How Do I Know if My Back Injury is Serious?

Back injuries are a common result of many automobile accidents. During a collision, the forces in play are powerful indeed, and your back is comparatively not nearly as strong. Injuries to the back’s bones, joints, connective tissue, muscles, and/or nerves can cause pain and severe discomfort.

Most injuries happen in the lower back. Common injuries include:

• Sprains 
• Strains 
• Herniated disks 
• Fractured vertebrae  

The injuries vary in severity depending on the circumstances of the collision and what damage is done.

If you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in an automobile, motorcycle, biking, or truck accident causing back injuries, you’ll need the help of an Allentown personal injury lawyer at Drake, Hileman & Davis. Your back, along with your head, is possibly the most severe injury you can experience and, to make matters worse, back injuries often don’t become symptomatic until days, weeks, or even months after an accident.

What Are the Symptoms of a Serious Back Injury?

If you know your back has been injured, have someone call 911 for medical assistance immediately. Do not move unless you are in danger. Lay still and ask someone to help support your head, neck, and spine, and do not try to twist or bend.

Severe back injuries include fractures (breaks in bones), extensive bruising, and damage to your spinal cord and internal organs.

The following symptoms may indicate a severe back injury:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Paralysis
• Blood in your urine
• Numbness or pins and needles to the arms, legs, hands, or feet
• Difficulty sleeping
• Pain that keeps you from performing basic tasks
• Pain that severely limits movement
• Shooting pain in the arms or legs
• Pain when lifting your arms above your head
• Bumps or lumps not related to swelling
• Red streaks across your back
• Serious pain while walking

Remember that the symptoms of a back injury, even a serious one, may not show up immediately. An Allentown personal injury lawyer at Drake, Hileman & Davis can help you preserve your personal injury claim as symptoms begin to appear, especially if you contact them immediately. Remember that your opportunity to file a claim is limited by the statute of limitations, which is two years from the date of the accident in Pennsylvania. 

Are There Any Other Signs of a Serious Back Injury?

Other signs that you may have a back injury include:

• Pain or tenderness; in other words, sore to touch
• Muscles in spasm on either side of the spine
• Bruising
• Pain that worsens with movement, coughing, sneezing, or laughing
• Stiffness or difficulty moving
• Swelling
• Pain that radiates down one or both legs
• Difficulty standing up straight

Contact an Allentown Personal Injury Lawyer For More Information 

If you have suffered a back injury or any other type of injury resulting from a vehicle accident in Pennsylvania, seek medical care immediately and either document your treatment or, better yet, have a family member or friend document your treatment for you. Your next step is to contact an Allentown personal injury lawyer at Drake, Hileman & Davis. They will help you handle your back injury and maximize your recovery, even if your back injury is serious or results in the death of a loved one.

Contact us for further information and to schedule your free consultation.