Can Car Crashes Cause Herniated Discs?

Lever & Ecker, PLLC July 7, 2021 Car Accidents

A car accident can occur for various reasons. Regardless of the cause, automobile accidents may result in severe injuries or death. One injury that many car accident victims suffer from is a herniated disc. A herniated disc results when the outside of the intervertebral disc sustains damage, causing the sponge-like center to break open and bulge from its original position. If your herniated disc injury is the result of another driver’s negligence, you might be able to recover financial compensation. However, filing a personal injury claim in New York might make your recovery unnecessarily difficult. Instead, turn to the car accident attorneys at Lever & Ecker. They can handle your case while you recover. 

How Can a Car Accident Cause a Herniated Disc?

The spine plays a crucial role in the overall function of your body. Your spine includes vertebrae, the spinal cord, spinal nerves, and discs. Discs have two lawyers: 

• The annulus contains fiber bands that protect the discs.
• The nucleus is inside the fibrous bands and helps absorb shock.

As we age, our body parts become more brittle, making us more susceptible to a spinal injury. Additionally, the older we are, the more likely discs are to rupture and cause a herniation. 

What Are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc? 

The first symptom of a herniated disc is often pain or discomfort, which you might feel in the middle or lower part of your back. Pain will likely radiate over the affected disc, but you might also feel discomfort on the front of your body, depending on where the herniated disc is located. Aside from pain, you might also experience: 

• Numbness or tingling 
• Weakness in the affected area
• Neck pain 
• Headaches
• Muscle tension or cramping 

Remember, not all symptoms may appear right away, and the shock of a car accident might subdue any pain. That is why you must seek medical attention after a crash. A doctor can perform a complete check-up, diagnose any injuries, and begin treatment. Treatment for a herniated disc might include anti-inflammatory medications, exercise, or physical therapy. Some back doctors might also recommend surgery to eliminate pain. 

When seeking medical care for your injuries, you must save all bills and receipts. If you do not have proper documentation, the insurance company will likely argue that your treatment did not cost as much as you claim, allowing them to deny or reduce your settlement. 

Other Common Back Injuries from a Car Accident

You must remember that a herniated disc might not be the only back injury you sustain following a car accident in New York. Below are a few types of back injuries often sustained in car accidents: 

• Whiplash is one of the most common back injuries resulting from an auto accident. This injury may cause damage to muscles, ligaments, or tissues in the neck. Whiplash often results from rear-end collisions, and symptoms might include pain, stiffness, or blurry vision. 
• Spinal fractures often occur when a seatbelt fails to hold you in place during a collision. One type of fracture is a compression fracture, which is a small crack along the vertebrae. Symptoms might include bladder issues, numbness, or difficulty breathing. 
• Spondylolisthesis compresses nerves or the spinal canal, and it occurs when stress fractures force vertebrae to move out of alignment. Numbness, tingling, pain, or difficulty walking are common symptoms. 

Speak to the Auto Accident Attorneys at Lever & Ecker

Accident victims should remember that they must first prove that the other party’s negligent actions caused the car crash, and the crash was a direct result of their injuries. If you cannot prove this, a court might dismiss your case, or an insurer may deny your claim. Furthermore, New York’s personal injury laws are complex. One missed detail or misinterpretation might cost you your entire settlement. 

Do not risk the compensation you need to cover medical bills, property damage, or lost wages, and contact the car accident attorneys at Lever & Ecker. Located in White Plains, New York, we pride ourselves on working closely with clients and giving them the respect and attention they deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call (914) 288-9191 or complete our online contact form.