Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, but neck and back injuries are among the most common, and potentially life-changing. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we often help clients who suffer from these types of injuries. Here’s what you need to know:

Common Neck Injuries in Car Accidents

Whiplash

  • One of the most common car accident injuries.
  • Caused by a sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck, often from rear-end collisions.
  • Symptoms: neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes memory problems.

Herniated Disc (Cervical)

  • The force of a crash can cause the discs in the neck to bulge or rupture.
  • Symptoms: radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms.

Neck Strains and Sprains

  • Soft tissue injuries from overstretched muscles or ligaments.
  • Symptoms: pain, swelling, reduced range of motion.

Common Back Injuries in Car Accidents

Herniated Disc (Lumbar or Thoracic)

  • A disc in the lower or middle back can herniate from the force of a crash.
  • Symptoms: lower back pain, sciatica, leg weakness, or numbness.

Fractured Vertebrae

  • Severe accidents can cause spinal fractures.
  • Symptoms: severe pain, potential nerve damage, and possible paralysis.

Soft Tissue Injuries

  • Strains or sprains in the lower back muscles and ligaments.
  • Symptoms: stiffness, muscle spasms, and limited mobility.

Common Surgeries for Neck and Back Injuries

Discectomy or Microdiscectomy

  • Removal of part or all of a herniated disc to relieve nerve compression.
  • Often performed on the lower back (lumbar) but also done on the neck (cervical).

Spinal Fusion

  • Stabilizes the spine by fusing two or more vertebrae together.
  • Used for severe fractures, instability, or chronic pain.

Laminectomy

  • Removal of part of the vertebral bone (lamina) to relieve pressure on nerves.
  • Often used for spinal stenosis or disc herniation.

Artificial Disc Replacement

  • A newer option that replaces a damaged disc with an artificial one.
  • Helps maintain mobility compared to fusion.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney

Neck and back injuries often require extensive medical care, and sometimes surgery. Insurance companies may try to downplay these injuries or offer lowball settlements that don’t cover your long-term needs. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we:

  • Work with medical experts to fully document your injury and future care needs.
  • Fight to ensure you’re compensated not just for medical bills, but also for pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
  • Have over 30 years of experience helping injured clients get the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered a neck or back injury in a car accident, contact Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you every step of the way.