Jun
9

Why Do So Many MN Car Crashes Result in Back Injuries?

Back injuries can shift the trajectory of a person’s life forever. It’s a shame that these types of life-altering injuries are so common in car accidents, but there are some very logical reasons why they are.

Cars travel at high speeds, and, when there is a sudden deceleration, your back will absorb the force and pressure from the car collision. Physics is simply the reason that car accidents lead to so many Minnesota accident injuries.

Remember, knowledge is power. Here is what you need to know about back injuries that can result from a car accident – and how you can protect yourself legally and personally if you’re injured.

Common Back Injuries

When a car accident occurs, the ligaments, tendons, bones, and muscles that make up the back can be injured. Because this is such a large portion of the body, any part of it can be injured and lead to larger problems down the road.

The most common types of back injuries that can result from a car accident include:

Back Strains and Sprains

A back strain can occur when the soft tissues of the back are damaged by pressure, impact, or force. When this happens, they are stretched to an unnatural level and can cause pain and reduce mobility.

Back sprains, while also involving damage to soft tissues, impact a different structure. It is typically the ligaments that are impacted rather than the muscles and tendons involved in a strain. This, too, can lead to severe pain and limited mobility.

Herniated Discs

There are soft, fibrous discs in the spaces between each spinal bone in your back. These structures help to absorb force, but they can only absorb so much before something goes wrong. They are comprised of a tough, fibrous outer layer with a soft inner layer – sort of like a jelly donut. When too much force is applied to the disc, it can rupture. This can then press on the spinal nerve root and cause dramatic and intense pain which can radiate to other places around the body.

Fractures

It is possible to fracture the small bones in the back, called vertebrae. The force of an accident can cause a small compression fracture to occur, which can cause pain and even problems with breathing. Larger fractures can also occur in car accidents, which can lead to issues with mobility as well as increased pain.

Compensation

It’s no secret that back injuries can lead to some seriously expensive medical bills to properly treat, since they often require lots of visits, medications, and perhaps even surgery.

After a car accident, you should always seek medical care to ensure that you didn’t sustain any injuries that may show up later. Soft tissue injuries can take days to reveal themselves, so always get a medical exam in the wake of a car crash.

Duluth Car Accident Lawyers

You may be entitled to compensation for the medical bills you incur due to the accident, as well as compensation for:

  • Any lost income that was the result of your injury
  • Suffering and pain you endured due to your injury
  • Any emotional distress you experienced because of the injury due to the crash

If you need help figuring out if you should receive compensation, then talk to an experienced attorney today to have your case examined.

 

About the Author:

A lifelong Minnesotan, founding partner Ronald R. Envall has spent his entire legal career fighting for the little guy, focusing on workers’ compensation, Social Security, and personal injury cases. He has been recognized by SuperLawyers as a Top Rated attorney in Duluth, placing him in the top 5 percent of all workers comp lawyers across the state. In his free time, Mr. Envall serves on the boards of several area government and nonprofit organizations and is a member of the Minnesota Association for Justice, which supports consumer rights.