Lumbar (Low Back) Strain Caused by a Car Accident

The sudden jolt felt in a car accident can cause the body to stretch in ways it shouldn’t. This can lead to a variety of injuries, many times affecting the back. One common type of injury that accident victims might experience is a lumbar strain, or low back strain, which occurs when ligaments and muscles in the lower back are damaged.

Impact of a Lumbar Strain

Although most back injuries aren’t life threatening, they can be debilitating. Especially when the muscles and tendons have been severely stretched, twisted or torn. Not only can the injury cause lower back pain and inflammation, but sometimes back spasms as well. This can make moving or standing very difficult.

For some people, it may appear the back is healing but then suddenly the patient may experience sporadic flare-ups. The pain and other accompanying symptoms can last for weeks or even several months. Even minor car accidents can cause back injuries that can significantly diminish quality of life.

Let’s say traffic is busy at the intersection of West 52nd Avenue and Wadsworth Blvd in Arvada. As your proceeds through the green light, you feel a bump from the back. Another vehicle has struck your bumper and although there appears to be nothing more than a small dent and a few scrapes, you are experiencing back pain.

It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible, whether it’s a minor or major collision. Sometimes the extent of injuries isn’t immediately obvious or the symptoms may not manifest immediately. Back pain doesn’t always just go away on its own, so getting the proper treatment is critical.

Receiving Treatment for a Lumbar Strain after a Car Accident

In a mild strain, you might miss a few days of work. The doctor might prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and order you to rest and ice the area. But if it’s a more serious injury, it could cause you to miss several weeks or even more of work.

Additionally, it could become necessary to undergo some type of rehabilitation. Physical therapy may help with improving strength and range of motion. But it’s also possible that ligaments or muscles that have been torn will require surgery. Of course, this would extend the recovery time.

Recovering Compensation if You Suffer Back Injury from a Car Accident

Back injuries can be tricky, in that it may appear things are getting better but then a sudden move can trigger lower back pain again. This is why it’s important to fully understand the extent and severity of your injuries when negotiating with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It’s imperative you consider any ongoing medical care that will be required and the amount of time you have missed – and will miss – from work.

Compensation may be available for:

  • medical bills;
  • lost wages;
  • pain and suffering; or
  • disability.

By consulting with an attorney, you can gain a better understanding of your rights and the options that could be available in a car accident claim. Discuss your case with D.J. Banovitz.

We help accident victims in the Arvada area hold negligent drivers liable and their insurance companies responsible for your damages, so set up a consultation today by calling 303-300-5060 or through our online contact form.

D.J. Banovitz’ career has always concentrated on trial practice and he has litigated hundreds of cases. His passion and sole career focus has been to seek justice for people suffering from personal injuries as the result of someone else’s negligence. The hallmark of the Law Office of D.J. Banovitz, is the total commitment to professionalism, quality, and personalized care of your injury case. D.J. has dedicated his professional life to helping those most in need and is a proud and active member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. His experience includes volunteering for Colorado Rural Legal Services in Montrose, the Colorado Aids Project, consumer law, family law, criminal defense, and Alternative Defense Counsel for juveniles in Denver.