The sudden jolting impact of a car accident can cause back injuries to the driver and passengers. These injuries can have debilitating effects that make it difficult to return to work. Car accident victims may be entitled to compensation after suffering a back injury or having an existing back injury made worse by the accident.
The Fort Worth car accident lawyers at Anderson & Cummings have successfully represented car accident victims to help them recover the compensation they need after suffering a back injury. If you were injured in a car crash, we can analyze the circumstances surrounding your accident and review your legal options with you. We charge no upfront fees and there is no obligation, so contact us today.
Schedule a free consultation with a trusted attorney by calling (817) 920-9000.
Common Back Injuries from Car Accidents
The back comprises a large portion of the body and is an intricate network of bones, muscles and nerves that support the rest of the body. If any portion of your back is damaged, it can have serious consequences to the rest of your body.
There are many types of back injuries that are commonly caused by car accidents, including:
Whiplash
While most people think of whiplash as a neck injury, the sudden impact of a car collision can make the vertebrae suddenly jolt forward and then snap back into position. The neck contains the cervical spine, which is the uppermost portion of the spine and connects the brain to the nerves along the spinal column. Therefore, the damaging effects of whiplash can also affect parts of the back.
Herniated Discs
Discs provide cushions between the spinal vertebrae and prevent bones from rubbing together. During an accident, the significant force can cause the discs to shift and compress spinal nerves.
Discs are herniated when they move or tear. These injuries are often very painful and may require surgery to be treated.
Spinal Fractures
Compression fractures in the middle and lower back commonly occur when a seat belt does not hold the person securely in place during an accident. This injury can happen when the lower portion of the torso remains in place but the upper portion is thrusted forward.
These types of fractures can result in:
- Breathing issues
- Paralysis
- Chronic pain
- Bladder problems
- Muscle weakness
- Nerve damage
- Numbness
Spinal Cord Injuries
Car accidents can also lead to severe spinal cord injuries. If a person’s spinal cord is damaged or severed, he or she may experience:
- Paralysis
- Loss of control over certain bodily functions
- Loss of strength
- Loss of sensation
The effect of the injury depends on the location of the injury along the spinal column. The higher up the spinal column the injury is, more of the body may be affected. If the spinal cord injury is close to the neck, the person may suffer paralysis of both arms and both legs; if the injury is lower, the victim’s legs may be paralyzed but the arms may be unaffected.
Pre-Existing Back Injuries
Even if a person who was injured in a car accident was particularly vulnerable to injury, such as having a pre-existing condition or previous injury, the at-fault driver can still be held liable for the victim’s injuries caused by the accident.
Therefore, even if you experienced a back injury before your car accident, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver if the accident:
- Aggravated a pre-existing injury, requiring you to receive additional medical treatment or corrective surgery
- Worsened the pain that affects your daily life
Some of the most common pre-existing back injuries that are aggravated by car accidents include:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal fractures
- Dislocated spines
- Ligament or muscle injuries in the back
- Sciatica injuries
- Compression injuries
Contact an Experienced Lawyer
Insurance companies often try to deny claims based on pre-existing injuries or by saying that the injured person is exaggerating his or her injuries, but our personal injury attorneys in our Fort Worth office are skilled at negotiating on our clients’ behalf. The law team at Anderson & Cummings is experienced in helping to prove how a back injury was caused or made worse by a car accident.
We fight for our clients’ right to maximum compensation for the injuries they have suffered. We will represent your best interests and handle all communications with the insurance company so you can focus on your health. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Fill out our Free Case Evaluation form or call (817) 920-9000 today.