Car accidents are one of the leading causes of back pain and serious back injuries. Even a minor crash can cause serious injuries that leave you with chronic pain, reduced quality of life, and disability. Sometimes, back injuries are obvious right after an accident, but it may be days or even weeks before back pain develops.
Back pain after a car accident can be caused by an aggravated pre-existing condition or a new back injury. Because back injuries can be life-changing yet may not be apparent immediately, it’s crucial to get medical care as soon as possible after a crash. Here are common back injuries that usually happen in a car accident and what you should do after your accident.
Sprains or Strains
These soft tissue injuries are very common after an accident when muscles, ligaments, or joints are stretched, overextended, or torn. Strains and sprains cause muscle spasms, pain, and stiffness in the back that may last for weeks or months.
Herniated Disc
This is a common condition in which the cushioning discs between vertebrae are damaged. A herniated or ruptured disc happens when the soft inner gel of the spinal disc pushes through a small tear in the harder outer layer. This herniation can cause severe back pain, muscle weakness, tingling, and numbness when it presses on a nerve root.
Car accidents can also worsen existing conditions like degenerative disc disease. Many people have degenerated, slipped, or herniated discs with no symptoms until a crash worsens their condition.
Spinal Stenosis
This is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress the spinal cord and nerves. Spinal stenosis is often painful and leads to muscle weakness and numbness. A car crash doesn’t usually cause the condition, but the impact of an accident can dislocate or fracture vertebrae and narrow the spinal canal. It’s far more likely for people who have existing spinal stenosis to suffer a worsening of their condition.
Facet Joint Injuries
Facet joints are small joints between vertebrae that connect the vertebrae, allow the spine to twist and bend, and keep the spine from slipping too far forward or backward. Nerve roots pass from the spinal cord through the facet joints to the body. Facet joints are similar to knee joints, with cartilage, connective tissue lining, and fluid to keep the joints lubricated.
Facet joints can become swollen, damaged by trauma, or fragile as they degenerate with age. Trauma from a car accident is one possible cause of facet joint syndrome, a painful condition that makes it hard to bend, rotate, twist, or lift.
Vertebral Fractures
Vertebral fractures are broken bones of the spine. These fractures usually happen with a high-energy collision or extension of the spine. About 1.5 million people experience vertebral compression fractures every year. Osteoporosis is the single greatest risk factor, but trauma from a car accident or fall can also cause a spinal fracture.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are one of the most severe injuries you can sustain in a car accident. These catastrophic injuries result in loss of mobility, sensation, and/or function below the level of the injury. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
This is a condition caused by compression of nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib, a narrow passageway called the thoracic outlet. This condition causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand. It can also cause swelling of the arm and poor circulation.
What To Do If You Experience Back Pain After a Car Accident
One of the most important things to do after a crash is seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine. If you experience new or changing symptoms like back pain in the days after your accident, be sure to visit your doctor again and talk about your new symptoms. These symptoms may indicate hidden or worsening injuries that require immediate attention.
Follow your doctor’s advice. Avoid making a statement to the insurance company or signing a settlement agreement until you speak with a lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will protect your rights and make sure the insurance company does not undervalue your claim.
If you believe you have suffered a back injury in a crash, a Portland car accident lawyer can help and discuss your legal options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a personal injury lawyer for a car accident in Portland?
If you have been involved in a car accident in Portland, it is highly recommended to consult a personal injury lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
How do I choose a reliable personal injury attorney in Portland?
Choosing a reliable personal injury attorney in Portland involves considering their experience, success record, and client testimonials to ensure they have the expertise to effectively represent your case and secure fair compensation.
Can a personal injury attorney in Portland help with lost wages?
A personal injury attorney in Portland can help recover lost wages from missed work due to an accident or injury. They can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation for lost income.
Can a Portland personal injury attorney help with medical bills?
A Portland personal injury attorney can help with medical bills by negotiating with insurance companies and healthcare providers to get your medical expenses covered as part of your personal injury claim settlement.
What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Portland?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Portland can provide benefits such as navigating the legal system, maximizing compensation, and ensuring your rights are protected after an accident.
How to find the best personal injury attorney in Portland?
Finding the best personal injury attorney in Portland involves researching their experience, success rate, and client reviews to ensure they have the expertise to handle your case effectively and secure the compensation you deserve.
How does a Portland personal injury attorney prove negligence?
