Your back was never meant to absorb the force of a vehicle collision. Accordingly, you are not alone if you have back pain following an accident. Even a minor impact can have serious consequences. Back injuries from car accidents can range anywhere from uncomfortable to life-changing. Below, the attorneys at Church Church Hittle and Antrim describe five of the most common back injuries resulting from car accidents.

If you or a loved one is experiencing serious back pain after a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries. The experienced attorneys at CCHA Law can help you determine the value of your claim and the best legal strategy to receive the compensation you deserve.

5 Common Back Injuries from Car Accidents

The back is complex and involves muscles, tendons, discs, ligaments, and nerves surrounding and protecting the vertebrae. Injury to any of these components can range from mildly painful to debilitating. Sometimes back pain is temporary. In other cases, back pain may be permanent and can only be addressed from a pain management standpoint.

Back injuries are common in vehicle collisions. Because of the back’s complexity, the extent of back injuries may not be immediately apparent following a car accident. Here are five of the most common back injuries from car accidents.

1. Whiplash

Whiplash is the most common back injury, with an estimated 3 million new cases yearly in the United States. Though it is often thought of as a temporary injury, statistics show that 1 in 10 people are permanently disabled by whiplash. This is because the neck is extremely vulnerable to injuries. This is particularly true when it comes to impact injuries or injuries caused by abrupt movement.

2. Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries can be painful and put serious limitations on mobility. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, car accidents have been the most common cause of spinal injuries since 2010. Spine injuries from a car accident may include:

• Pinched nerves,

• Spinal fractures and spondylolisthesis,

• Facet joint injuries,

• Aggravation or exacerbation of spinal stenosis, and

• Paralysis.

Symptoms of spine injuries vary depending on the damage’s severity and the injury’s location along the spinal cord.

3. Herniated Disc

A herniated disc may also be called a bulging, ruptured, or protruding disc. This type of injury occurs when the impact from the car accident causes vertebrae to push into the spinal canal. It then compresses or irritates your spinal cord leading to back pain and, potentially, leg pain or sciatica.

Treatments for a herniated disc vary depending on the severity of the injury. Treatment may include anything from home treatment and medication to surgery.

4. Lower Back Pain

A recent survey shows more than 72.3 million adults in the United States suffer from chronic low back pain. This equals about 28% of the nation’s adult population.

Lower back pain after a car accident is not uncommon. If you were experiencing low back pain before the accident, you might still be eligible for compensation if you can prove that the pain worsened significantly after the accident.

5. Thoracic Spine Injury

The thoracic spine is in the middle of your back near your lungs. It connects to your chest and ribs. Sprains and fractures in this area are common back injuries from car accidents. Injuries to this area can cause moderate to severe back pain, depending on the degree of impact. You may also feel pain in your rib cage.

Damages for Back Injuries

In Indiana, the party that caused the accident may be responsible for compensating you for your damage and injuries. Your potential compensation depends on several factors, including the severity of your injury and its prognosis.

You may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, including expenses associated with the following:

• Emergency treatment,

• Surgery,

• Physical therapy,

• Medication,

• In-home care, and

• Other related expenses.

Your lost wages, including future lost income, may also be compensable. You may also be eligible for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. An attorney can help you determine the value of your claim for compensation to ensure you do not settle for less than what you deserve.

Contact Us

The personal injury attorneys at CCHA Law have represented Indiana accident victims since 1880. We pride ourselves on our involvement in the community and on establishing genuine relationships with our clients. You need compassionate representation when you have experienced something as painful and traumatic as a back injury from a car accident caused by someone’s negligence. Contact us to schedule your case consultation today.