Getting involved in a rear-end collision can be traumatic enough, but the aftermath that follows after being rear-ended makes it a whole lot worse. The experience itself can leave emotional scars, and having to suffer physical pain as a result of the collision makes the recovery time even longer. One of the most common effects of rear-end collisions is back pain.
Due to the release of adrenaline after being rear-ended, back pain may not be that recognizable at first for some people. It could take a few days, or sometimes it could even take a few weeks for the symptoms to show.
Understanding the length of time you feel the symptoms of back pain following a rear-end collision is important to know what kind of treatment is necessary for your recovery and to hold the person accountable to receive compensation for the damages such as medical expenses, lost income and damages.
Understanding Back Pain After Rear-End Collisions
According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most frequent type of car accident is a rear-end collision, which accounts for around 30% of all accidents in the United States.
This kind of crash can cause back injuries such as whiplash. It’s medically defined as a neck injury resulting from a forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck similar to the cracking of a whip, and rear-end collisions are a common cause of it.
Signs and symptoms include the following but are not limited to:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Pain during neck movement
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
There are several factors that may influence the duration of back pain, such as the severity of the impact, pre-existing conditions, as well as individual health factors.
Severity of impact
The force of impact experienced during a rear-end accident can severely affect the duration of discomfort due to back pain. For example, when a rear-end accident occurs at high speed, there is a great force of impact that could lead to more severe injuries – requiring a longer amount of time for recovery.
Pre-existing conditions
Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, muscle sprains and strains are more susceptible to experiencing severe back pain after a rear-end collision and take longer to recover compared to those without them.
Age and individual health factors
The age and overall health of the individual involved in a rear-end accident can also affect the severity and duration of back pain. Younger individuals tend to have shorter recovery time, while older individuals may take longer due to disc degeneration.
Immediate Effects of Back Pain
After a rear-end accident, signs and symptoms of back pain may or may not be that visible at first. Some of the immediate symptoms and effects of back pain include stiffness, soreness as well as limited mobility.
Stiffness
Back stiffness is a common symptom that could develop suddenly or gradually after a car accident. The stiffness may be a result of problems with back muscles, and the joints in the spine or it could even be a problem with the spinal cord itself.
Soreness
Rear-end accidents can be really traumatic for individuals, both mentally and physically. Because of the impact of the collision, victims experience pain or, sometimes, no pain at all. Some of the most common reasons for soreness include strains and sprains, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and whiplash.
Limited mobility
Car accidents lead to injuries that can affect an individual’s mobility, strength and range of motion as they recover from the incident. Victims of car accidents may experience limited mobility due to joint injuries and soft tissue injuries. Car accident victims may also be required to have a restricted range of motion during their recovery.
Seeking Medical Attention After A Rear-End Collision
Sometimes, victims of car accidents experience no pain at all due to the rush of adrenaline in their bodies. While you may not feel any type of pain and are able to move freely after being involved in an accident doesn’t mean that there is no underlying condition.
There are certain types of injuries that cannot be easily detected for several hours or even days after an accident, which is why it is crucial not to ignore the symptoms you feel or the absence of pain to ensure your health and safety.
Moreover, getting medical attention is important because acquiring proper care will help doctors determine the severity of your injury and what treatment is necessary for your recovery. Also, your medical records can be an essential document should you choose to make a car accident injury claim.
Short-Term Recovery Period
According to Healthline, the duration of back pain after a rear-end collision typically goes away after a few days or a few weeks. However, the timeframe for short-term recovery may vary depending on the type of injury that is causing the pain.
Most back pains can be treated at home. However, if the pain you are feeling ranges from moderate to severe, prescription medication may be required or sometimes even surgery. Following thFe prescribed treatment plans and rehabilitation is crucial to ensuring proper healing and avoiding any future problems.
Potential Long-Term Effects
While some individuals may experience back pain for only a short amount of time, that’s not the case for everyone. Some car accident victims may experience back pain for a couple of weeks. For others, it may take months or even years – especially if the pain or the injury causing it is left untreated.
Not undergoing proper medical evaluation and treatment for persistent back pain could lead car accident victims to suffer more due to different reasons such as prolonged nerve irritation, spinal stenosis, long-term nerve damage and pain, depression, poor sleep and many more.
Legal Considerations After A Car Collision
If you are suffering from back pain as a result of a rear-end collision caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. You could be entitled to seek compensation for the following:
- Costs of medical treatment and physical rehabilitation
- Medical transportation costs
- Loss of capacity due to the disabilities affecting your ability to do things necessary to your work
- Loss of income due to absences during recovery period
- Property damage
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
If you choose to file a case to receive compensation for trouble and damages, it is imperative to gather evidence supporting your claim. Documents that may help strengthen your case are:
- Medical records
- Treatment expenses
- Photographs of the accident
- Police report
- Witness testimony
Should I Hire An Attorney For My Back Injury?
Back pains are a common effect of rear-end collisions. For some, it could last for only a few days or a few weeks. For others, it could take longer. Seeking proper medical care is important to ensure that the injury causing the pain is being treated so that other future health problems can be avoided.
Whether it’s for a short amount of time or long term, having to suffer from back pain from a collision can have significant effects on an individual’s life. With physical pain followed by mounting medical bills, a potential loss of income and mental and emotional distress, the journey to recovery can be physically and financially draining.
Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. With Crockett Law Group, you will be able to deal with the intricacies of settlements and trials. Our skilled and efficient legal team can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf so you could receive fair compensation, as well as help you build a strong case if you choose to take your case to court.
If you have been involved in a car accident and are unsure of what to do, contact us now at (888) 965-3827 for your inquiries or send us a message through our secure and confidential online form. Our fast and reliable team is available to assist you 24/7.
