By: Artin NazaryanAugust 8, 2025

Back injuries from car accidents are one of the most common types of injuries car accident victims face. These injuries can range from mild back pain to severe, long-lasting spinal injuries. Depending on the severity of the accident, back injuries can lead to chronic pain, loss of mobility, or even permanent disability.

Nazaryan Law helps victims of car accident injuries get the medical treatment and financial recovery they need to heal and move forward. If you’ve suffered a lumbar injury or spinal fractures, our team of experienced attorneys is here to help you get the maximum compensation for your pain and suffering.

Common Back Injuries in Car Accidents

Back injuries from car accidents can range from mild discomfort to severe, long-lasting pain. The sudden force from a vehicle collision can cause whiplash, spinal injuries, or even fractured vertebrae. The severity of these injuries depends on the type of accident and the force of impact.

Some of the most common back injuries that occur in car crashes are:

Whiplash and Neck Strain

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries resulting from a rear-end collision. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, putting strain on the neck and upper back. This can lead to neck strain, stiffness, headaches, and discomfort in the lumbar region. If left untreated, whiplash can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.

Herniated Discs

A herniated disc happens when one of the rubbery cushions between the bones of your spine (called discs) is pushed out of its normal position. This can press on nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, legs, or arms. A herniated disc in the lumbar spine is common after a high-speed collision, as the force can push the disc out of place, causing significant discomfort and mobility issues.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are some of the most severe injuries in car accidents and can result in permanent paralysis. When the spinal cord is damaged, it can affect your ability to move or feel parts of your body. This type of injury requires immediate medical attention and long-term treatment to manage pain and mobility issues.

In many cases, spinal injuries require pain management and physical therapy to improve the quality of life.

Fractured Vertebrae

A fractured vertebra occurs when one or more of the bones in your spine break due to the force of an accident. These fractures can be extremely painful and may require surgery to stabilize the spine. Depending on the severity of the break, a fractured vertebra can cause severe pain and may limit your ability to move.

Spinal fractures often lead to long-term issues, including chronic pain and possible nerve damage.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries, which affect the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the back, are common in car accidents. These injuries can range from mild strains to more severe sprains and tears. Soft tissue damage often causes pain, swelling, and difficulty moving. Treatment usually includes rest, physical therapy, and pain management.

Although these injuries are less severe than spinal fractures, they can still result in significant pain and long-term discomfort if not properly treated.

Causes of Back Injuries in Car Accidents

Causes of Back Injuries in Car Accidents

Back injuries are often caused by the sudden impact and force from various types of car accidents. Depending on the nature of the accident, the spine can be subjected to stress, resulting in injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, or spinal cord damage.

A few common causes of back injuries from car crashes include:

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are one of the leading causes of back injuries, particularly in whiplash cases. When the vehicle is struck from behind, the force propels the body forward and then quickly jerks it back. This sudden movement can put tremendous stress on the lumbar spine and neck, leading to soft tissue injuries, muscle spasms, and sometimes even spinal fractures.

The upper back, neck, and cervical spine are especially vulnerable in these situations. The whiplash effect may cause pain that is initially mild but can progress to chronic back pain if not treated immediately. Prompt medical treatment and physical therapy are often needed to manage these injuries effectively.

Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions

Side-impact (T-bone) collisions occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another at a right angle. These accidents are particularly dangerous because they often result in severe injuries due to the direct impact on the body, especially in the lumbar and thoracic spine regions. The force of the collision can cause the body to twist violently, leading to spinal injuries, fractured vertebrae, or even spinal cord injuries in some cases.

In these types of accidents, the side of the vehicle offers less protection, which can result in more severe back injuries. Physical therapy and pain management are often necessary to address the long-term effects of these kinds of injuries, which can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.

High-Speed Collisions

High-speed collisions are among the most dangerous types of accidents, often resulting in severe back injuries. When a vehicle crashes at high speeds, the force of the impact can cause the spine to absorb a tremendous amount of stress, leading to spinal fractures, herniated discs, or even spinal cord injuries. The lumbar spine and cervical spine are particularly at risk as the sudden deceleration or change in direction can cause the body to jerk violently, resulting in muscle strain or more serious injuries.

These accidents may require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, long-term physical therapy, and pain management. The intense force involved can also lead to long-term complications, including chronic pain and permanent mobility issues, making immediate medical care essential to avoid further damage and complications.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle flips over, often due to the vehicle’s speed, road conditions, or collision with another vehicle. These accidents are particularly dangerous because they subject the occupants to severe forces that can cause significant back injuries. When the vehicle rolls over, the body is tossed around inside the car, causing intense pressure on the spine, which can result in fractured vertebrae, spinal cord injuries, and lumbar sprains.

The force from the vehicle’s motion, combined with the lack of support from the vehicle's roof and sides, makes these accidents highly likely to cause serious back pain and long-term physical damage. Emergency treatment is often required, and victims may face a lengthy recovery period with ongoing medical care and physical therapy to manage the effects of the injury.

Rollover accidents are often associated with more severe injuries, requiring immediate and long-term care.

