Car accidents can result in severe back injuries that can impact your quality of life. However, proving these injuries in court or to insurance companies can be challenging. Understanding how to build a compelling case can make a significant difference in securing the compensation you need.
Learn more on the types of back injuries that commonly result from crashes, why they are typically hard to prove after an accident, how insurance companies in Chattanooga often challenge these claims and how to build a case to support your claim.
At Massey & Associates, P.C., we understand the legal complexities of back injury claims. If you or a loved one has been impacted by a car accident, contact our experienced Chattanooga car accident attorneys and get the help you need from a dedicated legal professional committed to helping you secure maximum compensation.
Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation: (423) 396-0720
Why Back Injuries Are Difficult to Prove After a Car Accident
Back injuries are often difficult to prove after a car accident because of their complex nature and lack of physical symptoms. Unlike broken bones or lacerations, back injuries—such as strains, herniated discs, or soft tissue damage—may not appear on X-rays or other diagnostic tests. Additionally, symptoms like pain or stiffness can be subjective, making it harder to establish a clear link between the injury and the accident.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys often use these factors to challenge the severity or existence of the injury. Without clear, objective evidence, it becomes challenging to convince them—or a jury—that your back injury was caused directly by the crash and not by pre-existing conditions or other factors.
Common Back Injuries from Car Crashes in Chattanooga
Car accidents can cause various back injuries, some of which may not present symptoms immediately. Common types of back injuries resulting from car crashes in Chattanooga include:
- Herniated or Bulging Discs – When the discs between your vertebrae slip out of place, often causing nerve pain.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Damage to the spinal cord that may result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Whiplash – A soft tissue injury that affects the neck and upper back, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Fractured Vertebrae – Broken bones in the spine that can cause severe pain and long-term disability.
- Muscle Strains and Sprains – Injuries to the muscles and ligaments in the back that cause soreness and limited mobility.
Why Chattanooga Insurers Challenge Back Injury Claims
Insurance companies in Chattanooga frequently challenge back injury claims due to the difficulty in evaluating their validity. Unlike visible injuries, such as broken bones, back injuries are often internal and symptoms may not immediately appear. As a result, insurers may argue that the injury was preexisting or not directly caused by the accident.
Insurance companies aim to minimize their financial burden, especially when faced with claims involving potentially severe back injuries. These injuries often require ongoing medical care, such as physical therapy, pain management or surgery, leading to substantial treatment costs. As a result, insurers may be incentivized to dispute the severity of your injury or argue that the injury is unrelated to the accident.
Contact legal assistance today to connect with an experienced attorney who can help you build a strong case and negotiate effectively on your behalf. With skilled legal guidance, you can focus on your recovery while pursuing the compensation you deserve.
How to Protect Your Claim and Prove Your Back Injury
Protecting your claim and proving that the crash caused your back injury requires careful documentation and proactive steps.
Actions to strengthen your case and ensure your injury is properly linked to the accident:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Receiving prompt medical care from a healthcare provider creates an official record of your injury and helps establish the timeline of events. Delayed treatment can make it harder to prove the crash caused your injury.
Keep Detailed Records of Your Symptoms and Treatment
Document all symptoms, treatments and any changes in your condition. Including keeping track of medical appointments, prescribed medications, physical therapy and how the injury affects your daily life.
Preserve Evidence from the Accident Scene
If possible, gather photos, police report, and witness statements that provide evidence of the crash’s impact. This information can help support your claim that the accident caused your injury.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Following your doctor’s treatment plan shows you are taking the necessary steps to recover. Non-compliance can be used against you by insurance companies to argue that your injuries are not as serious as claimed.
Consult an Experienced Chattanooga Injury Attorney
If you have suffered a back injury in a car accident, having an experienced attorney on your side is crucial. Contact a Massey & Associates, P.C. to connect to a lawyer who can help you navigate the complexities of your claim, gather essential evidence and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers have a proven history of securing compensation for clients. You pay nothing unless we get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact our trusted Chattanooga Law Firm Today: (423) 396-0720
Gary Massey, Jr., is a well-known courtroom advocate practicing law in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gary is a native of Tennessee who began practicing law in 1998. He graduated from Cumberland School of Law where he was ranked in the top 3% of his class and was an editor of the Cumberland Law Review.