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A low-speed or low-impact automobile accident may not seem like a big deal. However, in the hours or days after the crash, some victims notice injuries that were not immediately apparent. These often include back injuries.
A back injury can make it difficult for a victim to work or enjoy life as they once did. It’s important to include the injury and resulting damages in an accident claim. Find out how the Syracuse personal injury attorneys of Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC can serve you.
The Complexities of Back Pain
The back and spine consist of many complex and interrelated parts that are easily injured, even in a relatively minor accident. There are muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves surrounding three main regions in the spine:
- Lumbar vertebrae (lower region)
- Thoracic vertebrae (center region)
- Cervical vertebrae (upper region)
Over time, damage to these areas might reveal itself as chronic pain. But this means that an injury may not show up right after the wreck, leading the victim to think that the minor accident has left them relatively unscathed.
By some estimates, well over half of all cases of persistent back pain are due to automobile accidents. Many of these are low-impact or low-speed crashes, because even a slight impact to the back can trigger intense pain and severe medical complications. Sprains, strains, and other injuries are common even in these types of crashes.
Why You Should See a Doctor
If you’ve been involved in any sort of Syracuse car accident, even one that seemed minor, you need to see a doctor. Because back and spinal cord injuries take time to show up, a victim may think they do not need to rest, be treated, or adjust their daily routine in any way. You should always let a doctor examine you, and follow your doctor’s orders.
Failure to see a doctor isn’t just risky for your health; it may complicate your accident claim. If your injuries worsen, but it is revealed you did not see a doctor right away, the at-fault party may try to blame you to avoid or minimize their liability.
Steps You Should Take After a Minor Accident in Syracuse
Regardless of how serious the accident was or not, you can take a few commonsense steps to protect your health and legal rights. We recommend that you do the following:
- Report the accident: Call 911 and report the accident to law enforcement. An officer will come to the scene and document the crash, and you can get a copy of the police report later.
- See a doctor right away: For the reasons stated above, you should see a doctor as soon after the crash as possible. Document the visit and keep all of your medical records going forward.
- Gather evidence about the accident: Take pictures and record videos of the accident scene and get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Make your own notes about the crash as well so you can remember key details.
- Talk to an attorney: Since you may end up with back injuries, you should speak with a knowledgeable Syracuse personal injury lawyer. Your attorney can help you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- Limit what you say: You might not feel injured right after a minor car crash, but do not minimize the severity of your injuries. They could get worse, and a medical professional is in the best position to determine how badly you were hurt.
Possible Damages Related to Your Back Injury
Truly minor accident victims should start by filing an insurance claim since New York is a no-fault insurance state. However, if the victim’s injuries turn out to be more serious or result in over $50,000 of economic losses, they may be able to file a lawsuit. The victim can then seek compensation for such losses as:
- Medical bills, including for any physical therapy, adaptive medical equipment, and reasonably estimated future expenses
- Lost income due to missed time from work
- Lost earning capacity if the back injury makes it harder for the victim to work
- Pain and suffering
Explore Your Legal Options Now
Don’t assume that your back injury is minor or that the at-fault party’s insurer will fairly compensate you. Let an experienced attorney review the facts of your case and discuss your options. Connect today with the Syracuse firm of CDH Law to get started.