Even minor car accidents can cause life-changing injuries, including injuries to your spine. Unfortunately, those injuries can leave you with back pain that lingers for a considerable amount of time.
That said, how long is it normal to have back pain after a car accident? The answer varies based on the severity of your losses and other unique conditions.
If you’re struggling with persistent back pain for months after a car accident, it may be time for you to explore means of medical intervention. You can simultaneously work with an experienced Charlotte spinal cord injury lawyer to hold negligent parties responsible for your pain.
Breaking Down Different Kinds of Back Pain After a Car Accident
Did you know that different kinds of pain can plague you after a serious car accident? Not all pain is created equal, and it’s in your best interest to figure out what kind of pain you’re dealing with if you want to streamline your recovery. This pain can stem from spinal injuries, muscle strains, and even conditions like whiplash.
Some of the most common types of back pain to impact car accident survivors include:
- Acute back pain: Acute back pain tends to stem from the initial stress of a car accident. This kind of pain isn’t usually a sign of severe damage but instead may linger in sore muscles. You can usually address acute back pain with generic pain medications like Tylenol.
- Subacute back pain: If your back pain lasts between four and twelve weeks, you’re likely dealing with subacute back pain. This kind of back pain tends to result from intermediate damage, like muscle strains or spinal fractures. If you want to fend off lingering discomfort, you may need longer-term medical care to fully get back on your feet.
- Chronic back pain: If your back pain lasts for more than twelve weeks at a time, you may be a victim of chronic back pain. Chronic back pain tends to indicate a serious or severe issue that may require specialist attention on top of pain management aids or mobility aids.
When Should You Go to the Doctor?
It’s always in your best interest to work with medical professionals immediately after a car accident, even if you feel like you’re not seriously injured.
Unfortunately, certain conditions, including chronic back pain, can take some time to make themselves known. For example, stress and shock can prevent you from accurately processing any injuries you sustained.
If you don’t go to the doctor immediately after an accident, you should still schedule an appointment with your general practitioner within a few weeks of your crash, especially if you’re still in pain. General practitioners can help you figure out why you might still be in pain and what steps you can take to alleviate your less severe aches.
If a general practitioner discovers that you’re contending with slow-developing injuries like whiplash or pinched nerves, they can make a recommendation for you to visit a specialist.
For a free legal consultation, call (877) 333-1000
Can You Demand Compensation for Back Pain Treatments?
You do have the right to demand compensation for any back pain treatments that you need to fully recover from a car accident, especially if you have back pain for longer than normal.
You can work with a spinal cord injury attorney in Charlotte to file a personal injury claim against the people responsible for your collision, so long as you act within your statute of limitations.
N.C. Stat. § 1-52(5) gives you three years and no longer to bring legal action against the people responsible for your losses. If you want compensation for your losses, you need to use that time to:
- Find evidence indicating that negligence caused your accident
- Use that evidence to assign liability for your losses
- Calculate the value of the losses you sustained as a result of someone else’s negligence
You must meet North Carolina’s burden of proof if you want to move your case forward.
When Should You Contact a Charlotte Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?
Even if you’re not sure whether or not you want to file a personal injury claim against a liable party, we recommend that you get in touch with a Charlotte personal injury lawyer. Our team can help you navigate the legal complexities of your recovery, but we’ll never file a claim in your name without your consent.
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Don’t Let Your Prolonged Back Pain Go Unaddressed
You deserve to live a life free of pain after a car accident. If you’re asking yourself whether or not it’s normal to have prolonged back pain after a car accident, it may be time to schedule a follow-up appointment with a general practitioner. If your pain makes it harder for you to move or meet your daily needs, you may need to go to the emergency room.
Fortunately, you can hold the people responsible for your injuries accountable for your care. Our Charlotte spinal cord injury lawyers at DeMayo Law Offices want to help you file insurance and personal injury claims demanding compensation for your losses.
You can book a free case evaluation with our team today to learn more about your legal options.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