Symptoms of Back Injuries After a Car Accident

Symptoms of Back Injuries After a Car Accident

After a car accident, back injuries can show up right away or appear later. Some symptoms happen immediately after the accident, while others can develop over time. It’s important to watch for both types of symptoms and get medical attention, even if you don’t feel hurt right away.

A few common symptoms of back injuries include:

Immediate Symptoms

Immediate symptoms of back injuries can include sharp pain, muscle stiffness, or difficulty moving. You might feel discomfort in your neck, upper back, or lower back right after the accident. Swelling or bruising in the back area is also common. It’s important to get medical treatment right away to prevent the injury from getting worse.

Delayed Symptoms

Delayed symptoms can show up a few hours or days after the accident. You might start feeling chronic pain, numbness, or muscle spasms. In some cases, injuries like herniated discs or spinal injuries don’t show up right away, so it’s important to keep track of any new symptoms and seek medical help if needed.

How to File a Claim for a Back Injury After a Car Accident

Filing a claim after a back injury from a car accident involves proving that the other driver was at fault and documenting your injuries. You will need to show how the accident caused your injury and how it affects your life.

Here are the main steps to take when filing a back injury claim:

Proving Fault

To file a successful car accident claim, you need to prove that the other driver was at fault. This can be done by showing evidence like a police report, witness statements, and pictures of the accident scene. If the other driver was negligent, like running a red light or speeding, that helps your case.

Documenting Your Injuries

It’s important to keep track of your injuries after the accident. Documenting your injuries includes getting a doctor’s report, keeping all your medical bills, and writing down any changes in your condition. This will help show how serious your back injury is and what kind of treatment you need. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be.

Settlement or Trial

After filing your claim, you may be offered a settlement from the insurance company. This is an amount they offer to pay to settle the case quickly. However, it’s important to talk to a lawyer before accepting any offer, as it might be too low. If the settlement isn’t enough, your case may go to trial where a judge will decide how much compensation you should get.

Why You Need a California Car Accident Lawyer for Your Back Injury Case

Why You Need a California Car Accident Lawyer for Your Back Injury Case

If you’ve suffered a back injury in a car accident, it’s crucial to have a California car accident lawyer by your side to help guide you through the process. Car accident injuries can be complex, and insurance companies often try to settle for less than what you truly deserve. A skilled attorney will ensure your rights are protected and help you get the maximum compensation for your medical bills, back pain, and any long-term damage.

A lawyer experienced in back injuries knows how to gather evidence, work with medical professionals, and prove fault. They can also handle negotiations with the insurance company, so you don’t have to deal with the stress. Whether your case requires physical therapy, pain management, or even surgery, an experienced lawyer will make sure you get the financial recovery you need to cover those expenses and more.

In addition, a lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes that could negatively impact your claim, ensuring the best possible outcome.

FAQs

1. What are facet joint injuries and how do they occur in car accidents?
Facet joint injuries happen when the small joints in the spine get damaged during an auto accident, causing pain and stiffness. These injuries can lead to long-term discomfort if not treated properly.

2. What is spinal stenosis and how does it relate to car accidents?

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can lead to pressure on the spine and nerves. It can be worsened by an auto accident or whiplash, causing intense pain and loss of mobility.

3. How do back injuries from car accidents affect the human body?

Back injuries from car accidents can lead to problems with spinal discs, lumbar vertebrae, and cervical vertebrae. Injuries can cause pain after a car accident, neck pain, and even affect bowel or bladder control if the spinal cord is damaged.

4. Why is it important to seek medical treatment after a minor car accident?

Even if the injuries seem mild, such as a mild ache or neck pain, it's important to seek medical attention right away. Untreated back injuries can lead to long-term issues like degenerative spinal disorders and spinal stenosis.

5. How can a physical therapist help with back injuries from car accidents?

A physical therapist helps treat back injuries from car accidents by developing a treatment plan to reduce pain and improve mobility. They can help with exercises to manage pain symptoms, increase strength, and restore proper spine function after injuries like thoracic vertebrae fractures or flexion fractures.

Contact Our California Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today

Contact Our California Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today

If you’ve suffered spine injuries in a motor vehicle collision, it’s essential to seek professional treatment right away. Whether whiplash occurs or more serious spine injuries like thoracic vertebrae fractures take place, pain medication and proper diagnosis are crucial for your recovery. Nazaryan Law offers a free consultation to help you understand your legal rights and ensure you get the maximum compensation for your injury symptoms and medical expenses.

Delaying medical treatment or failing to seek professional treatment could worsen your condition, leading to long-term pain or disability. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will help you with your auto accident claim, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for pain symptoms, medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you recover both physically and financially after your car accident.

Nazaryan Law Car Accident & Injury Lawyers
601 S Brand Blvd, Suite 301, San Fernando, CA 91340
Phone: (818) 900-1888

Artin Nazaryan
Personal Injury Lawyer

Artin has a strong track record of securing substantial compensation for clients in motor vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries, and complex homeowner insurance claims.

Before founding Nazaryan Law, APC, he gained extensive experience at a top personal injury firm, managing high-stakes cases with damages often ranging from six to eight figures, and excelling in law and motion practice. Over 90% of the firm’s business comes from referrals, reflecting the trust and reputation he's built. Nazaryan Law is committed to staying current with legal changes and adapting strategies to provide effective representation and optimal outcomes for clients.
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