Best Colorado Springs Car Accident Law Firm

One of the most common types of collisions in Colorado is a rear-end accident. It occurs when one car collides with the back of another, usually due to following too closely or failing to pay attention.

Due to the backward and forward motion of the car in a rear-end collision, victims typically suffer back and neck injuries. Find out what steps you may take to safeguard your rights if you’re suffering from back discomfort as a result of a rear-end car collision.

CONTACT THE POLICE

Even if the damage is small, call the authorities following a rear-end accident. For insurance purposes, it is critical to acquire a police record. If you have back pain straight away, inform the officer that you believe you have been hurt and will be seeing a doctor right away.

However, keep in mind that many back injuries have delayed or disguised symptoms, particularly if the stress from the car accident is suppressing pain. This is why, until you see a doctor, it’s best to respond to concerns about your injuries with “I don’t know.”

ARRANGE A MEDICAL EXAMINATION

For a medical evaluation of your back issue, go to a hospital in Colorado Springs right away. Spinal cord injuries can be dangerous and even permanently disable you. Immediate medical attention can help you diagnose your injuries and develop a treatment plan to aid in your recovery.

Even a minor back injury like a disc herniation or a muscle sprain can be extremely painful and incapacitating. Seeking medical treatment as soon as possible helps you recover fast.

Seeing a doctor also demonstrates to an insurance company that your injuries are serious and are related to the rear-end collision. On the other side, if you wait too long to seek medical aid, the insurance company may argue that you made your back injury worse by failing to get treatment.

Many people do not seek medical assistance. They initially believe they are fine, but a few days after the accident, they begin to experience discomfort. They have no idea how back injuries can live in the shadows. Many back injuries take time to reveal themselves. Back pain may take a day or more to emerge.

Don’t assume that the discomfort you’re experiencing a day or two following an accident has nothing to do with the accident. If you were in a car accident, the great force of the collision is

 

likely to have caused complications. Even if you aren’t experiencing any discomfort, you should seek medical attention.

If you have been in an accident, make sure you seek a medical checkup within 72 hours of the accident. This will allow medical professionals to assess your health and offer proof for a back injury claim. Doctors and other medical experts will track any future pain that may arise as a result of the test.

MRI scans, CT scans, x-rays, nerve investigations, and other diagnostic procedures may be ordered by doctors. These examinations are crucial because they may uncover damaged areas in your back.

You can begin treatment as soon as you have been screened. Your back injury’s medical diagnosis will serve as the foundation for your car accident claim. After an accident, protect your health and your claim by getting an assessment as soon as possible.

UNDERSTAND HOW TO DEAL WITH INSURANCE CLAIMS ADJUSTERS

After a rear-end accident, if you are diagnosed with a back, neck, or spinal cord injury, make a car insurance claim to recover monetary reimbursement for your medical fees and other damages.

The fault-based insurance statute in Colorado compels you to submit a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This is usually the rear driver responsible for paying attention, maintaining a safe following distance, and applying the brakes to avoid a collision. However, each case is distinct.

Make an initial report of your accident to the other driver’s insurance company. The insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to assess your case. You should be cautious about what you say to the adjuster because they are not on your side.

The goal of a claims adjuster is to save the insurance company money as much as possible. Do not accept fault and keep your replies as brief as possible while addressing your car accident.

Do not sign anything the insurance company offers you until you have spoken with a car accident lawyer in Colorado Springs. For example, signing a medical authorization release form could give the insurance company access to your whole medical history rather than just the information relating to your back issue.

That could allow the insurance company to avoid liability by claiming a pre-existing injury as a defense. Accepting a quick settlement is another blunder, as it may not adequately compensate you for your back problem. Consult an attorney before agreeing to a settlement with your insurance company for back pain.

AFTER A REAR-END COLLISION, HOW LONG DOES BACK PAIN LAST?

 

Pain in the back can continue for months, years, or even a lifetime. It depends on the nature and degree of the damage. It also depends on the age, health, and position of the person in the accident. While there is no exact formula for predicting how long your pain will continue, some typical forms of back injuries are caused by rear-end accidents.

The length of time that symptoms last depend on the individual, the severity of the back injury, and the type of back injury sustained after being rear-ended. Whiplash, for example, is a very common neck and upper back injury.

Whiplash symptoms following a rear-end collision might last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Whiplash symptoms can continue for years in the most severe cases.

On the other hand, muscle strains are a common source of back pain after being rear-ended in an accident. Your muscles will contract to resist the force of impact, producing tension or ripping. Muscle strain symptoms might last anywhere from days to weeks.

A rear-end accident might result in more serious cases of displaced or broken spinal vertebrae. These situations will almost probably necessitate specialized therapy, and recovery can take months to years.

