Lower Back Pain After a Car Accident

Collisions can result in various types of back injuries, depending on the impact. Here are some common types of back injuries that can occur:

• Whiplash: Whiplash happens when the neck and head suddenly jerk forward and then snap back. This causes strain and damage to the soft tissues in the neck and upper back.
• Muscle strains and sprains: The sudden jolt of a collision can cause sprains or strains in back muscles and ligaments. These injuries often cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
• Spinal cord injuries: Severe collisions can cause damage to the spinal cord. This can result in partial or complete paralysis below the site of the injury. This type of injury can have long-lasting and life-altering effects.
• Lumbar spine injuries: A lumbar spine injury occurs when there is damage or trauma that affects the lower back region. This affects the five vertebrae in the lower spine known as the lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5).
• Herniated discs: A collision can cause the discs between the vertebrae in the spine to rupture or bulge. This can result in pain, numbness, and tingling in the back and extremities as the bulging disc presses on nerves and other organs.

What are the symptoms of lower back pain?

Lower back pain can manifest in various ways. The most common symptoms include:

• Dull or achy pain: Persistent discomfort or aching sensation in the lower back region.
• Muscle stiffness: Feeling of tightness or reduced flexibility in the lower back muscles.
• Sharp or shooting pain: Sudden and intense pain that may radiate down to the buttocks, legs, or feet.
• Limited range of motion: Difficulty bending, twisting, or performing everyday activities.
• Sciatica: Pain that extends from the lower back through the buttocks and down one leg (or sometimes both legs). This is often accompanied by tingling or numbness.
• Muscle spasms: Involuntary contractions of the muscles in the lower back. Muscle spasms can cause sudden and severe pain.
• Pain worsened by certain activities: Pain that intensifies with prolonged sitting, standing, lifting heavy objects, or specific movements.
• Pain accompanied by other symptoms: Lower back pain coupled with fever, weight loss, loss of bladder or bowel control, or leg weakness may indicate a more serious condition.

What should I do if I experience lower back pain after a car accident?

Experiencing lower back pain after a car accident can be frustrating and debilitating. However, there are several steps you can take to recover and build a claim. First and foremost, seek medical attention to ensure there are no serious underlying injuries. Follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment. This may include: 

• Physical therapy
• Heat and cold therapy
• Massage therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Prescription or over-the-counter medications
• Surgery
• Ergonomic modifications

Dealing with the aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming. Navigating insurance claims, medical bills, and potential legal action adds more stress. If you attempt to handle your claim alone, you could jeopardize your chance of receiving fair compensation.

An experienced car accident lawyer can provide valuable guidance and help protect your rights. They can assess your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement. If necessary, an attorney can represent you in court and fight for a verdict.

How much is my lower back injury claim worth? 

The worth of your lower back injury claim depends on the damages you have accrued from the collision. Your attorney will factor in several damages to determine how much money you’re eligible for, including but not limited to:

• Lost wages: If the crash resulted in you being unable to work, you can seek compensation for lost wages.
• Pain and suffering: This includes physical and emotional distress experienced because of the collision.  For example, you may experience chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property damage: If the collision caused damage to your vehicle or personal property, an attorney can include the cost of repair or replacement.
• Loss of consortium: If the crash resulted in the loss of companionship or intimacy with a spouse or partner, an attorney may seek damages.
• Punitive damages: In cases where the defendant's actions were deemed reckless or malicious, the attorney may seek punitive damages. This aims to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar behavior in the future.

Can a pre-existing lower back condition affect my legal case after a car accident?

If you had a pre-existing lower back condition before the car accident, it can affect your legal case. Insurance companies may use your pre-existing condition to minimize their liability. However, an attorney can provide evidence and documentation proving that a crash aggravated your condition or caused a new injury.

If you experience lower back pain after a car accident but didn’t seek immediate medical attention, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. Delayed medical attention can lead to more severe medical complications. Plus, it can also make it more difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the crash.

How long does it take to recover from a lower back injury after a car accident?

The recovery time for lower back injuries after a collision can vary depending on the severity of the injury and your overall health. Some injuries may heal within a few weeks, while others may take months or even years to heal. 

Additionally, some lower back injuries may require ongoing medical treatment or physical therapy. It's important to follow your doctor's advice and avoid activities that could worsen your injury.

If you find yourself unable to work due to lower back pain after a car accident, it's important to notify your employer as soon as possible. Inform your employer about your situation and provide any necessary documentation from your healthcare provider.

Also, strictly adhere to the treatment plan outlined by your healthcare provider. Attend all recommended appointments, physical therapy sessions, or rehabilitation exercises. Your attorney will help you seek damages for lost wages, lost future earnings, and possible work limitations linked to your crash.

What should I do if I am offered a settlement by the insurance company?

If the at-fault driver's insurance company offers you a settlement, don't accept it without first speaking to a lawyer. Insurance companies often offer low settlements to minimize their financial liability. Once you accept a settlement, you won’t be able to recover any additional damages.

A lawyer can help you evaluate the settlement offer, determine if it's fair, and negotiate for a higher settlement if necessary.

Having an experienced, verified attorney on your side can make all the difference in your lower back injury claim. They know how to navigate the legal process, investigate car accidents, and deal with insurance companies. An experienced attorney will gather all the necessary evidence and use it to help you recover every penny owed to you in damages.

Best of all, consulting with a Law.com verified attorney won’t cost you anything upfront. Car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee, which means you only pay if and when your attorney wins your case. Seek justice today! Schedule a free consultation with a Premier attorney in your area.