Car accidents occur every day across the nation. While some car accidents will result in damage to the vehicles involved, others can cause serious injuries to drivers and passengers. Back injuries are among the most common injuries faced by car accident victims. Even a crash that seems minor can result in back injuries, due in part to the sensitive nature of the human back and its inability to absorb the force of an accident, even a low speed crash. Further, the gravity of a back accident is compounded by the fact that even a seemingly minor accident can have a major impact on your daily life and ability to perform work functions. The following is a look at the common types of back injuries caused by car accidents, how these injuries are treated, and what you should do if you have sustained a car accident related back injury:
Types of Back Injuries Linked to Car Accidents
- Thoracic or Upper Back Injuries: Injuries to the upper thoracic region of the back can be quite serious. This portion of the back and spine connects to the ribs and chest area. Fractures or sprains in the upper back are often caused by high impact auto accidents and can cause permanent nerve damage.
- Lumbar or Lower Back Injuries: The lumbar portion of the spine and back provides the primary source of support for the body. A sprain or strain within this region can be quite painful, limiting your movement to the point that performing daily activities can be difficult.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord is the most serious of all back injuries. These injuries can cause potentially permanent damage and long term disability. Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis along with loss of feeling in the body. Depending upon the location of the spinal cord injury, victims could be at risk for secondary problems like blood clots, pneumonia, spinal fluid leaks and more.
- Herniated Discs: This type of injury occurs when a disc, which comprises the vertebrae, is displaced. This can place pressure on the spinal cord and nerves surrounding it, causing intense pain and restricted motion.
Treatment of Back Injuries
Back injuries can be diagnosed with an array of medical scans, including x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, bone scans, myelograms, and more. Once your physician makes a diagnosis, your treatment will depend upon the type and severity of the injury. Many back injuries will require pain medication, physical therapy, and ongoing care.
Seeking Compensation for Your Back Injury
Consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident so that you can obtain the compensation you deserve for your back injury. Your attorney will fight to see that the at fault driver covers your medical expenses, time off work, pain and suffering, and any other damages linked to the accident.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Compassionate Auto Accident Attorneys
If you are injured in an automobile accident, our car accident attorneys in Atlanta, Georgia at Montlick and Associates, can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Our zealous car accident lawyers have over 39 years of experience in the industry. We accept cases across Georgia and in the Southeast. The sooner you act after your car accident, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery for your injuries. As such, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED® (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.