Herniated Disc from Car Accident? Here are a Few Things You Should Know
Car accidents are no laughing matter. And neither are herniated discs. In fact, one of the leading causes of disc degeneration stems from untreated herniated discs. And this can lead to severe back pain and the loss of mobility.
Herniated disc injuries, a slipped or ruptured disc, lumbar disc herniations, or a pinched nerve can all result from an auto accident. And these can all result in chronic pain, and the inability to work which will result in lost wages.
Many people who suffer from herniated disc injuries also have to pay high medical expenses and may have to pay for emergency room visits as well due to intense pain. As a result, seeking legal action in the event of a car accident is highly recommended.
If you’ve suffered a herniated disc due to a car accident, there are several steps that you should consider such as seeking a car accident lawyer and filing personal injury claims. And the following will detail a few things you should consider after suffering a serious back injury
How to Tell if You Have a Herniated Disc After a Car Accident
Many car accident victims experience significant pain after a car accident. And this can vary from a victim experiencing anything from intense, localized pain and nerve injury to needing surgical procedures such as lumbar fusion surgery.
After an accident occurs, even if it was a slight fender-bender, you may feel subtle pain such as associated with slight nerve impingement. But this could be a sign of something far worse such as a bulging disc or a severe back injury to the spinal canal.
The best thing that you can do in the event of an accident is to have the collision documented by local law enforcement and immediately seek medical attention. Once you have proper documentation of the event and of your back injury, you should then seek legal advice with our legal team.
Steps to Take for a Herniated Disc from a Car Accident
If you’re experiencing severe or acute back pain after a car accident, the following steps will prove to be your best strategy:
- Get a medical exam immediately using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Get checked for lumbar disc herniation
- Get checked for cervical disc herniation
- Ensure that the entire spinal column is examined
- Ensure the exam is properly documented and entered into your medical records
- Get an estimate for future medical bills
Time is of the essence after a car accident when it comes to serious back injuries. And the faster you seek medical attention, the easier it will be to seek legal advice, file a personal injury claim and receive compensation to pay for your medical bills.
How to File a Claim After a Car Accident for a Herniated Disc
If you’re experiencing severe pain from a car crash that has resulted in disc injury, bulging or herniated discs, insurance companies may be attempting to stonewall your claim or withhold funds. If this is the case, then contacting a car accident lawyer to receive a free consultation is going to be your first step.
After your initial consultation, you’ll be advised of your attorney-client relationship. And you’ll likely be informed that any information you share will be confidential during the process of recovering from your car accident injuries. The next step is for your attorney to file a claim with the court.
A free consultation is the time where you should share all of your documented information that was compiled after your spinal cord injury. And the faster you’re able to get this process underway, the faster you’ll be able to receive compensation.
A Few Things to Note About Herniated Disc Injuries
Most herniated disc injuries are usually quite noticeable after a car accident. But some might be subtle. Basically, you might experience minor back pain in some cases if your car crash wasn’t severe. However, it’s good to note that these injuries can become worse over time if left untreated.
When it comes to most lumbar disc bulges and disc herniation injuries, spinal surgery of some form is often necessary, and this can even include spinal fusion surgery. Another thing to remember is that herniated disc cases can be difficult to prove without medical documentation. And this is why time is of the essence.
No matter the nature of a damaged disc, you’re sure to experience nerve pain and even severe neck pain after car crashes. And this is why a thorough physical examination and pain management therapy is highly recommended.
The sooner you receive medical care for your spinal injuries the sooner you’ll be able to recover. And remember, even a minor fender-bender can cause a herniated disc. So ensure that you have a thorough examination as soon as possible after your accident.
Being Aware of Your Rights for Herniated Discs after an Accident
Bulging or herniated discs are not the type of injuries that you want to walk around with. So if you’re dealing with insurance companies that are unwilling to pay, or keep holding your claim without paying, seeking compensation through filing a lawsuit might be your only option.
We all have the right to receive adequate compensation when we are injured in an automobile accident. And any spinal cord injury should be treated with the utmost importance. But unfortunately, many automobile insurance companies try to avoid paying for as long as possible.
As mentioned, your best defense after a serious accident when you have a herniated disc or other back injuries is to seek medical treatment immediately. And you have to ensure that the entire process is being properly documented so that you’ll have all the proof you need when you finally go to court to receive compensation for your injuries.
Knowing your rights to fair compensation is the key to getting through the process as quickly as possible no matter the level of pain you may be dealing with resulting from your spinal injury. Mitch Grissim & Associates is your trusted law firm to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today at 615.255.9999.
