Thousands of people are injured in car accidents every year. Some of the more common injuries in car accidents each year are back injuries. Who could you turn to if you or a loved one have suffered from car accident back injuries?
You may be able to rely on a trained Moncks Corner auto accident lawyer to obtain your back injury settlement. We can help fight to reimburse the damages you received, and help you and your family move forward.
What Are Common Back Injuries from a Car Accident?
In a car accident, drivers and passengers may be injured by sudden stops, hitting the doors, steering wheel, or other internal parts of the car, or even being ejected from the vehicle. All these impacts can cause damage to the back. Some types of damage include:
- Soft tissue damage: This may include damage to the underlying muscles or ligaments in the back.
- Herniated discs: This occurs when a disc slips from its position between vertebrae.
- Fractures: This can occur when the bones surrounding the spinal cord are broken from the impact.
- Spinal cord injuries: When the spinal cord is impacted from a crash, it may immobilize the victim.
Where Do Back Injuries Occur?
Car accident back injuries can occur in different areas.
- Upper back injuries, or cervical spine injuries may result in paralysis, immobility of the neck, or significant pain.
- Middle back injuries, or thoracic spine injuries, can cause intense pain, problems with movement, or paralysis. Thoracic vertebrae are narrower than other types of vertebra, and injuries to them may cause greater damage.
- Injuries to the lower back, or lumbar spine injuries commonly result in lower back pain, problems lifting, or even paralysis.
Can a Car Accident Cause Paralysis?
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, car crashes are the leading cause of all spinal cord injuries. Of the thousands of car accident spinal injuries every year, around nineteen percent cause total paralysis of at least two limbs (paraplegia), and thirteen percent involve all four limbs plus breathing (tetraplegia).
Potential Treatments for Back Injuries From a Car Accident
If you or someone you love has suffered back injuries from a car accident, it is important that you seek professional treatment as soon as possible. Prompt treatment not only reduces risk of injury to you, but also documents the injuries from the accident.
It is important that a doctor examine you following your accident, even if you appear to be doing fine. They may be able to spot damage to your spine, and direct you towards a proper course of further action. Make sure to obtain copies of any information he gives you on your condition, as it will be useful in filing your case.
Some simple treatments may involve ice, over-the-the counter painkillers, and rest. While these may not be enough, they are a good beginning.
After a car accident, some people seek help from a chiropractor. A chiropractor manipulates the back to ensure the spine is in proper alignment. It should be noted that not all insurance companies cover chiropractic care.
Certain forms of movement therapy, such as stretching or yoga, may help relieve some back pain. However, you are advised to consult a doctor before starting any exercise program, especially if it involves possible aggravation of back injuries.
Your doctor may suggest surgery for your back condition. Like all treatments, this may have drawbacks. Should you wish, you are encouraged to seek a second opinion.
Your doctor may also suggest physical therapy. This involves treatment under the supervision of a professional to help you restore your mobility following the accident or surgery.
Make sure to keep track of your bills from the doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist. This ensures that damages you have suffered can be quantified and can be used as evidence for your settlement.
What Damages Can You Seek If Your Back Has Been Injured in a Crash?
First, it is important to note that what you do can lessen your potential car accident back injury settlement. Therefore, it is important that you document all damages from the accident.
If you have suffered a car accident spinal injury, you will no doubt have had medical treatment, be it in a hospital, at a doctor’s office, by a chiropractor, or by a physical therapist. Even if surgery is not involved, these damages are recoverable.
Further, in many cases, you may have to undergo further medical treatment, even after the trial. Paralysis requires lifelong medical care, and other spinal injuries may affect you for the rest of your life. These damages may be recoverable in a court case or a settlement.
You may be eligible for damages from lost income, should you become unable to work. Additional expenses resulting from the accident and your recovery may also be recoverable.
In certain cases, you may be able to recover damages for your pain and suffering or emotional distress.
If you cannot live the life you enjoyed before the accident, you may be eligible for damages in certain cases. Your lawyer will be able to discuss the possibilities for this with you.
Finally, if the other party was grossly negligent, you may also be eligible for punitive damages from the accident. This only happens in a minority of cases, but you should discuss this with your lawyer.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer About Pursuing Your Back Injury Settlement
If you or a loved one has had a back injury in a car accident, and you are uncertain where to turn, there is help. West Law Firm in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, has an extensive record of seventy-five years of service to the local community. Our lawyers have a wealth of courtroom experience and can help guide you in your case. Call or contact us today for your consultation.