Whether an auto collision is caused by speeding, intoxicated driving, defective auto parts, or another reason, the results can be life-changing for victims. Injuries to the neck, back, and spine are often especially devastating. Many spine injuries reduce mobility and make it difficult or impossible for victims to work and conduct everyday tasks. Sometimes, these mobility issues are temporary; other times, they are permanent.
Car crash victims who suffer neck or back injuries may be able to recover monetary damages for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
Traumatic Spinal Injuries Resulting from an Accident
Any time a person gets in a vehicle, there is a chance that he or she will be involved in an accident. We rarely think of it this way but driving or riding in a car are some of the most dangerous actions most people take in a given day. Fortunately, car accident victims have rights. They may be able to seek justice as well as financial compensation through a personal injury claim.
Some of the most common spine and neck injuries suffered by motor vehicle accident victims include:
- Herniated Disc – Vertebrae in our spines are cushioned by soft discs. A ruptured or herniated disc occurs when the disc is damaged. Severe pain, numbness, and muscle weakness are all common symptoms of a herniated disc.
- Fractured vertebrae – Trauma to the back during a crash can also fracture the vertebra. Sometimes, pieces of the broken bones puncture the spinal cord resulting in paralysis or loss of functioning. Spinal fractures can make it impossible to move without sharp pain.
- Cervical spine injuries – Commonly called “whiplash,” damage to the cervical spine is often caused by rear-end accidents. Whiplash symptoms can take a few days to develop, which causes many accident victims to underestimate their injuries immediately after the crash. Cervical spine damage can cause physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms, including pain, reduced mobility, depression, headaches, and memory problems.
- Spondylolisthesis – Spondylolisthesis occurs when vertebrae are moved from their original location due to extreme force of some kind. This condition is common after motor vehicle accidents and may cause radiating pain, stiffness, weakness, and difficulty standing and walking.
- Aggravation of pre-existing conditions – Sometimes, a car crash worsens a medical problem the victim already suffered from. For example, individuals with degenerative disk disease can further damage their spine in a serious crash. Unfortunately, insurance companies sometimes argue that a pre-existing injury bars an accident victim from financial recovery. This is not true. Accident victims who suffer aggravated medical problems and worsened symptoms have the right to pursue compensation just like any other accident victim.
Contact a Houston Spine Injury Attorney for Help
If you or a loved one suffered an injury to your neck, back, or spine in a car crash, you may be able to get compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income from missed work, and other damages. Set up a free consultation with our Harris County car crash injury lawyers to learn more. Call 281-643-2000 today.
Source:
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/spondylolysis-and-spondylolisthesis/
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