Back Injuries In A Car Accident

Car accidents can happen in an instant. Even though these crashes happen quickly, recovery is not always so swift and easy. A car accident can cause a variety of injuries, including back injuries.

Even a minor crash can cause back injuries because the back tends to absorb most of the impact in an accident. The body may even bend if you are riding a motorcycle or not wearing a seat belt.

If you have suffered a back injury, seek prompt medical treatment. These injuries can be hard to treat. Plus, they can sometimes lead to secondary medical issues, such as hypotension, osteoporosis, pressure ulcers, sleep apnea, bowel problems, urinary tract infections, sexual dysfunction, and more.

Common Back Injuries

A car accident can cause the following types of back injuries:

• Herniated discs. If a disc is moved out of position due to the impact of the crash, a disc can become herniated, causing numbness and nerve pain.
• Spinal cord injury. A damaged or severed spinal cord can cause some degree of paralysis. Depending on where the injury occurs, you could be paralyzed from the neck down or from the waist down. Paralysis can be temporary or permanent.
• Vertebrae of the spine can be fractured. These injuries can range from mild to serious. Sometimes they can heal; in other cases, they can cause paralysis or death.
• When a vertebrae slips into one below it, this is called spondylolisthesis, which causes lower back pain. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
• Thoracic spine injury. The thoracic spine is located in the mid-back and connects to your chest and ribs. Sprains and fractures are very common in this area and can lead to severe back pain. Lumbar spine injury. The lumbar spine is located in your lower back. A strain or fracture can result in severe back pain, mobility issues, weakness, and paralysis.

Factors That Affect Severity of Back Injuries

Any type of car accident can lead to a back injury. However, there are some things that make them more likely to occur, such as:

• The speed involved. The higher speed, the more force that is produced. This makes a severe injury more likely to occur.
• The direction of the crash. The direction makes a difference. Rear-end accidents are more likely to cause back injuries than other types of accidents.
• Whether you were wearing a seat belt. Seat belts can help reduce the occurrence of back injuries by keeping you in place. When you don’t wear one, your back is more likely to move around due to the impact.

Contact Us Today 

Back injuries are common after an accident. If you have been affected, seek legal help right away so you can get the compensation you deserve.

The Kissimmee auto accident lawyers at Draper Law Office understand how serious a back injury can be. These injuries can be long-lasting and costly to treat. See how we can help. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or calling our office at (407) 743-6628.

Source:

forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/back-injury-car-accident/