Most people think that many car accident injuries are associated with whiplash injuries or neck pain, but in fact this is not entirely true as around 50% of rear impact car collisions result in injuries to the lower back.
Overall, the neck is more prone to injury, because of its low level of protection. The head is balanced on the neck and does not have any support at all except for the neck muscles. The lower back and torso are a little more protected because they are normally resting up against the seat. Despite this added padding, the lower back is vulnerable to injury.
Factors that increase the chance of an injury to the lower back in a car accident:
- A large vehicle that strikes another vehicle
- A fast vehicle that strikes another vehicle
- The back of the vehicle disintegrates on impact
- Sitting forwards from the back of the seat
- Sitting at an angle in a vehicle seat
- A vehicle that hits yours and goes underneath it, causing your car to move upwards
Development of lower back pain
Often, there are times when a lower back injury takes longer to become obvious than a neck injury. The longer it takes for back pain to become obvious, it is more likely to be a disc herniation. It takes quite a while to develop – sometimes up to months from the injury, and then your back becomes very painful
If you have been in a car accident and your back pain started later on you should go and get a diagnosis from a doctor
Some people may think the pain is just a temporary ache or stiffness but it might just need urgent treatment. It is important to have the pain assessed by a doctor to see if the auto accident was the cause.
To be certain what the cause of the back pain is, you may require
- A physical examination
- An X-ray
- An MRI
If your doctor discovers that your lower back pain is a disc herniation and it was due to your recent car accident then if the accident was not your fault you should contact a car accident lawyer to determine if you are eligible for a compensation claim. After your free consultation and the decision that your injury is a result of your recent car accident then your chosen lawyer will gather all the necessary evidence such as medical reports, police reports and any information from witnesses and present your claim to the offending driver.
It is your legal right to be compensated for any suffering you have encountered as a result of an accident and herniated disks that was not your fault. The compensation payment covers you for any financial disadvantage you may be burdened with such as loss of wages and medical treatment while you are recovering. It may take several months to recover from the pain and suffering so the financial compensation will ease those days and months until you have fully recovered.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, learn how to protect your rights with a free consultation. Contact our experienced Injury Lawyers in Philadelphia.
