When involved in a car accident in Phoenix, Arizona, one may suffer an injury as a result of the impact of the crash. One such common injury after a collision is lower back pain. A noticeable symptom of lower back pain is a sharp, constant, or dull pain in the region of the lower back. But, if the crash was caused by another person, you may be legally entitled to compensation for your injuries as well as lost earnings if you are unable to return to work for some period of time.

Lower Back Pain After a Car Accident in Phoenix, Arizona 

Many lower back injuries that result from a vehicle collision are simply strained muscles. The peculiar movements and jolts involved in a crash result in injuries to the back. While the injury may be minor and will heal with time, it could feel relatively major to the accident victim.

The lower part of one’s back provides stability for not only the upper part, but also the rest of one’s body. Due to the position of the strains, it can be difficult for victims to perform strenuous activities once they have suffered an injury to the back. Pain medication and ample rest are the most common treatment for back injuries, and victims may have to take time off from work to heal from the injury.

Another common type of lower back injury after a crash is a herniated disc. The human spine is made of soft discs and alternative vertebrae, and during a collision, the force may create ruptures, swelling, and tears, within the discs.

If the spinal discs press on nerves within the spinal canal, it can result in weakness and pain in the back. While many car crash victims are able to manage a herniated disc with physical therapy and pain medication, if the treatment fails to work, surgery may be required to remove the disc and fuse the vertebrae above and below the affected disc.

Another possible injury after a car accident in Phoenix, Arizona, is spondylolisthesis. This is an injury that involves a fracture in one’s vertebrae that causes it to slip out of its place. Again, spinal fusion surgery may be required to mend the injury.

Spondylolisthesis and herniated discs can lead to pain in other areas besides one’s lower back. The spinal cord connects to every part of the human body, and any pressure on the nerves within the spinal column can cause pain in other areas of one’s body. Furthermore, lower back pain may also be a delayed side effect of whiplash and other accident-related injuries, such as a strain or sprain.

Considering that one may have to take time off from work to recover, may have to undergo surgery, and could have to take a great deal of medication or embark on a physiotherapy program, the medical costs as well as loss of wages can add up, leaving the victim financially crippled. A dedicated car accident attorney can help you seek the damages that you are legally entitled to after being involved in an auto collision.

What Impact Can Lower Back Pain Have on a Victim’s Life After a Car Accident in Phoenix?

While minor strains of a muscle or a ligament can heal on their own over time with the right physical therapy treatment and rest, major injuries can have a profound impact on one’s life. After the Phoenix car accident, you may find it difficult to run or walk without pain, and it could even be difficult to lie down or sit without experiencing some degree of stiffness or pain. In turn, this can lead to difficulty taking part in daily activities that you used to enjoy prior to the accident, and it can have an impact on your quality of sleep.

What Type of Compensation Should I Seek for Damages?

Specifically, a car accident victim may be legally entitled to financial compensation for any medical bills that are incurred after the collision. For instance, if you have to undergo surgery to repair torn muscles, the cost of the surgery ought to be included in a jury award or settlement that you receive from the person that is responsible for the crash. One may further be entitled to reimbursement for the cost of consulting with a doctor or for pain medication expenses.

It is often the case that an accident victim is not able to work for days, or even weeks or months after the incident. Depending on how severe your injuries are, you may not ever be able to return to work. In such cases, you may be entitled to collect not only the lost wages, but also any future lost income.

How Can a Phoenix Car Accident Attorney Assist with My Case?

A dedicated car accident attorney in Phoenix, Arizona, can help car crash victims in numerous ways, such as:

• A car accident attorney will walk the victim through the legal process to make sure that a judge or jury will not dismiss the case.
• The attorney can file the victim’s case before the state’s statute of limitations runs out of time.
• The lawyer can work with the victim to build a strong claim that could increase the likelihood of a fair financial settlement so that one can avoid the cost and stress of going to court.

Contact Warnock MacKinlay Law to Speak with an Attorney About Your Car Accident in Phoenix, AZ

If you have been hurt in a crash and now experience lower back pain that forces you to take time off from work, undergo surgery, and perhaps has altered your life in a significant way, then you should not be afraid to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. It is also important to see a doctor immediately after the crash as the injury may be more serious than one may have thought.

For assistance with accident claims and to learn more about a crash victim’s legal rights, book a consultation with the car accident attorneys at Warnock MacKinlay Law today. We will not charge any fees until we settle or win your compensation.