Check out below a few common injuries:

MUSCLE STRAIN

Muscle strain is one of the most prevalent injuries. A car collision can do significant damage to your body. Even a low-speed impact can cause significant damage to your back and spine. Your body will react before you have time to consider when you feel yourself being thrown by accident.

By contracting muscles, it will try to protect itself and maintain its position. The problem is that resisting the energy of the hit might cause these muscles to be strained or ripped. Acute back discomfort might develop, which can continue for days or weeks.

WHIPLASH

In rear-end collisions, whiplash is a common injury. After an accident, the head swings backward, then forwards, causing whiplash. Neck flexion beyond its usual range of motion can lead to muscle strain, spinal disc damage, migraines, and other back and neck issues.

The majority of people experience symptoms of whiplash for six to eight weeks, but for some, the discomfort might persist for years.

DISC HERNIATION

 

The compression of nerves caused by a bulging or ruptured disc might hinder your spine from moving correctly. Physical therapy and pain medication are two treatments that can help control the symptoms.

Repairing the disc and reducing the pressure on the pinched nerve may require surgery in rare circumstances.

DISPLACED AND CRACKED SPINAL VERTEBRAE

Spinal vertebrae may fracture or be moved out of their natural place when your body is subjected to the forces of a car accident. Spondylolisthesis is the medical term for this condition.

Pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking may be caused by the displaced spine. These types of injuries may necessitate specialist treatment or therapy, and the pain can continue anywhere from a few months to years.

4 WAYS TO DEAL WITH BACK PAIN FOLLOWING A CAR ACCIDENT

After an accident, there are different things you must consider while treating your back pain or whiplash.

After your doctor has given you the green light, use these pain-relieving techniques to help you recover from a car accident.

ICE, HEAT, AND REST

Rest is essential for your back issue to heal. Prevent yourself from spending the entire day sitting at a desk or walking around.

When it comes to back pain, the usage of ice and heat can be extremely beneficial. Some people love ice, while others prefer heat; you’ll have to experiment to see which works best for you.

Ice packs administered to the damaged area for 15 minutes after the accident will assist in minimizing swelling. Applying heat to the region for a few days will only worsen the swelling and bruising.

On the other hand, heat can relax tense muscles that constrict as you try to manage your discomfort. Naturally, you will avoid moving the afflicted area, resulting in stiff and inflexible muscles. A hot water bottle can aid in improving blood flow and reducing stress, hence reducing pain.

ANALGESICS

 

Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain relievers can help to lessen inflammation. However, if you continually need painkillers after a week of accident, consult your physician as soon as possible.

You may be prescribed stronger prescription medicines after your back problem has been properly assessed.

If you are given prescription-strength painkillers, you should be aware that you may not drive while taking such medications.

LIGHT EXERCISE

Even though you may not want to move after an accident, light exercise can help ease back pain and stiffness.

Walking around the block a few times a day, for example, will help you maintain muscle strength and enhance blood flow to knotted and strained muscles in the affected area.

Muscle strength is vital, especially around back injuries, because strong muscles support your spine and help you avoid long-term back pain.

MASSAGE THERAPY

A massage therapist will demonstrate easy exercises that you can do at home daily. It is possible to preserve flexibility while strengthening your muscles to support the injured area by performing these stretches and exercises.

Manual therapy is a type of therapy that can be used in conjunction with other treatments. This aids in the reduction of tension and the stimulation of blood flow in stiff areas.

If you’ve had a back injury due to an accident, make sure your therapist is aware of it before they begin treating you. They may be able to modify their message and activities to meet your injury.

REAR-END COLLISIONS: THE FACTS

Here is some important information about rear-end collisions that you should be aware of:

Rear-end collisions account for about 29% of all car accidents that result in injury or deaths each year.

Drunk driving (texting, using devices, eating, etc.), poor weather conditions, stalking, and excessive speed are the most common causes of rear-end collisions.

Male drivers aged 25-34 had the highest risk of being engaged in a rear-end accident.

 

Junction sites, such as crossovers or entrance/exit ramps, have the highest risk of a rear-end collision event.

HIRE AN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY TO PROTECT YOURSELF

A personal injury attorney who focuses on rear-end collisions can assist you in understanding and defending your legal rights. Your lawyer can conduct a full investigation into the accident, assist you in gathering proof of your back injury, and fight for the highest possible financial compensation on your behalf.

A lawyer can also guide and help you with the personal aspects of your claim, such as putting you in touch with a back injury specialist in Colorado Springs and addressing any legal inquiries. Get in touch with Warrior Car Accident Lawyers right away if you need more information on what to do if you’re experiencing back discomfort following a rear-end collision.