Understanding Back Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

Back injuries are one of the most common injuries caused by North Carolina car accidents. Our backs are made up of a series of vulnerable joints of bones and cartilage and as such, back injuries often require expensive long-term care and rehabilitation. Additionally, back injuries can disrupt your daily life, affect your relationships, and even require you to not work for a period of time.

When car accidents cause back injuries, the injured party may be entitled to compensation. Under North Carolina law, when a person’s negligent actions cause another person’s injuries, the injured person has a right to seek compensation from the at-fault party.

Motorcycle accidents can be extremely dangerous. Many car drivers are not as aware of motorcyclists as they should be. Motorcyclists do not have the protection of a motor vehicle either. When a motorcyclist collides with another vehicle, the force of the accident can throw the motorcyclist off of his or her bicycle. The force of impact can cause broken backbones or other serious back injuries.

At Arnold & Smith, PLLC we have helped many people involved in car accidents recover damages. Back injuries from car accidents are some of the most common injuries we see. Back and neck injuries are not always readily apparent after the car accident. The shock of the accident can make it difficult to feel the extent of the pain from the back injury.

Whiplash is a common back injury that occurs in a car accident. The force of the impact can cause the neck to push forward and then snap back. When this happens, the muscles, tissues, and ligaments become over-stretched violently as the head snaps forward and back. Whiplash symptoms may not become apparent until days or weeks after the accident.

Soft tissue damage can happen in a car accident. The car accident victim’s shoulders, arms, neck, and head can become jerked during a car accident. When ligament tearing is severe, it can take a significant time to heal. Many doctors will recommend physical therapy to treat torn ligaments. Hyperextension of the back and neck can cause tears in the ligaments that make up the back. Symptoms of soft tissue damage can include the following:

• Vertigo
• Jaw and neck pain
• Stiffness
• Blurry vision
• Low-grade pain
• Headache
• Tingling
• Nausea

A spinal compression fracture occurs when a bone connected to the spine collapses. The extreme blow force in a car accident can cause spinal compression fractures. The spinal compression fractures can cause very little pain or be outright excruciating. Car accident victims who suffer compression fractures may find it extremely painful to get up to a standing position and walk. Severe spinal compression fractures may require surgery and ongoing physical therapy.

Herniated discs and sciatica are extremely common back injuries, even in moderately severe car accidents. When the back is exposed to significant force, as in a collision, the discs in the spine can slip out of place and shift. The slipping and moving of the discs can cause pinched nerves in the spinal cord. Symptoms of herniated discs include numbness, uncomfortable pain, and mobility problems.

Usually, physical therapists and chiropractors treat herniated discs. However, serious herniated discs may require surgery. Herniated discs can cause sciatica or the pinching of the sciatic nerve that runs from the spine to the feet. Sciatica can cause severe pain and weakness between the spine and the feet. When sciatica is severe, the sufferer may not be able to focus on work due to the significant pain.

Chronic back pain after a motor vehicle crash can have a significant negative impact on the victim’s life. If you have been in a car accident and you have suffered back pain injury, speaking to a skilled lawyer is essential. Even if you do not think your back pain is terribly significant, it could become worse over time and need long term medical treatment.

At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our lawyers can help you develop a legal strategy for recovering compensation for your injuries. We will help you receive an evaluation from a skilled medical professional who can help you document your back injuries. Contact our personal injury law firm today to schedule your initial consultation. Now taking cases throughout North Carolina with offices in Uptown Charlotte, Mooresville and Monroe.