Car accidents can range from minor to severe, resulting in injuries that heal quickly on their own to those that take months or years to heal. Some car accident injuries never fully heal, leaving you with pain for the rest of your life.
The back is a common part of the body that is injured in car accidents. Your back is made up of bones, joints, muscles, nerves, ligaments and tendons. It is also where you will find your spinal cord, which is an extremely important and vulnerable structure in your body. An injury to this part of your body may lead to serious long-term pain and disabilities. Learn more about common back injuries in California car accidents here.
Soft tissue injuries
A soft tissue injury includes strains, tears and sprains to the tendons, ligaments and muscles in your back. While the injury may seem minor, it can cause serious pain, stiffness and even muscle spasms.
Herniated disc
When you are involved in a car accident, your body will absorb a lot of force. Too much force may cause your spine’s supportive discs to move out of their proper positioning. The discs may also rupture or crack. If the herniated disc begins compressing a nerve in your spine, you may experience significant back pain that shoots down to your leg and foot.
Fractures
Fractures occur when small fissures or cracks occur in the bone. More severe fractures caused by trauma, like a car accident, can damage the spinal cord and nearby nerves. These injuries require immediate medical attention.
Your right to file a claim after a car accident
If you are involved in a car accident caused by another party and experience a back injury, you have the right to file a personal injury claim. Knowing your legal rights will help you recover the compensation you are entitled to.