Anyone can get into a car accident. While you may be able to walk away from a minor fender-bender, its consequences can still come back to haunt you. Unfortunately, back injuries are among the most common injuries reported after car crashes. Even a small sprain or fracture can put a severe damper on your quality of life, preventing you from partaking in many daily activities.
Common Types of Car Accident Back Injuries
While we often think of our back as a single unit, it is actually a complex piece of human anatomy. Since different regions of the spinal column control different parts of the body, the location of an injury can have a profound impact on its presentation. Some of the most common car accident related back injuries include:
- Thoracic vertebrae injuries, or injuries to the upper back. Even a moderate injury in the thoracic region can culminate in life-long nerve damage. These sorts of injuries are commonly caused by high-speed automobile accidents and can require complex treatment.
- Lumbar vertebrae injuries, or injuries to the five large vertebrae constituting the base of the backbone. Since the lumbar region provides not only skeletal support but muscular support as well, injuries can be very painful and sometimes even crippling.
- Spinal cord injuries. An injury at any point along the spinal column can be incredibly serious. A damaged spinal cord often leads to partial or total paralysis.
What to Do After a Car Accident
The shock and adrenaline rush following a car accident can mask serious injury. Even if you feel fine, you should always—always!—seek immediate medical attention after a crash. A physician can help identify and diagnose injuries you may not have noticed. If you ever need to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover medical expenses, seeing a doctor also shows insurance companies that you did not simply invent a claim to collect damages.
Once you have assessed your health and checked on any passengers, you should call the police. They will investigate the accident and may assign liability to the other motorist if they were at fault. You can use the officer’s report in court if you file a lawsuit against the other driver or need to negotiate with an insurer.
You are always advised to contact an experienced Missouri car crash attorney. They can help you collect and review evidence, including law enforcement reports, surveillance camera footage, and physical damages. Even if you have already been offered a settlement, your lawyer can often negotiate a better deal.
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