Back and Spine Injuries From Car Accidents

Our attorneys understand how painful and debilitating a back injury can be

Back injuries suffered in a car accident can have a significant impact on your life. Chronic pain can interfere with daily activities, reduce mobility, and limit your ability to perform routine tasks. When a negligent driver caused the accident that left you hurt, you deserve financial compensation.

However, recovering that compensation can be complicated. Insurance companies have the advantage. That’s why you need an experienced car accident attorney on your side. At Feingold Posner Draizin, our lawyers can guide you through the legal process from start to finish. We are dedicated to helping you get the best possible outcome.

Types of back injuries seen in car accidents

Any type of car accident can lead to a back injury. These injuries can be severe, depending on the force of the impact and the dynamics of the collision. Examples include:

Fractured vertebra – One or more of the bones that make up the spine can break due to the force of impact. These fractures can range from minor cracks to severe breaks, such as compression fractures where the vertebrae collapse. Fractured vertebrae can cause intense pain and instability. Surgical intervention may be required to stabilize the spine.
Herniated disc – This injury happens when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher exterior. This can occur due to the impact and stress of a car accident. The herniated material can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the back, legs, or arms. Herniated discs often require physical therapy, medications, or even surgery.
Facet joint injuries – These are small joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae, providing stability and flexibility to the spine. In a car accident, these joints can be damaged, leading to facet joint syndrome. Symptoms include localized pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the back. Facet joint injuries may be treated with physical therapy, pain management techniques, and, in some cases, injections or surgery to alleviate pain and restore function.
Spondylolisthesis – This occurs when a vertebra slips forward over the one below it. If the slipped vertebra compresses nearby nerves, it can lead to significant lower back pain and numbness or weakness in the legs. Treatment includes physical therapy to strengthen the back muscles, pain relief medications, and possibly surgical intervention to stabilize the spine.
Spinal cord injury –These are among the most serious back injuries resulting from car accidents. They occur when the spinal cord is damaged, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, spinal cord damage can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Long-term treatment may include surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

These back injuries can significantly impact a person’s life, requiring extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and potentially long-term treatment. Medical expenses for diagnosis, treatment, and managing symptoms can add up and quickly become overwhelming.

Insurance companies will try to limit your back injury compensation

They are not interested in covering all the damages you suffered in the accident. Their goal is to find ways to pay you as little as possible. Some of the tactics they’ll use include:

Disputing the severity of injuries – Insurance adjusters may argue that your back injury is not that serious. They may request extensive medical records and seek opinions from their own medical experts to challenge the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Questioning the cause of injury – An adjuster may suggest that your back injury was pre-existing or not caused by the accident. They might look for evidence of previous medical conditions or treatments.
Requesting an Independent Medical Examination (IME): Insurance companies may require you to undergo an IME by a doctor of their choosing. These examinations can be used to provide a medical opinion that downplays the severity of your injury.
Offering low initial settlements – Insurance companies often give you a quick, lowball settlement offer. They’re hoping you’ll accept it without realizing the full extent of your injuries and future medical costs.

Our back injury attorneys can help you fight back

We used to represent the insurance companies. We know how they approach these types of cases. We’re very familiar with their tactics and strategies to minimize your claim. Most importantly, we put in the work needed to build a strong case that they have to take seriously.

We’ll ensure that all your injuries and related expenses are thoroughly documented. This includes medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and any future medical expenses related to your back injury. We’ll also calculate the other damages you have suffered, such as lost wages and pain and suffering.

Our attorneys will gather and preserve crucial evidence to support your claim. This includes obtaining police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. Once we’ve built a case that proves negligence, our attorneys will negotiate with the insurance company on a full and fair settlement that meets your needs.

If you suffered a back injury in a car accident that happened in Plantation, Broward County, or anywhere in Florida, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. Learn about your legal options and get the information you need to put your mind at ease. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.