. A personal injury lawyer will use doctor records to negotiate a fair settlement with the liable party or insurance company.

Document Your Injuries

When receiving medical care for your back injuries, document everything. Keeping track of how your injuries caused you losses ensures you receive maximum compensation during the settlement. 

Be sure to document:

• Doctor visits
• Medical bills
• Time off of work for your injuries and treatment
• Any other out-of-pocket expenses you incur

Take pictures and write down any changes in your pain levels. The more injury details you provide, the more evidence for your case.

Speak with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

We also recommend speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Legal experts can compile evidence to fight for damages you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. 

In addition, attorneys advocate for you when faced with insurance companies who offer less than your back injuries merit. Car accident lawyers fight for your rights and pursue fair compensation for your losses after an auto accident.

Partner with a Qualified Personal Injury Lawyer Now

If you are suffering back pain resulting from an auto accident, the skilled attorneys at John Foy & Associates can help.  We can evaluate your back injuries and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free claim review now.