June 13, 2022
Auto Accident

If you’ve suffered a back injury in a car accident, you may be worried about your ability to resume your normal activities. One study found a causal link between car accidents and nearly 63% of chronic lower back pain in people suffering from the condition.

If you suffered a back injury in a car accident caused by another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to cover emergency medical treatment, ongoing medical care, and current and future loss of income. The type and severity of the injury you sustained determine whether you will have a partial or total permanent disability.

Work with the back and spine injury lawyers at Vance Law Firm to navigate the complex legal landscape of this type of injury case.

Types of Injury Common in a Car Accident

Car accidents can cause common injuries to the back and spine, including fractures, disc injuries, spinal cord injuries, and soft tissue injuries. Some heal completely, while others cause chronic pain or loss of function for the rest of your life.

Fractured vertebrae

Spinal fractures can cause pressure on nerves or the spinal cord, causing intense pain, numbness, or loss of function. Surgeons can fix most fractured vertebrae, but the surgery may result in loss of mobility in the affected spinal region.

Spinal cord injury

Some spinal cord injuries, like those caused by bruising or swelling, may resolve on their own. However, injuries that result in a severed spinal cord are always permanent. Recovery usually includes physical therapy that focuses on regaining communication and limb strength.

Herniated disc

Herniated discs happen when the outer layer of the disk tears and the inner layer bulges out. This bulging puts pressure on the surrounding nerves or the spinal cord. Surgeons can sometimes fix a herniated disc, but you can still have lasting effects like chronic pain. The surgery may result in loss of mobility in the affected area of the spine.

Sprains and strains (whiplash)

Auto accidents often cause soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains around the spine. Whiplash is a common cause. The soft tissue gets stretched beyond its capacity and sometimes tears.

Some injuries can cause permanent disability, like complete spinal cord injuries. Others may require the testimony of expert witnesses to make an insurance company or a judge or jury understand how your injury affects your everyday life.

How to Tell if Your Injury Will Cause Permanent Disability

Your health care provider and rehabilitation team will help you determine if you can return to your pre-accident activities. Signs that you will have a permanent disability include:

  • Prolonged, intense back pain
  • Weakness of your arms and legs
  • Inability to stand for long periods
  • Paralysis
  • Failure of physical therapy to improve function

You must have a medical diagnosis for your pain or loss of function to get a settlement. Your injury has to affect your ability to perform your normal pre-accident activities to be considered a permanent disability. Seeking medical care after an accident is essential for your overall well-being and helps establish and build your case.

What to Do if You’ve Been Injured in a Car Crash

Back and neck pain following a car crash requires immediate medical attention. Weakness, loss of sensation, and intense pain are signs of a medical emergency. You should remain still and call emergency medical services if they are not already on the way. If you have someone with you who is uninjured, have them take pictures of as much of the collision scene as possible.

If you have mild pain at the time of injury, you should still document the scene and get a medical evaluation. Adrenaline can mask some symptoms of injuries. You will need a referral to a specialist for a severe injury to determine the extent of the damage and your chances for a complete recovery.

Hire a personal injury attorney to pursue compensation for your injuries. Spine and back injury lawyers have access to expert witnesses and investigators to determine who is at fault for your accident. They also have experience negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of car crash victims.

The personal injury attorneys at Vance Law Firm know how to calculate a fair settlement, including non-economic damages. They can also take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. They can protect your rights if you were injured in a car accident while on the job or if there are multiple parties involved in the accident.

Contact The Vance Law Firm Today

The award-winning lawyers at The Vance Law Firm take the stress of fighting an insurance company out of your recovery process. We help you get the compensation you deserve to pay your medical expenses and deal with the emotional distress caused by the crash.

Contact a Montgomery back and spine injury lawyer today for a free, confidential case evaluation.

Related Articles

September 5, 2023
Auto Accident
Originally published January 24, 2022. One of the only bright spots after an auto accident that wasn’t your fault is knowing that you may be able to get compensation for your medical bills and lost wages from the other driver and their insurance. But getting compensation isn’t guaranteed, as insurance companies are notoriously difficult and […]
View Article
August 28, 2023
Auto Accident
Whether you’ve been involved in a minor fender bender or a serious collision, what occurs after a car accident can be overwhelming. Choosing your words wisely and maintaining your composure during this stressful situation is crucial. The wrong choice of words can have far-reaching implications – from affecting insurance claims to skewing legal proceedings, even […]
View Article
July 31, 2023
Auto Accident Uncategorized
Originally published September 15, 2019. Car accidents, though distressing, are a common occurrence; many drivers experience several in their lifetime. In the aftermath of such an incident, it’s natural to question whether you need to call the police. While the answer often depends on the situation, guidance from an Alabama car accident attorney can be […]
View Article
The Vance Law Firm