Having Delayed Back Pain After a Car Accident
The fear and agitation of a car accident can lead to an adrenaline rush that can mask pain and other symptoms of a back injury. If you or a loved one is having delayed back pain after a car accident, consider consulting a local law firm.
Many will review your case for free and explain the steps they can take to develop the strongest possible claim for you.
The lawyers will build every part of your case. In doing so, they can consult medical experts to create a clear link between your accident and your delayed pain.
They may also collect your medical records and bills to prove the value of this portion of your compensation demand.
How Long Can It Take to Notice Back Pain?
Back pain is often one of the symptoms that indicate a serious back injury. To get the best medical care, you should seek prompt medical attention to get a definitive diagnosis. Degrees of back pain after a car accident can include:
- Minor
- Severe
- Radiating
- Localized
To understand your injury and choose an appropriate treatment plan, your healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs. They will also assess all the injuries you sustained in the accident to identify the underlying cause of your back pain.
Back pain in your spine may be caused by back muscle sprain or strain. Even a seemingly minor car accident can leave you with serious back injuries. Get the medical help you need and stick with your plan until you reach maximum medical improvement.
Otherwise, you might risk further injury and set back your recovery. This could even make the insurance company less inclined to pay your claim in full.
How Long Can Car Accident Back Pain Last?
Back pain can last varying lengths of time, depending on several factors. If your pain is injury-specific, it may go away when the injury heals. Back pain that responds well to treatment may end as the treatment becomes effective.
Sometimes, though, back pain can last weeks or months or become chronic and plague you throughout your lifetime.
The best way to understand your pain and prognosis is to seek ongoing healthcare. Don’t worry about the costs, though. A car accident lawyer can hold the at-fault party responsible for the medical bills you accumulated throughout your recovery period.
This way, you can get the medical attention you need and deserve without experiencing financial hardship due to someone else’s negligence.
How do I Prove the Accident Caused My Back Injury If the Pain Was Delayed?
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, apparent injuries and the points of impact on your vehicle will be documented in your police report. Your lawyer can obtain your police report along with the following evidence:
- First responder reports
- Accident scene photos
- Accident reconstruction
- Injury photos
- Witness statements
- Medical expert testimony
You can include other evidence, such as proof of income and vehicle repair or replacement costs, to clarify the value of your compensation request.
You Can Recover Compensation for Delayed Back Pain
According to Cleveland Clinic, treating back pain can comprise massage therapy, surgery, traction, physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain medication, and muscle relaxants. If you hire a lawyer, they can demand compensation for these treatments and all medical and rehabilitative care required to treat your back pain.
In addition to medical bills, you can recover:
- Lost income
- Future loss of earning potential
- Vehicle repair or replacement expenses
- Disability and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
I Want to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer—How Much Will It Cost?
Personal injury law firms typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they will accept your case at no out-of-pocket costs to you. Their team will:
- Review your case at no cost or obligation
- Explain the strengths of your case
- Negotiate a favorable monetary settlement
- Cover all investigative and other costs of your case
Hiring a car accident lawyer is usually risk-free since they will not accept or expect compensation until they recover it for you. If your case does not result in a financial settlement, you will not owe the law firm any legal or attorney’s fees at all.
Can I Wait to File My Lawsuit Until My Back Symptoms Start?
The answer to this question could depend on whether your symptoms start a day or two after the accident or months later. In either case, you could review your case with a local car accident attorney as soon as possible since medical bills are only a portion of your potential recoverable damages.
The sooner you get a lawyer involved in your case, the more time they have to comply with the statute of limitations in your state. According to CC Art. 3492, Louisiana generally enforces a two-year deadline. If you miss or misinterpret it, you could inadvertently relinquish your right to file your lawsuit and recover damages.
However, your lawyer can help you avoid these costly consequences. They will clarify the relevant filing deadline and any factors that may toll (or pause) the deadline, as well as strive to meet the deadline in case an acceptable settlement agreement is not forthcoming.
Get Your Free Car Accident Case Review With Our Firm Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, our client-focused law firm will help you recover appropriate compensation from the liable party—even if your back pain is delayed after the fact.
Contact Laborde Earles today for your free case review. We take personal injury cases on contingency, so we only receive a payment if you do.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a minor back injury or severe spinal cord damage, our spinal cord injury lawyers serving Alexandria can fight for the justice and financial remedies you need to move forward.