To prove negligence, a Portland personal injury attorney must demonstrate that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care, their actions directly caused the plaintiff's injuries, and the plaintiff suffered quantifiable damages.
How do I find a reliable personal injury lawyer in Portland?
Finding a reliable personal injury lawyer in Portland involves researching local firms, reading client reviews, and consulting with lawyers to assess their experience and success in recovering compensation for personal injury cases.
How does a personal injury attorney in Portland handle insurance companies?
Personal injury attorneys in Portland negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for their clients' injuries, medical expenses, and other damages by leveraging their legal expertise and negotiation skills.
What are the common cases handled by Portland personal injury attorneys?
The common cases handled by Portland personal injury attorneys include car accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries, providing legal representation to help clients recover compensation for their injuries.
How do I choose the best personal injury lawyer in Portland?
Choosing the best personal injury lawyer in Portland involves considering their experience, success rate, communication skills, and accessibility to ensure you receive the highest level of legal representation for your case.
Can a personal injury lawyer help with lost wages in Portland?
A personal injury lawyer in Portland can help recover lost wages from an accident, including past and future lost income, to ensure fair compensation for the victim.
What is the process of filing a personal injury claim in Portland?
The process of filing a personal injury claim in Portland typically involves gathering evidence, filing a claim with the at-fault party's insurance company, and potentially pursuing legal action if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
What is the role of a personal injury lawyer in Portland?
The role of a personal injury lawyer in Portland is to provide legal representation and assistance to victims of accidents, helping them secure fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
Can a personal injury lawyer help with pain and suffering in Portland?
A personal injury lawyer in Portland can help recover compensation for pain and suffering experienced due to an accident or injury, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
How long does a personal injury case take in Portland?
The duration of a personal injury case in Portland can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the extent of the injuries. On average, personal injury cases in Portland can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to resolve.
What is the average settlement for personal injury cases in Portland?
The average settlement for personal injury cases in Portland can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury, medical expenses, lost wages, and other factors. Settlement amounts typically range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.
What is the average settlement in a Portland personal injury case?
The average settlement in a Portland personal injury case can vary widely depending on the severity of the injuries, liability, and other factors, but typically ranges from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.
Can a personal injury lawyer help with medical bills in Portland?
A personal injury lawyer in Portland can help with medical bills by negotiating with insurance companies and recovering compensation to cover medical expenses related to the injury.
What are the qualifications of a personal injury attorney in Portland?
The qualifications of a personal injury attorney in Portland typically include extensive experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, in-depth knowledge of local laws, and a proven track record of securing fair compensation for injured clients.
What is the statute of limitations in Portland personal injury cases?
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Portland, Oregon is generally two years from the date of the incident.
How much does a personal injury attorney in Portland cost?
The cost of a personal injury attorney in Portland can vary, typically ranging from a contingency fee of 33-40% of the settlement or award amount recovered on the client's behalf.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in Portland?
The cost of a personal injury lawyer in Portland can vary, typically ranging from 33-40% of the client's final settlement or award, plus additional expenses. The specific fees are determined based on the complexity of the case and the services required.
What is the role of a personal injury attorney in Portland?
The role of a personal injury attorney in Portland is to provide legal representation and assistance to victims of accidents, helping them secure fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
How does a personal injury lawyer get paid in Portland?
Personal injury lawyers in Portland typically work on a contingency fee basis, where they only get paid if they successfully recover compensation for their client's injuries.
Do personal injury attorneys in Portland offer free consultations?
Personal injury attorneys in Portland often offer free consultations to evaluate your case and provide guidance on the legal process.
What are common personal injury cases in Portland?
Common personal injury cases in Portland include car accidents, slip and fall incidents, premises liability, dog bites, and medical malpractice, where victims may seek compensation for their injuries and damages.
What are the most common causes of personal injury in Portland?
The most common causes of personal injury in Portland include motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall incidents, workplace accidents, and pedestrian/bicycle collisions.
What are the benefits of hiring a Portland personal injury attorney?
Hiring a Portland personal injury attorney can provide crucial benefits, such as navigating the legal process, negotiating with insurance companies, and maximizing the compensation for your injuries and losses.
What should I expect during my consultation?
During your consultation, you can expect a thorough review of your personal injury case, an assessment of your legal options, and a discussion on how Tillmann Law can assist in securing the compensation you deserve.
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