6 million car accidents occur in our country every year. As a result of these accidents, three million people are injured annually. If you’re experiencing back pain from a car accident, you’re not alone.
You don’t have to remain alone, either. Instead, you can work with a Georgia lawyer to receive the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let the upper back pain you’ve developed from a car accident ruin your life.
Instead, keep reading to learn what to do if you’re suffering from back pain from a car accident in Georgia. With these tips, you can make your case for a personal injury claim.
1. Go to a doctor
Back pain isn’t always acute. In fact, post-accident endorphins, or adrenaline, often mask the pain. As a result, your back injuries might not present themselves under a while after the accident.
Don’t wait until you experience back pain from the car accident.
Instead, see a doctor right away.
A doctor can diagnose your back injury and determine its severity. During your appointment, they might use:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRIs
- Myelograms
- Bones scans
These tests will help them diagnose your injury.
Some back injuries are short-term, and therefore only need temporary treatment. Possible treatment includes:
- Injections for inflammation
- Pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
Serious back injuries, on the other hand, might require a surgical procedure to alleviate your pain. Pressure on your spinal cord or the surrounding nerves could cause you to develop chronic pain. During the surgery, your surgeon might need to remove parts of the vertebrae or remove a ruptured disk.
Then, they’ll need to fuse the vertebrae together.
The sooner you are evaluated, the sooner you can receive the treatment you need.
Possible Injuries
Your back pain can last between a few months or a lifetime. It depends on the severity and type of injury.
Are you experiencing upper left back pain from a car accident? Maybe you’re noticing a sharp pain in your upper back. Regardless, here are a few common injuries that often result after a rear-end collision:
- Muscle strain
- Whiplash
- Herniated discs
- Shifted and fractured spinal vertebrae
Back, neck, and shoulder pain are all common after a car accident. Other symptoms can include muscle strain and headaches. Visiting a doctor can help treat your back pain after a car accident before it gets worse.
2. Speak with a car accident attorney
After your car accident, make sure to speak with a qualified car accident attorney about what happened. However, it’s important you speak to a doctor beforehand. That way, you’ll have pertinent information the attorney can use to assess your case.
Proper treatment for your upper back pain can get expensive. You might also need chiropractic care or physical therapy. Either way, these expenses will all add up.
An auto accident lawyer can evaluate your case and medical records.
With their help, you can seek the compensation you deserve. That way, you can receive treatment without stressing out over your medical bills.
3. Consider a chiropractor
Depending on your doctor’s assessment, you might want to visit a chiropractor.
First, a chiropractor will assess your back pain. They’ll review your medical history as well as the accident.
After the assessment, your chiropractor will use spinal manipulation to realign your spine. An adjustment can:
- Decrease your need for surgery
- Limit your prescription drug use
- Determine the root cause of your back pain
- Treat your headaches
- Reduce overall pain
Spinal manipulation allows a chiropractor to align your body’s musculoskeletal structure. When the spine and body are aligned, your body can better heal from your accident. Otherwise, you’ll leave that pressure on your spine to build.
This can lead to long-term aches and pains.
Visiting a chiropractor can help ease the back pain you feel each day. It can also benefit your case. By visiting a chiropractor, you’re demonstrating that you experienced harm as a result of the accident.
4. Don’t say anything
Don’t sign anything with your insurance company right away. Instead, make sure a medical professional has the time to completely evaluate your injuries. This might include giving your treatment time to work as well.
Signing a release with your insurance company could prohibit you from receiving full compensation for your injuries.
5. Keep records
As you receive treatment from different doctors, chiropractors, and other professionals, make sure to keep track of your back pain. Receipts and other documentation will help you receive a fair settlement from the insurance company.
These documents will help your lawyer throughout your case.
Otherwise, you won’t have evidence of what you endured as a result of the accident.
6. Consider pursuing the at-fault driver
There were 4.6 million medically consulted injuries that resulted from car accidents in 2017. Meanwhile, total vehicle injury costs were estimated at $433.8 billion.
If you live in a no-fault insurance state, ask your attorney about filing your injury claim with your own insurance company.
Your personal-injury-protection (PIP) coverage will reimburse you for costs related to your treatment, including:
- Medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Chiropractic care
However, your PIP coverage won’t pay for any pain and suffering you endured.
However, you may have suffered severe back pain from a car accident. If so, you’re possibly eligible to pursue the at-fault driver for these damages.
If you’re not limited to no-fault laws, you need to first file a claim for the damages with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Personal damages include:
- Medical bills
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Property damage, on the other hand, can include the cost to repair your car. It can also cover the cost of a rental or the value of a car if it’s totaled. Property damage claims can also cover phones, glasses, or other items damaged in the crash.
See to your spine: what to do if you’re suffering back pain from a car accident
An experienced personal injury attorney can help if you’re suffering from back pain from a car accident. They’ll ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. That way, you can get back on your feet without lengthy medical bills impeding your recovery.
Choose Georgia’s leading auto accident law firm! Contact us today to determine what your case is worth.