Why Does My Back Hurt After a Car Accident?

Car accidents can result in a range of back injuries, varying in severity based on the impact and the individual's position in the vehicle. If you’re suffering from back pain after a car accident, it could be due to:

• Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the neck and upper spine are forcefully jerked forward and backward. This can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, and discs in the neck and upper back.
• Herniated discs: The force of a collision can cause the discs between the vertebrae in the spine to rupture or herniate. This can result in pressure on nearby nerves and lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the back.
• Compression fractures: The impact of a crash can cause compression fractures in the vertebrae, particularly in the lower back.
• Spinal cord injuries: High-impact car accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, which can have devastating and life-altering consequences.
• Sprains and strains: Muscle and ligament strains (overstretching or tearing) or sprains (injury to ligaments connecting bones) are common in car accidents. These injuries can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the back.

You may be asking yourself, why was there a delay in when I felt back pain. Crash-related back injuries can sometimes have delayed symptoms. These typically include: 

• Pain, stiffness, and discomfort.
• Numbness or tingling sensations in the back or extremities.
• Limited range of motion.
• Muscle weakness.
• Pain that radiates into the arms and legs.
• Difficulty walking.
• Changes in bowel or bladder function.

Treatment for back pain after a car accident

If you experience back pain after a car accident, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. The specific treatment will depend on the severity and type of injury. 

A doctor or an orthopedic specialist will assess your condition and provide an accurate diagnosis. They may use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to identify your back injury.

Plus, your doctor may recommend the following treatment: 

• Rest and activity modification.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Physical therapy.
• Chiropractic treatment.
• Heat and ice.
• Corticosteroid injections.
• Supportive devices such as back braces.
• Surgery in severe cases.

If the other driver was at fault for your crash, their insurance company would typically pay for your medical bills. But that’s not always the case. If you’re involved in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your own insurance company will have to cover your medical bills.

Some states require drivers to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), which pays for medical expenses and other damages after a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver. This type of coverage also applies to hit-and-run accidents when the at-fault driver can’t be identified. If your state doesn’t require UM/UIM, it’s recommended that you add it to your policy.

Many no-fault states require drivers to purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This type of coverage pays for your medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault for a crash. In states where PIP is optional, you can add PIP to your policy for extra protection.

If you have Medical Payments (MedPay), you can have your medical expenses paid through this coverage. MedPay is an optional add-on in many states and is required in New Hampshire and Maine. Another option is to use your own health insurance. This can cover some of your medical costs, but co-pays may apply to your treatment.

After you seek medical attention, you should keep records of your diagnosis, treatments, and medications. Documenting car accident injuries helps establish a link between your injury and the crash you were involved in. Plus, your attorney can use this information to determine how much money you’re owed in damages. Be sure to keep a record of all medical appointments, medical bills, and receipts.

You’ll also need to contact an attorney to file a claim. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims varies by state. In some states, you must file within one year or six years. Most states require you to file within two or three years.

However, it’s best to file your claim as soon as possible. That’s because evidence can be difficult to obtain after a while. Plus, witnesses can forget specific details. The sooner you act, the easier it will be for your attorney to conduct an investigation and gather fresh evidence.

If you sustained a back injury after a car accident, a Law.com Premier Attorney can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to. An attorney will launch a thorough investigation into your crash and establish that the other driver’s actions caused your back injury.

An attorney will also handle all communications and negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This prevents the insurance companies from taking advantage of you. If an attorney can’t reach a settlement agreement with the insurance company, they will take your case to trial and fight for a maximum verdict.

Law.com Premier Attorneys are committed to getting justice for injured motorists and fighting for maximum car insurance injury payouts. Plus, they operate on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t owe any upfront fees for their services. To learn more, contact a personal injury lawyer in your area for a free consultation.