Neck and Back Injuries Caused By a Car Wreck in San Antonio

San Antonio is a busy thoroughfare for motorists, with more than 2 million registered vehicles logging over 54 million miles daily in the San Antonio District. More cars on the roads mean more accidents and, tragically, more injuries. Neck and back injuries are often consequences of motor vehicle crashes, leaving victims with chronic pain and limited function.

Over 40,000 motor vehicle crashes with more than 600 serious injuries occurred in San Antonio in 2023. Accident victims with neck and back injuries may face costly medical treatment, surgery, and physical therapy. The top Texas law firm at Carabin Shaw helps these victims pursue necessary compensation to pay for medical care and other expenses. Numerous reviews attest to our ability to get justice for our clients, so contact a San Antonio car accident lawyer today at 800-862-1260 for a free case review.

Car crashes often put substantial pressure on the back and neck, and the faster the vehicles move when they collide, the greater the force. The impact causes your head and neck to rush forward and back, often causing damage to the spine. Victims thrown from the vehicle may injure their spine when they hit the ground or an object.

The lower back is especially vulnerable to injury in a car crash, where sprains, fractures, and spinal cord injuries can occur. Pain often radiates from the lower back, down the legs, and to the toes.

The middle of the spine connects to your chest and ribs. When injuries occur in this area, they can lead to intense pain, numbness, and tingling. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, victims may also experience bowel or bladder dysfunction.

Facet joints sit between some of your vertebrae and allow you to bend or twist. Facet joint damage can cause muscle tightening or spasming, tenderness, or radiating pain. If untreated, these injuries can progress to spinal degeneration and debility.

The discs between your vertebrae cushion and protect your spine. Herniated discs can occur anywhere on the spine and are one of the top causes of middle back pain after a car crash. Untreated herniation can develop into other degenerative spinal disorders.

This condition occurs when a stress fracture displaces vertebrae, compressing the spinal cord or nerves. Spondylolisthesis causes severe lower back pain, numbness, and weakness. Severe cases may require surgery.

You may feel symptoms of an injury immediately following your accident, but some symptoms don’t become apparent for hours or even days. A sudden release of adrenaline during a stressful event may mask pain at first. Swelling and inflammation can also take time, with symptoms becoming apparent later.

Lack of immediate symptoms may make you think you don’t need medical care after a car crash. However, not seeking treatment can impact your ability to collect compensation from the responsible party. A personal injury lawyer in San Antonio TX will recommend seeing a doctor following the accident for a full medical evaluation in case symptoms do not develop until later.

Immediate symptoms might include:

• Severe pain in the head, neck, or back
• Tingling or numbness in any area of the body
• Loss of balance or inability to walk
• Inability to move fingers or toes
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Difficulty breathing

Delayed symptoms can occur even days after the accident and may include:

• Headaches
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Muscle weakness
• Pain or pinching in the upper back
• Tingling or numbness in arms or hands
• Decreased vision or hearing

Some car accident victims also develop intense feelings of anxiety or panic in the days following the incident.

A car crash can leave you with pain and uncertainty about your future. An experienced attorney can help. Our team at Carabin Shaw offers our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t pay until you receive your settlement. Our Spanish- and English-speaking professionals are available 24/7 to answer your questions. Contact us toll-free at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• DoT Texas
• PubMed
• DoT Texas