Common Back Injuries After a Car Accident
Back pain after a car accident is one of the most frequent complaints, yet many people ignore it until the pain worsens. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a major collision, your back can suffer serious trauma. If you’re experiencing discomfort or symptoms you can’t quite explain, this guide will help you understand what might be happening to your body and what to do next. If you live in New York and were recently in a crash, keep reading: your health and your rights may depend on it.
Common Types of Back Injuries Following Auto Collisions
1. Herniated or Bulging Discs
A sudden impact can cause the discs between your vertebrae to shift or rupture. This is known as a herniated disc from car accident or bulging disc. It can put pressure on nearby nerves, leading to numbness, weakness, or sharp pain that travels down the legs.
Symptoms:
- Shooting pain in arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
2. Whiplash-Related Spinal Injuries
Whiplash doesn’t just affect the neck. The violent back-and-forth motion of your body can cause damage to the spine’s soft tissues, especially in the upper back and cervical spine.
Symptoms:
- Stiffness or pain in upper back
- Headaches or dizziness
- Limited range of motion
3. Lumbar Spine Injuries (Lower Back)
Rear-end collisions are a common cause of lower back pain after rear-end collision. The lumbar region absorbs much of the force during impact, which can lead to sprains, strains, or more severe spinal injuries from auto accidents.
Symptoms:
- Persistent lower back pain
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Muscle spasms
4. Compression Fractures
These are small cracks or breaks in the vertebrae that occur from trauma. While more common in older adults or those with osteoporosis, they can affect anyone after a crash.
Symptoms:
- Sudden, intense back pain
- Height loss over time
- Hunched posture
5. Delayed-Onset Symptoms
Some back injuries following auto collisions don’t show symptoms right away. Adrenaline can mask pain for hours or even days, leading people to skip the doctor, which can delay both treatment and a future claim.
What to Do If You Have Back Pain After a Car Accident
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if your pain seems mild, a medical exam is crucial. Some injuries worsen without early treatment. Plus, timely records support any legal claim you might file.
Document Everything
Take notes about your symptoms, medical visits, treatments, and how the pain affects your daily life. Save bills and reports, as they’ll matter if you pursue compensation.
Avoid Self-Diagnosis
Online searches can be misleading. Only a qualified doctor can determine if your back pain after car accident is due to a herniated disc, spinal misalignment, or something else.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. A lawyer can help you navigate insurance claims, prove liability, and seek damages for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
When to Contact a Lawyer
- You’ve been diagnosed with a back injury following a car crash
- Insurance is denying or delaying your claim
- You’re missing work due to back pain
- The other driver was clearly at fault
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Legal Help
Delaying action can hurt your case. Evidence can disappear, insurance companies may use your delay to downplay your injury, and New York has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your chances of getting the support and compensation you deserve.
How Cohan Law Firm Can Help
At Cohan Law Firm, we understand the serious impact that spinal injuries from auto accidents can have on your health and livelihood. Our team is experienced in handling cases involving back injuries following auto collisions, and we are committed to helping victims in New York recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
Call to Action
If you’re dealing with back pain after a car accident in New York, don’t wait. Contact Cohan Law Firm today for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship.