Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving behind more than just damaged vehicles. More often than not, the victims of car accidents leave with back and neck injuries. These can range from mild and inconvenient to traumatic and disabling.
No matter if a car accident is a full-on collision or a minor fender bender, any amount of force on a vehicle can leave a victim with a back and neck injury following a car accident. Understanding the most common back and neck injuries in a car accident can help victims get the full compensation they deserve.
Read on to see a complete list from our experienced personal injury lawyers to discover the most common back and neck injuries in car accidents we’ve seen – and contact us today if you’re looking to get a settlement to cover the pain and damages you’ve endured.
Why Back and Neck Injuries in Car Accidents Are So Common
Back and neck injuries are common in car accidents primarily due to the sudden jolts that drivers and passengers experience when involved in any type of collision.
When your body is restrained by a seatbelt, but your head or spine moves abruptly, it creates a perfect storm for injuries. The force can cause soft tissue damage, misaligned vertebrae, or even more severe spinal cord injuries. The severity of these injuries often depends on the speed and angle of the impact.
Following a car accident, it is always advised to seek medical care immediately and contact a personal injury lawyer to get the compensation you are owed.
Common Neck and Back Injuries in Car Accidents
1)Whiplash: The Most Common Neck Injury in Car Accidents
Whiplash is the most common neck injury in a car accident that personal injury lawyers see. Whiplash occurs when your neck is jerked back and forth rapidly, similar to the cracking of a whip. This sudden motion strains the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your neck. It’s most often found after rear-end collisions but can occur in any car accident.
What car accident victims don’t always know is that whiplash symptoms might not appear immediately after a car accident. This is why many people mistakenly assume they’re fine after an accident. This can lead to pain and distress later and sometimes chronic conditions that car accident victims haven’t gotten compensation for.
While some cases of whiplash resolve over time, more severe cases can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and ongoing discomfort. Simple tasks like turning your head or sitting at a desk for long periods may become difficult. Common signs of whiplash after a car accident include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and even tingling in the arms.
Need car accident compensation after a whiplash injury? Contact our Baltimore personal injury lawyers for a free consult on your case and find out what you are owed.
2) Herniated Discs: A Common Back Injury in Car Accidents
A herniated disc occurs when one of the soft cushions between the vertebrae in your spine ruptures, pressing on nearby nerves. This is a painful condition that can occur due to the forceful impact of a car accident.
When your body experiences the sudden force of a collision, the pressure on your spine can cause the discs to shift out of place or even rupture. This often happens in high-impact accidents but can also occur in minor crashes depending on the angle of impact.
The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on the location of the injury but commonly include sharp pain in the lower back, numbness or tingling in the legs, and muscle weakness. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect a back injury in a car accident, so you can get the proper car accident settlement for your recovery.
3) Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries in car accidents can range from minor bruising to severe damage that affects your ability to move. In extreme cases, spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis. The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the extent of the damage and where it occurs along the spine. The higher up the injury, the more body functions are affected.
Spinal cord injuries often require long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Some individuals may never fully recover, needing assistance for mobility and daily living. Car accident settlements for spinal cord injuries can help with the financial burden of the injury and help recover a better quality of life.
4) Fractured Vertebrae
Fractures to the vertebrae can occur when the force of a car accident crash is strong enough to break the bones in your spine. This is more likely in high-speed accidents or situations where the impact is severe.
Symptoms of fractured vertebrae include sharp pain in the back, difficulty moving, and, in severe cases, numbness or paralysis if the spinal cord is involved. Recovering from a fractured vertebrae often involves wearing a brace or undergoing surgery, followed by months of physical therapy to regain mobility and strength.
5) Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These are common in car accidents and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
Soft tissue injuries may not show up on X-rays, but a doctor can diagnose them based on symptoms and physical exams. MRI scans are often used to confirm the extent of the injury. Treatment may involve rest, physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes even surgery for severe cases.
If you’ve been in a car accident, even if you are only experiencing minor injuries, a medical examination and records from your doctor can help you retrieve the car accident settlement you are owed for common injuries.
How Back and Neck Injuries Affect Your Quality of Life
Car accident settlements are intended to help victims recover not only financially after a car accident but their quality of life, as well. Common car accident injuries can leave victims feeling helpless, afraid, and anxious. You are owed compensation and should contact a personal injury lawyer if you or someone you love has experienced any side effects of their car accident.
Pain and Discomfort: Living with back or neck injuries can drastically affect your daily life, making even basic tasks challenging.
Limitations in Mobility: You may struggle with reduced mobility, affecting your ability to work, exercise, or engage in hobbies.
Emotional and Psychological Impact: The pain and limitations from these injuries can lead to emotional distress, including depression and anxiety.
Getting Your Full Car Accident Settlement
Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering can add up quickly after a car accident. It’s essential to seek compensation to cover these costs and ensure you can continue receiving the necessary treatment.
Your car accident settlement should cover medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. It’s important to work with a personal injury lawyer to ensure all these factors are considered.
Failing to seek immediate medical attention or delaying your claim can reduce your chances of getting full compensation. Always opt for a free consult following your car accident to ensure you are prepared to get your full compensation.
How Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help Get You Car Accident Compensation
Personal injury law is complicated, and having a lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, ensuring you meet all deadlines and file the necessary paperwork. A lawyer will help gather essential evidence, such as medical records and accident reports, to build a strong case for your settlement.
Remember – insurance companies often try to minimize payouts – a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Car accidents can result in severe back and neck injuries, which can have long-lasting effects on your health and daily life. Seeking full compensation is essential to cover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. By working with a personal injury lawyer in Baltimore, you can navigate the complexities of the legal system and increase your chances of receiving the settlement you deserve. Acting quickly and following the right steps will significantly improve your outcome.
Car Accident FAQs
In Maryland, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
The amount varies depending on the severity of the injury, medical expenses, and impact on your life, but settlements can range from a few thousand dollars to much more. A free consult with Saller Law personal injury lawyers will help give you a better idea of your outcome.
Yes, some injuries, like whiplash, may not show symptoms immediately. A doctor can assess hidden injuries and provide crucial documentation for your claim and help you avoid chronic conditions.
A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company, file a lawsuit, and represent you in court if necessary to ensure you get the full car accident compensation you are owed.
Not necessarily. Many cases are settled out of court, but if negotiations fail, your case may go to trial. Our Baltimore lawyers will help you prepare for any outcome to get a positive result.