Car accidents are one of the top causes of spinal cord injuries and other back injuries.
More than 280,000 people in the United States live with the pain and physical limitations of a spinal cord injury.
Fort Smith is the third-largest city in Arkansas and has more traffic than many other nearby cities, making accidents more common.
Car accident-related back injuries vary in their symptoms and severity, but all of them are potentially life-changing.
The spine is one of the most important structures in the human body. Aside from providing support to the body, one of the spine’s primary purposes is to protect the spinal cord.
The spine is comprised of distinct areas, including: The cervical vertebrae of the neck; Thoracic vertebrae at the upper back; and Lumbar vertebrae in the lower back.
Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries. The force of a collision causes the neck to make a snapping motion, which can strain, tear or bruise soft tissue.
Discs are spongy cushions between each vertebra. They can slip out of place, break, rupture, or bulge, an injury which may require physical therapy or surgery.
Types of bone fractures in the back include flexion, extension, rotation, and compression fractures. Many who experience a vertebral fracture will require surgery.
Painful strains and sprains are common after an accident. The soft tissue in the back, like muscles, tendons, and ligaments, can stretch to the point of damage.
Injuries to the spinal cord are the most serious because they can cause complete or partial paralysis.
Car accidents are responsible for about 30 percent of all spine injuries.
Delayed pain and other symptoms are common with back injuries, so the true extent of the damage might not be known immediately.
Arkansas follows a fault system that allows accident victims to be compensated for damages from the negligent party responsible for the accident.
Proving fault in an accident claim involves showing that the other party owed a duty of care and violated it by acting carelessly.
In Arkansas, two types of damages are available: Economic damages are those with an obvious dollar amount attached. Non-economic damages are intended to compensate victims for the emotional and psychological toll.
• Property damage • Medical bills • Future medical expenses • Lost wages • Lost future wages
• Physical disfigurement • Mental anguish • Loss of reputation • Loss of enjoyment of life • Emotional distress
Your Fort Smith auto accident attorney is going to work hard to get you the compensation you are entitled to and ensure the insurance company won’t be able to take advantage of you.