Experiencing back injury from a car accident is common, and taking appropriate steps to address and manage the pain is essential. Here are some actions you can take:
- Seek medical attention: If you’re experiencing back pain after a car accident, seeking medical attention is essential. Consult with a healthcare professional experienced in treating musculoskeletal injuries, such as a primary care physician, chiropractor, or orthopedic specialist. They can assess the severity of your back pain and provide an accurate diagnosis.
- Keep documentation: Maintain thorough documentation of your medical visits, treatment plans, and any expenses related to your back pain, such as medical bills or costs for therapy sessions. These records can be valuable if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim or seek compensation for your injuries.
An experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help guide you through the complexities of the legal process. They can assess the details of your case, gather evidence, and build a strong claim on your behalf. They have the knowledge and experience to establish a link between the car accident and your back pain, as well as argue the liability of an at-fault party.
Additionally, they can help you understand your rights, explain the applicable laws, and guide you through the legal process, negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court.
What Types of Back Injuries Do Car Accidents Cause?
A few common back injuries that can occur because of a car accident include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury when the head and neck are forcefully jerked back and forth during a collision.
- Herniated or bulging discs: The impact of a car accident can cause the discs in the spine to shift or rupture, leading to herniated or bulging discs.
- Spinal cord injury: Severe accidents can cause fractures in the vertebrae of the spine, causing spinal cord injuries. Fractures in the thoracic or lumbar region can lead to significant back pain.
- Soft tissue injuries: The sudden impact of a car accident can cause damage to the soft tissues in the back, such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- Facet joint injuries: The facet joints, which are responsible for spinal stability and flexibility, can be injured in a car accident.
- Sprains and strains: The forceful movement of the body during an accident can cause sprains which is the stretching or tearing of ligaments, or strains, which is the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons in the back, leading to pain and discomfort.
Who Pays for My Back Injury Medical Bills?
In Pennsylvania, the responsibility for paying your medical bills for back problems from car accidents will depend on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the accident and the insurance coverage involved. Here are some possible sources that may cover your medical expenses:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage: Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, which means that drivers are required to carry PIP coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. PIP coverage typically provides benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. PIP benefits will generally apply to your back injury medical bills up to the policy’s limits.
- Health insurance: If you have health insurance coverage, it may also cover your back injury medical bills. You can submit your medical expenses to your health insurance provider, and they will typically pay for the eligible expenses according to the terms of your policy.
- Third-party liability claim: If another party was at fault for the car accident, you may have the option to pursue a third-party liability claim against the responsible party’s insurance company. This can potentially result in compensation for your medical expenses, along with other damages such as pain and suffering, lost wages, and future medical needs.
Can You Sue for Back Pain After a Car Accident?
Yes, it may be possible to receive compensation through a lawsuit for back pain after a car accident. Often, you will need to show the back pain is a result of the accident and was caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful actions.
In a personal injury claim for back pain, typically, you would need to demonstrate that someone had a responsibility to certain precautions but failed to meet that responsibility. As a result, that failure caused your back pain.
How Long Does Back Pain Last After a Car Accident?
The duration of back pain after a car accident can vary widely depending on the individual and the severity of the injury. While some people may experience temporary or mild back pain that resolves within a few days or weeks, others may experience more chronic or long-lasting pain.
If you are seeking compensation for your injuries, it’s important to not only factor the immediate costs of your injuries but future expenses as well, especially for those who will likely experience long-term pain.
How Much Can You Get for Back Pain After a Car Accident?
The amount of compensation for back pain after a car accident can vary greatly and often depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury and the impact of the accident.
- Medical expenses: Compensation may cover past, present, and future medical expenses related to your back injury.
- Lost wages: If your back injury has caused you to miss work or has impacted your ability to earn a living, you may pursue compensation for the income you have lost and any future loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Back pain can be physically and emotionally distressing. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical discomfort, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life resulting from your injury.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, additional damages, such as loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, or punitive damages awarded in cases of extreme negligence, may also be considered.
Need Legal Help? Get in touch with the Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin
If you are suffering from severe back pain after a car accident in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, contact The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin today. Our dedicated team has extensive knowledge in all facets of personal injury law, such as car, motorcycle, truck, and slip-and-fall accidents.
Schedule a free case evaluation and discuss your case by calling (215)-799-9990 . You can also complete our contact form online to find answers to your questions.