5 Common Types of Back Injuries Caused by Car Accidents and How a Lawyer Can Help

Car Accident |August 06th, 2021

Your back can sustain a serious and painful injury in a New Orleans car accident if another driver is responsible for your back injuries. The medical costs, lost wages, and other damages you experience may qualify you for possible compensation. A free case consultation with a New Orleans attorney can help you learn more about your legal options. 

The following 5 types of back injuries are most common in car accidents:

1. Herniated Disks

The Mayo Clinic describes disks as the rubbery cushions that sit between the vertebrae in the spine. A forceful impact, like that of a car accident, can cause the disks to:

• Rupture

• Crack

• Dislodge

A herniated disk that compresses the spinal cord can result in severe lower back pain. Nerve and imagery testing can help a medical professional determine the extent of the damage. However, treatment may require extensive therapy and possibly surgery.

2. Soft Tissue Injuries

A traumatic collision can cause the muscles and tendons in your back to tear or strain. In addition, the pain of soft tissue injuries can cause accident victims to experience:

• Tenderness

• Stiffness

• Muscle spasms

You may face a lengthy recovery for your soft tissue injuries, resulting in significant time away from work. When your back injury is the result of negligence on the part of another New Orleans driver, a personal injury lawyer can help you. You do not have to fight for compensation alone. 

3. Whiplash

The rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck in a serious crash can result in whiplash. This excruciating condition is most common in rear-end accidents. 

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, whiplash may involve one or more of the following symptoms:

• Neck pain and stiffness

• Dizziness

• Low back pain

• Numbness in hands or arms

• Ringing in the ears

• Blurred vision

Depending upon your diagnosis, your treatment may require wearing a medical collar and physical therapy. The multiple symptoms of a whiplash injury can affect your quality of life. This is unfair, and a New Orleans lawyer can fight to hold the responsible party accountable for your damages. 

4. Compression Fractures

A fracture or break in vertebrae is a painful injury that requires immediate medical attention. Commonly referred to as compression fractures, this type of injury can require such treatment as:

• Extensive bed rest

• Use of a back brace

• Pain medications

• Surgery

Complications of compression fractures include possible blood clots due to lack of mobility and spinal cord or nerve problems. If a reckless driver is responsible for your compression fractures, contact a New Orleans attorney today for a free case consultation. 

5.  Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord is severe and can result in possible paralysis. A spinal cord injury is either complete or incomplete—a complete spinal cord injury results in a lack of sensation and mobility below the point of injury. An incomplete spinal cord injury typically involves some form of sensation or movement below the injury point.

A spinal cord injury is a costly injury that can result in millions of medical costs throughout a patient’s lifetime. The costs associated with your care should not come from your personal funds. A Louisiana personal injury lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and not what an insurance company wants to pay. 

Statute of Limitations for Your Back Injury Lawsuit

Louisiana law allows one year for pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. The one-year timeline starts the moment you suffer your back injury. Twelve months is not much time when you experience a traumatic accident. 

There are generally no further options for pursuing compensation should you miss the deadline for filing your case. However, hiring a New Orleans attorney can prevent you from losing your opportunity for possible compensation.

Personal injury cases typically begin with insurance companies. Your lawyer will negotiate with the responsible driver’s insurance company for fair compensation. If they cannot secure a fair settlement out of court, your lawyer may proceed to court with your case. 

Quick action following your car accident and back injury is imperative for the best outcome possible. While there is no way to determine the outcome of your case, your lawyer can keep you informed throughout the process. 

Insurance companies want you to accept a settlement before you contact an attorney. This is because your acceptance benefits them. In addition, it closes your claim quickly and for the least amount possible. 

Do not fall for their high-pressure tactics but rather hire a New Orleans attorney as soon as possible. You can then refer aggressive insurance adjusters to your lawyer and concentrate on your recovery. 

Get Help From the Alvendia Kelly & Demarest Law Firm Today

Your car accident injuries can impact your overall quality of life. Painful back injuries can make the simplest movement difficult. From playing with your children to your favorite hobbies, the effect on your life can lead to depression and anger. 

To pursue compensation for your back injury, your lawyer must prove negligence. Sharing accident evidence with your lawyer can help them build your case. Examples of helpful evidence include:

• Accident scene photos

• Police report

• Witness contact information

• Your medical bills

These are a few examples of the types of evidence you may possess. A personal injury lawyer from Alvendia Kelly & Demarest can investigate your accident to identify those responsible for your severe back injuries. 

A back injury can affect more than just your back. It can impact your spinal cord, your neck, and other parts of your body. Pain management is sometimes a long-term need for victims of severe back injuries. 

If you suffered a tragic back injury due to a careless driver, contact Alvendia Kelly & Demarest for help with your personal injury case today. Take the essential steps now rather than miss your opportunity for possible compensation forever. Contact us online or call (504) 200-0000 now for a free case consultation.