What Are Common Neck and Back Injuries from Car Accidents?

Car accidents happen every day to people across Missouri and Kansas. Often, these accidents end up with the drivers and passengers being injured. Sometimes injuries are minor such as bruises or scrapes, small cuts or a treatable sprain. If you are lucky, those are the only injuries you sustain.

However, too many people in vehicle accidents find themselves suffering severe injuries, with some of the most severe to their back and their neck. Injuries to these areas can cause life changing conditions and bring outrageous hospital bills. If you ever find yourself in a crash that has you suffering from a severe neck or back injury, it is best to contact a Kansas City injury lawyer to get started on your case.

What are the causes of car accidents?

There are a lot of reasons for car accidents, and most of them involve driver negligence. Examples include:

• Driver distraction: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that driver distraction is a leading cause of car accidents. Every day, almost eight people are killed due to distracted drivers. It is critical that drivers have their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road when driving so that they can be ready to respond to any emergencies. With phones, GPS, food and beverages, there is a bevy of distraction available to tempt any driver.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Drunk driving is a leading cause of fatal car accidents. Alcohol affects the driver’s ability to control their vehicle, and their judgment suffers in the process as well. Alcohol, illegal drugs, and legal drugs such as prescription medications are dangerous because they affect one’s ability to control their vehicle.
• Speeding: Speeding is the most common factor in fatal traffic accidents in Missouri, playing a role in 40% of all fatal crashes. Drivers who exceed the posted speed limits should be held accountable for the accidents they cause.
• Traffic violations: Per the CDC, “Types of traffic violations that cause car accidents include running through a stop sign or red light, failing to yield the right of way, improper merging, and driving recklessly.”
• Driver fatigue: Tired drivers are dangerous drivers and must get off the road as quickly as possible. Falling asleep at the wheel can cause cars to veer into other lanes, crashing into oncoming traffic. It can also cause lead to sudden acceleration, if sleeping driver’s foot is pressed against the gas pedal, or sudden deceleration if the driver’s foot moves and the car rolls to a stop. Both scenarios have the potential to cause injury.

What types of injuries are caused by Kansas City car accidents?

The types of injuries you can receive from a car accident are varied and many, but it is important to know the risk you put yourself in when you get behind the wheel of a car, or even if you are a pedestrian around cars. Neck and back injuries are among the most common, and can take a very long time to heal, if they ever fully heal at all. According to Integrity Spine & Orthopedics, some neck and back injuries you might sustain include:

• Whiplash: This injury occurs when, during an accident, your head is whipped forward and back, tearing ligaments and muscles in the process. While some cases of whiplash clear up in a few weeks, some symptoms such as memory loss or headaches can last years and cost you plenty in doctor visits.
• Slipped or herniated disks: Integrity Spine & Orthopedics explains that “During a car accident, the body absorbs a large amount of force and impact. Extreme force can cause the supportive discs in the spine to slip out of place, crack or rupture.” This can lead to significant pain if the slipped disc (also called herniated disc) compresses a nerve in the lumbar or cervical area of the spin. Nerve compression causes back pain, sciatica, weakness and numbness of the leg and foot. It can also cause neck and shoulder pain as well. You could spend thousands of dollars treating this condition and its symptoms.
• Neck fractures: This significant injury causes severe pain. After your accident, it is important that if you think you have a neck fracture, that you do not move without medical assistance. Moving improperly could lead to injuries to your spinal cord and even paralysis.
• Back fractures: During the accident, the force of the crash could cause the vertebrae in your spine to fracture. The most common sort of fracture from car accidents is a compression fracture. These occur when significant pressure is put on the spine, forming small fissures in the bone. More severe fractures require immediate medical attention.
• Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries are nothing to be trifled with. As the most dangerous type of injuries, they can result in nerve damage and paralysis, and need immediate medical attention.

If you think you have suffered a neck or back injury from a car accident, it is important that you get the medical assistance you need. Your health and wellbeing is of utmost importance, but receiving quality care can be expensive. You shouldn’t have to suffer with the pain and stress of the injury as well as having to pay for outrageous hospital bills and doctor visits. That’s why you need an experienced and knowledgeable car accident attorney to make sure you are compensated for your pain and suffering, as well as your financial losses.

Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys will focus on your case while you focus on healing. When you need help, we are here. Call 816-471-5111 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation at our office in Kansas City, MO. We also maintain offices in Lee’s Summit, Parkville, and St. Joseph, MO and in Olathe and Overland Park, KS.