Back Injuries in Car Accidents
The human back is not well suited to handle the impact of a car crash. Almost any type of car accident can cause back injuries, including minor collisions. Car accidents can result in various kinds of back injuries, ranging from minor injuries to life-altering injuries. Below are some crucial things to know about back injuries in car accidents.
Common Types of Back Injuries From Car Accidents
The following are some of the most common types of back injuries from car accidents;
Thoracic Spine Injury
The thoracic spine begins at the base of your neck and extends to the bottom of your ribs. While the thoracic spine is rigid and stable, injuries can happen to this section of the spine. Fractures and sprains are quite common in the thoracic spine after a car crash.
Lumbar Spine Injury
The lumbar spine is the part of the spine that corresponds to the lower part of your back. Lumbar spine injuries in auto accidents can range from mild to severe and may involve soft tissues, discs, nerves, or the vertebrae. Examples of lumbar spine injuries that can occur in car crashes include sprains, strains, and fractures.
Herniated Discs
Discs or intervertebral discs are spongy cushions that separate the bones of the spine. A herniated disc occurs when the inner core of an intervertebral disc protrudes through the outer layer. A car accident can cause excessive force on the spine, which may result in a herniated disc.
Facet Joint Injury
Facet joints are the connections between the bones and the spine. They lay along your entire spine. After a car accident, these joints can be fractured. Facet joints can also become inflamed or dislocated in a car crash.
Spinal Cord Injury
An injury to the spinal cord can result in loss of muscle function, loss of sensation, nerve damage, and loss of bowel movement, all of which can be temporary or permanent. A spinal cord injury can result in temporary or permanent paralysis.
Spondylolisthesis
This injury occurs when one of the bones in the spine slips forward. Spondylolisthesis can be treated with medication, rest, and/or physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Symptoms of a Car Accident Back Injury
The symptoms of a car accident back injury can vary depending on the severity and type of injury. That said, the following are some of the common symptoms of car accident back injuries;
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Stiffness
- Numbness or tingling
- Limb weakness
- Muscle spasms
Some victims may experience symptoms right away, and others might not. Because of the possibility of delayed symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention after a car accident is crucial.
Recovering Compensation for a Car Accident Back Injury
A back injury can affect a person’s life and finances in many ways. Fortunately, people who suffer back injuries after a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence may be entitled to recover compensation for their injuries and losses. The amount of compensation back injury car accident victims receive depends on the specific factors surrounding their case. However, if you suffer a back injury in a car accident, the following are some of the types of damages you could recover;
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Contact us for Legal Help
If you’ve suffered any of the back injuries discussed in this article or another injury not discussed here in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact our qualified London and Southeast Kentucky auto accident attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm for legal help.
