3 Types of Back Injuries Caused by a Car Accident
Back injuries can be caused by a number of things, however, car accidents are a major cause of three different types of serious back injuries. Here’s what you need to know about back injuries that can result from car accidents, and how to get the help you need to obtain compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
1. Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury can happen easily in a car accident, even ones that occur at low speeds. This type of injury is caused when the force of a car collision impacts the spine and results in damage to the actual spinal cord. A spinal cord can be bruised or lacerated, or it can be completely severed in an accident. While bruising tends to result in significant pain, it tends to be more short-term than other spinal cord injuries. The spinal cord does not have the ability to regenerate, so damage is permanent. If the cord is lacerated or severed, the victim is likely to experience permanent paralysis.
2. Injuries to the Spinal Discs
The discs of cartilage inbetween the vertebrae of the spine are fragile and can easily be injured in a car crash. The most common way this occurs is when a disc actually herniates due to the blow of the collision. A herniated disc, also known as a ruptured or slipped disc, can no longer cushion the vertebrae and the bones then rub against each other, causing serious pain and disability.
3. Compression Fractures
Small fissures or cracks in the vertebrae of the spine are called compression fractures. They are one of the most frequently seen back injuries that arise from a car accident. Depending on where the back fracture, the victim may experience symptoms in the area where the fracture is. Fractures higher up in the back may cause pain when breathing, while fractures in the lower back may cause pain when walking or sitting.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident
If you or a loved one have sustained a back injury as the result of a
car accident through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Contact Sarkisian Law Offices today for a consultation to discuss your legal options for restitution and learn how to move forward after a devastating crash. We can be reached by calling 219-942-7171.
