If you have been in a car accident and have experienced back pain as a result, you are not alone. Back pain following an accident is one of the most common symptoms many car accident victims will face.
Unfortunately, it is also common for people to experience back pain days after their accident. There are many reasons for this delayed onset of back pain, but it is important that whenever the pain does come on, you listen to your body and take the appropriate response measures. If you have been the victim of a car accident in Florida and are experiencing back pain, you have rights and legal options that can help you in your healing. The injury attorneys at Jack Bernstein are committed to representing all victims who begin experiencing back pain and other symptoms following an accident.
Seeking comprehensive legal guidance can help you during your recovery process. Reach out today to speak with someone about your case.
How long does it take to notice back pain after an accident?
The onset of back pain after a car accident can vary from person to person. There are a number of factors — including age, health, your injury, and where you were seated during the time of the accident — that determine when and where you will feel pain.
Some people may experience immediate pain, while others may not feel any pain for several days or even weeks. If you do not feel immediate pain, you are not alone. A number of victims report that they don’t feel symptoms, including back pain, until days after the accident.
For many victims, the body requires time before symptoms of inflammation may be visible. Following intense physical trauma, soft tissue and muscles can become damaged, but you won’t feel it right away. Healing takes time, and so too does muscle strain after an injury. Once this muscle strain makes itself known following inflammation, your body will begin to display signs of swelling, bruising, and pain.
The surge of adrenaline your body experiences after a car accident can also mask the injury you may have sustained. After your adrenaline levels begin to lower, you will start noticing sore spots, tenderness, and pain throughout your body.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident, even if you do not feel any pain initially. This is because some injuries, such as herniated discs or spinal cord injuries, may not show symptoms until days or even weeks after an accident. If you have other internal injuries, waiting until you start feeling pain to seek medical attention can also cause more harm to your body and impede diagnosis and recovery.
What type of accidents cause back pain?
Any type of accident has the potential to cause back pain. However, car accidents including rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, and head-on collisions, are some of the most common types of accidents that can cause back pain. The unexpected force of impact during these types of accidents can cause the body to move in unexpected ways, all of which can lead to back injuries.
Types of back pain after an accident
The data is clear that car accidents can cause back pain, and in events where an individual already suffers from back pain, a car accident can magnify pain and further exaggerate an injury. One study published in the Accident Analysis & Prevention journal shows that at least 31% of individuals involved in a car accident experienced some form of persistent lower back pain a year following their accident.
Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints of injury following an accident. But it is not the only one. As with any accident, injuries can range from mild to severe. Other common injuries include but are not limited to the following:
- Muscle strains or sprains in the back muscles
- Whiplash resulting in pain in the neck and upper back
- Herniated discs
- Fractured vertebrae
- Spinal cord injury (SCI), paralysis, and other neurological issues in severe cases
What to do when you have back pain after an accident
If you have been involved in a car accident and begin experiencing back pain days after the impact, it is essential to take the appropriate actions for your health and any legal action you may choose to take. Follow these guidelines after experiencing a car accident:
Exchange insurance information
No matter the circumstances of your car accident, always exchange insurance information with all the parties involved. Additionally, always be sure to contact law enforcement as well in order to have a police report written up.
Seek medical treatment
It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. A doctor can evaluate your injuries, provide you with necessary medical treatment, and document your injuries.
Often, when you alert authorities following a car accident, an officer may ask whether you need to be seen by a medical professional like an EMT. You should always say yes, even if you do not feel as if you have any injuries or if you are not experiencing any pain. Seeking medical attention can help you establish a record of your injuries. This record will become important when you deal with insurance companies or if you decide to seek legal advice.
Home remedies
In addition to receiving medical attention, there are some home remedies you can explore for mild back pain injuries. These remedies include applying heat or ice to the affected area or taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
Seek the guidance of a car accident attorney
If you were in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries in the form of a car accident settlement. This compensation can help you deal with medical expenses, property damage, and any pain and suffering you may have had to endure as a result of the accident. Speak with an experienced car accident lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and options.
How do I speak with a car accident lawyer near me?
When you speak with a car accident lawyer, you can look forward to working with a lawyer who will help you navigate your insurance claim and fight to secure additional compensation you may be entitled to following your car accident. The injury attorneys at Jack Bernstein are committed to representing all victims of car accidents as they navigate the journey to healing.
Our legal team is here to help. Reach out today to learn more about your rights and options and speak with a car accident lawyer in Florida you can count on.
Sources:
Nolet, P., et al. (2020). Accident Analysis & Prevention.
Types and Levels of Spinal Cord Injuries. (2023).
Why Pain Sustained After an Auto Accident is Often Delayed. (2023).