Common Back Injuries From Car Accidents

In a collision, the body's natural reaction is to tense up. This often causes strain on the body that can feel like aches and pains in the short term. However, in the long term, this may indicate more serious damage.

The effects of any car accident may not always be apparent. That's why clients with back injuries trust the Smith Law Center and our 75 years of experience. Our team is here to fight for your right to compensation for visible and invisible pains.

We've secured over $1 billion in settlements for similar personal injury claims. Some involve common back injuries from car accidents. Let the Smith Law Center car accident lawyers help you get your life back. Contact one of our experienced lawyers at (757) 244-7000 for a 100% free case evaluation, and learn more about your legal options in a car accident claim.

Back Injury After a Car Accident: Injuries and Their Symptoms

Back injuries are not a walk in the park and often present symptoms that might be harder to spot without a medical professional.

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries after a rear-end car accident. It's when your neck and upper back are suddenly jerked forward and backward during impact. The immediate symptoms of whiplash often include neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

Whiplash Symptoms:

• Tenderness in your shoulders, upper back, and arms.
• Headaches start at the base of your skull.
• In more severe cases, you might have dizziness or blurred vision.
• Experiencing difficulty concentrating or memory issues.

Some experience delayed onset symptoms, such as chronic neck and shoulder pain or persistent headaches. Others suffer from long-term complications– including reduced neck mobility and chronic pain that can last for years.

Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries can range from mild to severe, and the symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the damage. More severe injuries can cause paraplegia or quadriplegia, depending on the location of the damage to the spinal cord.

Spinal Injury Symptoms:

• Intense pain or pressure in your back, neck, or head. 
• Experiencing numbness or tingling in their arms or legs. 
• Weakness in limbs or difficulty with coordination.

In the hours and days following the accident, additional symptoms might develop. If left untreated, spinal injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, or, in extreme cases, paralysis.

Never feel pressured to talk to the other party after a crash. The information you share may be used against you in court, with insurance, or to deny your claim completely. Avoid other common mistakes after a car crash with our guide.

Herniated Discs

A herniated disc occurs when the cushion between your vertebrae is damaged. This allows the soft inner material to press against nearby nerves.

Herniated Disc Symptoms:

• A sharp or burning pain in your back can radiate to your arms or legs. 
• Experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness in extremities. 
• Lower back pain, often manifesting as sciatica. 

Sciatica, a pain that shoots down one leg, is a common symptom of a herniated disc. In severe cases, surgery is needed to relieve nerve pressure and prevent long-term damage.

Thoracic Spine Injuries

Thoracic spine injuries involve the middle of your back. They are less common but can be severe.

Thoracic Injury Symptoms:

• You might feel a sharp mid-back pain radiating to your chest or ribs. 
• You may have trouble breathing in or out deeply.
• Experiencing muscle spasms in your back, limiting your ability to move.

As the injury progresses, you might notice stiffness or a reduced range of motion in your back. Delayed symptoms can include chronic pain or difficulty maintaining posture. If not treated properly, thoracic spine injuries can lead to an abnormal curvature of the spine or persistent nerve pain. 

These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation to regain function and reduce discomfort.

Can a Back Injury after a Car Accident Change Your Life?

Back injuries from car accidents can manifest in several ways. Some symptoms may appear immediately after the crash, while others may develop over time. That's why paying attention to the signals your body is sending you is important.

Chronic back pain is one example of a life-changing injury after a crash. It could indicate nerve damage or a spinal injury. This type of pain may not have a specific trigger and can persist for weeks or months after the accident. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, 80% to 90% of victims with chronic back pain report the injury having a significant impact on their ability to work.

Back injuries can also manifest in ways that impact our spinal and nervous systems and result in brain injuries. These brain injuries can cause profound changes to a person’s mental and physical abilities. Below are the types of back injury most likely to lead to brain injury:

• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs): Includes severe trauma to the neck or spine. This interferes with signals sent between the brain and the body.
• Cervical Vertebrae Fractures: Fractures in the neck may lead to a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI).‍
• Whiplash: The rapid back-and-forth motion can cause the brain to collide with bone, resulting in mild to severe TBIs.
• Herniated Discs in the Cervical Spine: This can manifest as lower back pain from a car crash. It can put pressure on nerves that affect brain function. 
• Vertebral Artery Dissection: Damage to the vertebral arteries that supply blood to the brain. Reduced blood flow may lead to a stroke or brain injury.
• Thoracic Spine Injury: Although less common, injuries to the thoracic spine can impact blood flow and nerve function, causing conditions like hypoxia.

When back injuries lead to brain injury, victims face a long recovery with limited ability to work. More than 60% of all victims, with back injuries leading to cognitive impairment, never return to the workforce. Victims surviving such injuries may also live with complex trauma like PTSD.

Legal Recourse for Back Injuries from Car Accidents

Filing a personal injury claim can help you recover the costs of your medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages. 

We have a proven track record of helping clients get the financial support needed to heal, including a $7.5 million settlement for a woman suffering a mild head injury in an auto accident. 

Reach out to the Smith Law Center online or by phone at (757) 244-7000.

Back injuries from car accidents can be costly to treat and may require long-term care. When looking for a lawyer, make sure they're looking for all possible damages that your claim qualifies for:

• Medical expenses are often the largest part of a personal injury claim. Victims can seek compensation for emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing care. 
• Lost wages are another key component of a personal injury claim. This can also include compensation for future earnings if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job or reduces your ability to work.
• Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are also important to any personal injury claim. Back injuries can cause chronic pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life. 

Why Choose the Smith Law Center for Your Back Injury after a Car Accident?

We understand that dealing with a back injury can be overwhelming, especially when it impacts your ability to work or enjoy life. We help gather evidence, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any other documentation proving the extent of your injuries.

The Smith Law Center lawyers lead compassionately, so we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we won't get paid unless you do. With our $1 billion track record of success, we are dedicated to supporting victims in their journey to compensation for their pain and suffering. 

Contact us online or by phone at (757) 244-7000, and we’ll help you get the justice you deserve.