Back injuries are some of the most common after a car accident, especially in rear-end collisions. Soreness is a frequent complaint in the back, neck (“whiplash”) and elsewhere. Some resolve with rest and heat or cold for a few days or weeks, while others may be more serious. Left untreated, a sore back can become crippling, chronic back pain.
Even if you initially feel fine after an accident, pain will show up after the initial “adrenaline rush” wears off. Back injuries can even result from low-speed accidents on a two-lane city street. That’s why we strongly recommend seeing a doctor right after an accident, even if you don’t think you’re injured.
Anatomy Of A Back Injury
During an accident, the car experiences the impact but your body stays in motion until it abruptly stops because of a seat belt, air bag, or other obstacle. The back can’t fully absorb the force of the crash. This sudden motion can twist the body and cause fractures, sprains, and other injuries to the back and other areas.
Because the spine has nerves connected throughout the body, back pain can be localized or travel to different areas and be serious enough to impact your daily activities. The injury may be simple or severe depending on the location.
How Serious Is It?
Minor back strains, sprains and muscle pulls are painful, but usually heal within a few weeks. Muscle tears may require surgery and a longer recovery. Both will require rest, and your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter pain relief such as acetaminophen and hot/cold therapy.
Back, spine and spinal cord injuries are usually more serious, and may include chronic pain as well as other symptoms. Conditions like sciatica and herniated discs from an accident can leave someone with chronic pain, especially if untreated.
Will You Need To Sue?
It’s possible, especially if your back injuries leave you with long-term pain and disability. Back injuries and pain are very expensive and difficult to treat and severely impact your life.
Immediate medical care is a must for diagnosis and treatment. Otherwise, your insurance claim could be reduced or denied because the insurer will claim you weren’t injured enough because you didn’t seek medical treatment. Since insurance companies don’t want to pay you anything, or as little as possible, chances are you won’t have compensation to cover the long-term medical care you need.
Once you’ve seen a doctor and begun treatment, your next step is to speak with a Kansas City car accident attorney to assess your case and begin filing your claim.
Kansas City Back Injury Attorney
Since 1918, The Popham Law Firm has helped hundreds of people in many accident types, from simple fender benders to accidents involving injuries and property damage. We'll be happy to review your case and let you know if you have one and how to proceed. Contact us at (844) 243-2288 or use our online contact form to get started.
