Back injuries are among the most common consequences of car accidents in North Carolina. We understand the profound impact these injuries can have on victims’ lives. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping victims of car accidents, truck wrecks, and motorcycle accidents receive the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one suffered a back injury in a motor vehicle accident, contact us today for a free case review!
Common Back Injuries from Car Accidents
Back injuries from car accidents can range from mild strains to severe, life-altering conditions. Even seemingly minor accidents can result in significant back injuries that may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time.
Back Sprains and Strains
Back sprains and strains are among the most frequent injuries from auto accidents. These soft tissue injuries occur when the ligaments, muscles, or tendons in the back are stretched or torn due to the sudden force of impact.
While often considered less severe than other back injuries, sprains and strains can cause significant pain and limit mobility. Recovery typically involves rest, physical therapy, and pain management, but some cases may require more extensive treatment.
Herniated Discs
Herniated discs, also known as slipped or ruptured discs, are another common back injury in car crashes. The impact of a collision can cause the soft inner core of a spinal disc to protrude through its tougher outer layer, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the back and extremities.
Treatment for herniated discs may range from conservative approaches like physical therapy and pain medication to more invasive procedures such as epidural injections or surgery in severe cases.
Fractured Vertebrae
The force of a car crash can cause fractures in the vertebrae, the bones that make up the spinal column. These fractures can range from minor compression fractures to more severe burst fractures. Vertebral fractures are especially common in high-impact collisions like truck accidents and motorcycle crashes.
A spine fracture can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and in some cases, spinal cord damage. Treatment often involves immobilization, pain management, and possibly surgery, depending on the severity of the fracture.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe back injuries. These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and extent of the damage to the spinal cord.
Spinal cord injuries are often life-altering, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. In many cases, victims may face permanent disability and the need for assistive devices or home modifications.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within the spine narrow, pressing on the nerves that travel through it. This can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the back and extremities. While spinal stenosis often results from age-related degeneration, an auto accident can cause or worsen this condition.
Treatment may include physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the affected nerves.
Facet Joint Injuries
Facet joints are small joints between and behind adjacent vertebrae that help stabilize the spine and enable movement. In a car accident, the sudden impact or twisting motion of the spine can damage these joints.
Facet joint injuries can cause significant pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the back. Treatment typically involves pain management, physical therapy, and in some cases, injections or radiofrequency ablation to alleviate symptoms.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it. While this condition can be congenital or develop over time, it can also be caused by trauma from a motor vehicle accident. The sudden force of impact can cause a vertebra to shift out of place, leading to pain, stiffness, and potentially nerve compression.
Treatment for spondylolisthesis may include physical therapy, pain management, and in severe cases, surgical intervention to stabilize the affected vertebrae.
Symptoms of a Back Injury After an Auto Accident
Recognizing the symptoms of a back injury is crucial for seeking timely medical attention and documenting the injury for legal purposes. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent or worsening back pain
- Stiffness or limited range of motion in the back
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Muscle spasms or weakness
- Changes in posture or gait
- Difficulty standing, sitting, or lying down for extended periods
- Pain that radiates down the legs (sciatica)
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases)
Some back injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately after an accident. Victims should seek medical evaluation even if they don’t experience immediate pain, as delayed onset of symptoms is common.
Compensation for Back Injuries
Accident victims who suffer back injuries can pursue various forms of compensation. At North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers, we help clients seek fair compensation for all aspects of their injuries and damages.
Medical Expenses
This includes medical bills for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. Victims who need ongoing care can recover compensation for future medical expenses.
Lost Wages and Lost Earning Potential
If a back injury prevents you from working, you can seek compensation for lost wages. If the injury results in long-term disability or reduced earning capacity, compensation may also cover future lost earnings.
Pain and Suffering
Victims can recover compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by their back injury. The amount awarded for pain and suffering often depends on the severity and long-term impact of the injury.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Back injuries can significantly impact a person’s ability to engage in activities they once enjoyed. Compensation may be awarded for this loss of quality of life, including the inability to participate in hobbies, sports, or family activities.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer.
Victims may receive up to three times the amount of compensatory damages or $250,000 in punitive damages, whichever is higher. Intoxicated driving is an exception to the normal limitation on punitive damages in North Carolina.
Average Car Accident Settlement for Back Injuries in North Carolina
Car accident settlements for back injuries can vary widely. Factors that influence settlement amounts include the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim’s life, the clarity of liability, and the available insurance coverage.
In North Carolina, the average car accident settlement for minor back injuries usually ranges from $2,500 to $10,000. On the other hand, spinal cord injury cases may settle for millions of dollars.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the legal process after a car wreck, truck crash, or motorcycle wreck can be overwhelming. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you.
Gathering Evidence
We carefully collect and preserve evidence to support your case. This may include obtaining police reports, interviewing witnesses, collecting medical records, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts when necessary.
Negotiating a Settlement
Our skilled personal injury lawyers will engage with insurance companies on your behalf to secure a fair settlement. We understand the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts and are prepared to counter these strategies.
Representing Victims in Court
We are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will present a compelling case to the court, advocating for your rights and seeking maximum compensation for your injuries.
Our goal is to alleviate the burden on our clients, allowing them to focus on their recovery while we handle the complexities of the legal process.
Deadline to File a Back Injury Lawsuit in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is three years. Victims usually have three years from the accident date to initiate legal proceedings. There are some exceptions to this time limit. For instance, the clock may be paused if the victim is under 18.
It’s crucial to begin the legal process as soon as possible. Prompt action allows for better preservation of evidence, more accurate witness statements, and timely medical documentation of injuries.
FAQs About Back Pain After a Car Accident
How long does back pain usually last after a car accident?
Back pain after a car accident can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the severity of the injury. Mild soreness may improve in a week or two, while more serious injuries, such as herniated discs or muscle strains, can take weeks or even months to heal. If pain persists or worsens, it’s important to see a doctor.
Can a car accident cause delayed back pain?
Yes, back pain can be delayed after a car accident. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain for hours or even days. Inflammation, muscle strain, or injuries to the spine may not become noticeable until some time has passed. If back pain develops days later, it’s still important to seek medical attention.
What are the most common causes of lower back pain after a car wreck?
The most common causes of lower back pain after a car accident include:
- Muscle strain – Overstretching or tearing of muscles and ligaments.
- Herniated discs – When the soft center of a spinal disc pushes out, pressing on nerves.
- Spinal misalignment – A shift in the spine’s normal position, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Whiplash – Though often linked to neck pain, whiplash can also affect the lower back.
- Fractures – In severe crashes, vertebrae in the lower back can break or crack.
If you’re experiencing back pain after a car accident, it’s best to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
How Are Back Injuries Treated?
Common back injury treatment options include:
- Chiropractic Care: Chiropractors use spinal adjustments and other techniques to relieve pain, improve mobility, and help the body heal naturally.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can guide you through exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
- Pain Relief Injections: Corticosteroid injections or nerve blocks can help reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort, especially for severe or chronic pain.
- Orthopedic Surgery: Surgery may be needed to repair or stabilize the spine in serious cases, such as herniated discs, fractures, or spinal instability.
The right treatment depends on the specific injury, so it’s important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and personalized care plan.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
Back injuries can have profound and lasting effects on victims’ lives. If you or a loved one has suffered a back injury in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, the experienced team at North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers is here to help.
We are committed to fighting for the compensation you need to recover and move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation!
