Being in a car accident is bad enough but experiencing back pain after a car accident can be daunting and confusing. The majority of people who suffer back pain from a car accident aren’t aware they’ve been injured until hours, even days, afterward.
If you’re wondering whether you’re entitled to legal help because of a car accident that caused back pain, take a look at the information below.
What to Do After an Accident
Did you know that the body can release endorphins that mask physical damage after a car accident? You may not know the true extent of your injuries until days later. That’s why it’s always important to go to the hospital and get checked out, even if you feel fine.
Another thing you should always do after an accident is call the police. If you believe the accident wasn’t your fault, the police can take a report from you and the other driver.
If you do decide to make a legal claim at any point, those police reports can be used as evidence in your claim. The more details you have to support your claim, the better.
It can also help to take pictures at the scene of the accident of your vehicle and any visible injuries on your body. Of course, your health and getting medical attention as soon as possible should be your first priority so you may want to ask a family member or friend to do it for you.
Types of Back Injury
There are three main areas of the back. The lower back (lumbar vertebrae), the upper back (thoracic vertebrae) and the neck (cervical vertebrae). Depending on where your injury is, your pain could be anything from mildly discomforting to debilitating. It could also be something that will fade with time or something permanent.
1. Upper Back Injuries
Upper spinal injuries tend to be serious. People with this kind of injury have usually been injured in a car accident at high speed. Since this is the area where the ribs and chest are, a back injury can cause permanent nerve damage.
2. Lower Back Injuries
Lower back injuries can be particularly painful and can be both temporary and permanent. Whether it’s a strain or a sprain, you may experience difficulty in moving around as you normally would, bruising, swelling and you may feel tender.
3. Slipped Disc
Slipped discs are another common injury of car accidents. Discs are the soft cushions that protect the spine and sit between the vertebrae’s in your back. When a disc slips, it can put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves surrounding it. You may feel intense pain in your lower back and your legs may feel numb.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries
Unfortunately, most spinal cord injuries are intensely painful and some can lead to permanent damage. Permanent damage could mean long-term disability. Spinal cord damage can mean a loss of feeling in certain areas of the body, a loss of reflex and partial paralysis. In the worst cases, it could mean total paralysis.
This type of injury can involve multiple surgeries which puts the patient at a higher risk of infection, blood clots, spinal fluid leaks and even accidental death.
How to Treat Back Problems
The treatment will heavily depend on the type of injury you have. You will need to undergo tests, like x-rays, CT scans and bone scans. Your doctor will be able to diagnose you and prescribe a suitable treatment.
Many temporary back problems can be treated with pain medication, physical therapy and a good chiropractor. If you do require surgery for a more serious back injury, your doctor will go through your treatment plan in lengthy detail.
Should I Contact an Attorney?
When you’ve been in a car accident and suffered an injury, it’s important to seek justice. Not only will it help to give you some peace of mind but it will also ensure the same thing is unlikely to happen to someone else by the same person.
People who have been taken to court regarding an injury are far less likely to be involved in a car accident again. Similarly, making a claim can help you pay any fees you’ve been lumbered with.
Have you had to have time off work because of your injury? Have you had medical or medication costs you’ve struggled to pay? In the worst case scenario, perhaps you have to make changes to your home to help you manage your injury.
By finding the best auto accident attorney in your area, you can be sure your case will be handled professionally and you’ll receive the most you’re entitled to.
What Should I Do Now?
Once you’ve decided to contact an attorney, the best thing you can do is gather as much information as possible. Contact your local police department and ask for copies of any reports and put them with any pictures you were able to take.
You may also have remembered details you didn’t tell the police. It’s often easier to remember things in hindsight. Write down everything you can remember and pass on the details to your attorney.
Dealing With Back Pain After a Car Accident
Back pain after a car accident can cause real disruption to your life and it’s often difficult to deal with.
Don’t be afraid to accept help from family, friends and professionals on your journey to recovery. Take a look at some of our other informative articles on our website.