A herniated disc is just one of the many different injuries that victims report after car accidents, but in a high-speed collision, there is no rhyme or reason why people suffer the injuries they do.
In the same car accident, two passengers in the same vehicle may report complete opposite symptoms: one may walk away with an exciting memory while the other is stuck in physical therapy and repeat surgeries for years to come. Two people with herniated discs will have completely different experiences, which is one reason why it is so difficult for doctors to decide how to treat pain — and why insurers fight to minimize damages that a victim claims after a crash.
This is why it’s so important to work with a car accident attorney who understands that there is no “one size fits all” approach to car accident claims. Your lawyer will take the time to understand your individual case and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact Mountain States Injury Law To Discuss Your Car Accident Injuries Today
If you have suffered from a herniated disc — or any other injury, for that matter — in a car accident that someone else caused, Mountain States Injury Law is here to help.
Read more below to learn about herniated discs and how they may be handled in an accident claim, and contact us right away to request a free consultation. The consultation comes with no obligation, and you can get answers to your questions about your unique situation that can help you look to the future with confidence.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
To begin, what is a disc? The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae, and between these vertebrae are cushions called discs. These discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing the spine to move freely.
Each disc has a tough outer layer and a softer inner layer. If the inner layer tears through the outer layer, the disc is said to be herniated. When this happens, the inner layer can push against — and sometimes even compress — the spinal cord or nerves that run through the spine.
Discs can herniate for all sorts of reasons, but in car accidents, it is usually because of the force of impact. The sudden jolt can cause the discs to tear or rupture. When a disc is bulging or herniated, it can cause the nerves in the spine to go haywire and send intense pain signals throughout the body.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
The symptoms of a herniated disc depend on where the disc is located in the spine and how severely it is injured. The most common symptom is pain, but other symptoms may include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Only a trained medical professional can diagnose a herniated disc, and it is crucial to catch the injury early so you can start treatment as soon as possible.
Treating a Herniated Disc
The good news is that most herniated discs will heal on their own given enough time — usually four to six weeks. During this time, you will need to rest and give your body a chance to recover. This may mean taking some time off work or cutting back on your hours.
You will also likely need to see a doctor or physical therapist to help you manage the pain and other symptoms. They may recommend exercises, stretches, or other treatments to help you heal. In some cases, they may also prescribe medication.
For severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the herniated disc or to fuse the vertebrae together. This is usually only recommended if other treatments have failed and the pain is debilitating. The risk of developing a severe herniation increases the longer a victim puts off a visit to the doctor, and working through the pain will only exacerbate the situation. Not only is this a bad idea for your personal health, but it also allows the insurance company to argue that the injury was not caused by the accident.
If you have been in a car accident and are experiencing pain, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Once you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc or any other injury, you should contact an experienced attorney to discuss your case.
Seeking Compensation For a Herniated Disc After a Car Accident
If you have been injured in a car accident that another driver caused, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The first step is to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Working with a car accident attorney from the start will send a clear signal to the insurer that you mean business. When victims initiate claims on their own, the adjuster assigned to the case may resort to sneaky or aggressive tactics to minimize costs, such as misconstruing simple statements like “I’m fine” to mean that there were no injuries.
An experienced attorney will know how to deal with these tactics and will fight to get you the full and fair compensation you deserve. If the insurance company refuses to give you a fair settlement, your lawyer can take your case to court.
During the entire claims process, while your lawyer builds your case and works on getting you the money you deserve, you can stay focused on your recovery without stressing about the future. Another way that insurance companies reach low settlements is by leveraging a victim’s financial discomfort as their medical bills mount, their wages drop, and their overall quality of life suffers.
Once you accept a settlement, you waive your rights to any future legal action regardless of whether or not new information arises or if you realize that your compensation will not cover the entirety of your damages. You do not deserve to take on the financial burden of someone else’s dangerous or reckless driving, and Mountain States Injury Law is here to help.
Request Your Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of getting the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Request your free consultation from our website, or call to speak with someone immediately. The sooner we work together, the sooner you can focus on healing while we fight to get you the money you deserve.
Dale G. Casares
Colorado, Idaho, and Montana
Personal Injury Attorney
