Providence Lawyer for Neck and Back Injuries from Car Accidents
Neck and back injuries are common for people who have been in a car accident. The injuries can lead to aches and pains that can feel fairly minor, but they can also be completely debilitating. Additionally, they can grow worse or get better over time. But regardless of the specific degree of severity, if your neck or back pain was the result of another party’s recklessness or negligence, you shouldn’t have to simply accept your injury. In many cases, you may be entitled to some form of financial compensation.
If you are suffering from neck or back injuries due to a car accident that was not your fault, the experienced Providence car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd. are here to help. We will aggressively advocate on your behalf to recover the compensation that you deserve for the medical bills, rehabilitation, and physical and emotional pain you have been forced to endure. Call us today at (401) 751-8855 for a free consultation to see how we can help you.
The Cause of Neck and Back Pain After a Car Accident
The most common cause of neck and back pain after a car crash is whiplash. People often use the term “whiplash” to indicate a neck injury. However, it is technically the back-and-forth “whipping” motion that the spine suffers that is the cause of the injury. This motion is often the result when another driver has rear-ended your vehicle.
The medical term for whiplash is cervical-acceleration-deceleration (CAD), and the symptoms and conditions resulting from CAD are known as whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). These injuries can become the cause of chronic pain. It is essential that you go to a doctor who can provide you with an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible after the car accident. This is obviously an important factor in reducing the odds that you will suffer long-term pain, but it is also vital for your chance to secure full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Common Types of Neck and Back Injuries from Car Accidents
Injuries of the back and neck are generally categorized according to the section of the spine in which they occur. The five major sections of the human spine are:
- Cervical Spine – The seven vertebrae from the bottom of your skull to the shoulder girdle
- Thoracic spine – The 12 vertebrae that go from your shoulder girdle to the bottom of your ribcage
- Lumbar Spine – The five vertebrae in the small of your back
- Sacrum – The five fused vertebrae that are at the back of your pelvis
- Coccyx – The four fused vertebrae that make up your tailbone
When the bones, tissues, ligaments, or nerves of any of these sections of the spine are subject to CAD in a car accident, the following injuries commonly occur:
- Bone fractures
- Sprains and other injuries of the soft tissue
- Spinal stenosis (when the canal that houses the spinal cord narrows)
- Herniated/slipped disc
Some of these injuries may cause obvious symptoms right away, but others may get worse over time because of the inflammation and bruising that occurs later. It is important that you take note of all your symptoms, even if they do not manifest immediately. Report them to your doctor and report them when filing your claim. The symptoms of your whiplash may include:
- Pain or pinching sensation
- Headache
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in limbs or digits
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle weakness
- Soreness in shoulders or hips
- Breathing trouble
- Pain, swelling, or bruising of the belly
- Paralysis
- Decreased hearing or vision
- Loss of bowel/bladder control
- Stress, anxiety, or panic
While it will depend on the location and severity of your injury, the main effect might be discomfort or pain in the upper or lower back. Without treatment, some injuries may become progressively incapacitating.
Dealing with Delayed Back and Neck Pain
Because some injuries may have a delayed onset, activity can aggravate swelling, bruising, and inflammation before the pain itself becomes obvious. After your accident, it is a good idea to maintain a daily journal of any pain you might have. If you notice any new symptoms, such as muscle spasms or intense back pain, be sure to seek medical treatment without delay. Symptoms that emerge over time and any treatment required for them can be taken into account in your claim for compensation.
What Can I Be Compensated for after Sustaining Back and Neck Injuries in a Car Accident?
While the injuries from car accidents are terrible in and of themselves, the pain is not the entire story. Your symptoms can be the cause of expensive medical bills, lost income or wages due to forced time off work, and a decreased quality of life. An experienced Providence personal injury lawyer can help you secure compensation for all of these consequences.
What Can I Do to Improve My Chance of Obtaining Compensation?
Keep the following things in mind if you would like to pursue fair compensation for your injuries:
- Attend all your medical appointments and follow all of your doctors’ orders closely.
- Keep notes of any physical pain, new symptoms, and your emotional state daily.
- Write a clear account of how the accident and the injuries you suffered have affected your life.
- Refrain from talking about your case publicly or on social media.
Contact an Experienced Providence Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you are suffering from back or neck injuries due to a car accident in Providence that wasn’t your fault, the Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd. is here to help. We know how devastating it can be to live with the pain these injuries can cause, and we believe that you deserve compensation for the ways the crash has impacted your life.
Contact us for a free consultation, and we will explain the legal process and what your options are. You won’t have to pay any upfront costs. We won’t charge you anything until we secure compensation for you. Call us today at (401) 751-8855.
