Back injuries are some of the most common injuries reported after a car accident. A back injury can cause painful symptoms that prevent you from going to work and may lead to a lifetime of chronic pain. In Alabama, car accident victims can pursue financial compensation for their medical bills and other losses when a crash is someone else’s fault. But even when the issue of fault is crystal clear, insurance companies often make it difficult for claimants to recover the compensation they deserve.
If you suffered a back injury after a crash in Alabama, you need an experienced car accident attorney to fight for every cent you are owed. At Stokes Stemle, LLC, our legal team will build a strong personal injury claim so you can move forward with your life. Contact our office today to discuss your case with one of our car accident lawyers. We will review your situation and explain your legal options for recovering maximum compensation.
Types of Back Injuries Cause by Auto Accidents
Car accidents can be violent and traumatic. Depending on the collision’s severity, a person injured in a crash might experience mild back pain or suffer severe injuries that cause lifelong complications, including paralysis. Some of the most common types of back injuries caused by auto accidents include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Herniated discs
- Spinal fractures or fractured vertebra
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Sciatica
Any soreness or pain in the back following a car accident should be examined immediately by a medical professional.
Signs That You May Have Suffered a Back Injury
The signs of back injury vary depending on its severity. Some injuries present with mild pain or discomfort, while others may result in a total loss of movement and sensation. After a car accident, listen to your body and watch for some of these common symptoms of a back injury:
- Soreness or stiffness at the injury site
- Numbness or tingling, especially in the buttocks, arms, or legs
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle spasms
- Loss of sensation or movement
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty walking
- Problems passing urine or stool
The adrenaline your body releases following a car accident can mask more subtle signs of a back injury. After a crash, always seek medical attention as soon as possible. A back injury can worsen the longer it goes untreated. Failure to seek timely treatment can also open the door for the insurance company to argue that another incident — not the crash — caused your back injury.
Proving Liability in a Back Injury Lawsuit
Proving liability in a back injury lawsuit can be challenging because back injuries are common in the United States. Some studies indicate that lower back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with nearly 70 percent of the population experiencing it at some point. Without sufficient evidence to prove that your back injury was caused by the car accident, some insurance adjusters may attempt to diminish the value of your claim or deny it altogether, arguing that your back pain results from a pre-existing condition or another problem.
Examples of evidence a car accident attorney might use to prove liability in a back injury lawsuit include:
- Police accident report
- Crash scene photographs and videos
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Cell phone records
- Expert testimony
What Compensation Can I Receive for My Back Injury?
The cost of treating a back injury can be steep, especially if it requires surgery. Several factors, like the severity of your back injury, can impact the value of your claim. In general, you may be able to pursue money for the following:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Lost quality of life
- Pain and suffering
A knowledgeable Alabama car accident attorney can calculate the value of your back injury claim and help you seek the money you need to cover your past, current, and anticipated future expenses.
What Should I Do If My Back Hurts After an Auto Accident?
If you experience pain or discomfort in your neck or back after a car accident, seek medical attention immediately. Your first step should always be to take care of yourself. Even minor discomfort can be a sign of a significant back injury. Here are some other steps that you should take to protect your health and legal rights:
- Follow your prescribed treatment plan – Never ignore your doctor’s instructions. Go to all follow-up appointments and take any medications as prescribed. Sticking to your physician’s treatment plan improves your prognosis and can impact an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit by showing interested parties that you are taking your health seriously.
- Contact a car accident attorney – It’s important to discuss your situation with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can calculate your financial losses and negotiate for maximum compensation with the insurance company.
- Stay off social media – Do not post information or photographs about the accident or your injury on social media. An insurance adjuster or attorney could twist your words and use them against you to jeopardize your claim.
- Keep track of essential documents – Keep copies of medical bills, repair receipts, and other invoices for accident-related expenses. These documents can help your attorney calculate the value of your case.
- Keep a pain journal – Document your back pain, challenges with completing daily tasks, and the recovery process in a daily diary. This document can help people cope with their diagnosis and may even assist in strengthening your claim.
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