A back injury after a car accident can turn your world upside down. Suddenly you might find it hard to work, drive, or even enjoy your usual hobbies. Back injuries are among the most common consequences of road traffic collisions, and they can affect every part of your daily life. Therefore, we’ve written this guide about making a back injury claim after a car accident.
As a law firm who specialise in road traffic accident claims (amongst other things), we’ve had plenty of experience helping injured motorists claim for back injuries. If your claim is suitable, we could help you to seek the compensation you deserve.
For free advice on how to start a claim, please call the number above today. Alternatively, you can ask us to call you back by completing our Contact Us page.
Can I Claim Compensation For A Back Injury After A Car Accident?
You may be able to claim compensation for a back injury after a car accident if:
- The party you’re claiming against owed you a duty of care; and
- That party caused an accident because they failed to uphold that duty; and
- As a consequence, you sustained a back injury.
Claims made for incidents after 31 May 2021 may be subject to updates under the Whiplash Reform Programme, which sets statutory amounts for certain soft tissue injuries with symptoms lasting up to 2 years. Other injuries and higher-value claims proceed in the normal manner.
The best way to check if you’re entitled to claim for a back injury after a car accident is to call our team. If your case is valid, we’ll advise you about the best way to proceed. We could also connect you with a No Win No Fee solicitor from our team to start the ball rolling.
Car Accidents That Can Lead To Back Injuries
Many road collisions cause trauma to the back due to the sudden force and impact involved. Rear-end shunts, side impacts, and high-speed crashes frequently result in injuries to muscles, ligaments, and the spinal column.
Common Back Injuries Claimed For
Some of the most common back injuries sustained in car accidents include:
- Whiplash Injuries
Common in rear-end collisions, whiplash affects the neck and upper back, causing pain, stiffness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Severe cases may need physiotherapy. - Sprains, Strains, and Soft Tissue Damage
These injuries occur when the body is jarred, affecting tendons, muscles, or ligaments, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. - Slipped or Herniated Discs
Caused by sudden spinal loads, this injury results in localized pain, numbness, or weakness and may require diagnostic scans. - Fractures and Spinal Cord Injury
High-impact accidents can fracture vertebrae or damage the spinal cord, potentially causing paralysis or permanent loss of function. - Nerve Damage and Paralysis
Compression or trauma to nerves can cause numbness, tingling, or movement loss, with severe cases leading to lasting paralysis. - Bruised Coccyx and Lower Back Contusions
Impact can bruise the coccyx or lower back soft tissue, resulting in swelling, severe pain, and difficulty sitting or walking.
To find out whether a solicitor can help you claim compensation for car accident back injury, please call today.
What To Do Following A Car Accident
Acting quickly after a car accident helps protect your back injury claim. Securing your entitlement may depend on these steps.
- Check for Injuries
Assess for back injuries right after the collision. Seek emergency care for severe pain, numbness, or difficulty moving. - Call the Police
Report the accident if there are injuries or significant damage. Request a reference number and a copy of the report. - Gather Medical Evidence
Visit a hospital or contact your GP, even if symptoms develop later. Medical records and X-rays link the accident to your injury. - Exchange Details
Share insurance, vehicle, and contact information with all parties. Note any admissions of fault. - Collect Supporting Evidence
Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries. Gather witness statements and contact details. - Record Financial Losses
Document lost earnings, medical bills, and related expenses. Keep all receipts and payslips. - Notify Your Insurer
Inform your insurer about the accident promptly and confirm receipt of your notification. - Avoid Admitting Liability
Do not make statements suggesting fault at the scene or in discussions with insurers. - Seek Legal Guidance
Consult a legal expert on back injury claims for early advice on eligibility and case value.
Evidence Needed to Support Your Claim
Gathering strong evidence supports your back injury claim after a car accident. Each type of evidence illustrates either the cause of the accident, the other party’s liability, or the severity and impact of your injury. Insurance companies and legal experts review this documentation carefully to assess your claim.
Types of evidence
- Photographs and videos
- Accident reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- CCTV and dashcam footage
- Insurance and driver details
- Work-related documents
a clear, comprehensive evidence portfolio gives insurers and legal teams the facts required for accurate assessment and supports a successful back injury claim following a car accident.
How Compensation for Back Injury Claims Is Calculated
Compensation for a back injury claim after a car accident uses two main heads of loss: general damages and special damages. Each area addresses different aspects of your suffering and financial impact.
- General Damages: Compensation for non-economic losses such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress resulting from the back injury.
- Special Damages: Compensation for quantifiable financial losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and costs for rehabilitation related to the back injury.
Calculation Process
The total compensation for a back injury claim combines both general and special damages. Legal teams assess medical evidence, financial proof such as payslips or bank statements, and ongoing care needs. Settlement values also consider psychological impacts linked to your injury, such as depression or anxiety, if supported with medical evidence. Comprehensive documentation ensures each loss is considered and accurately valued.
To learn how much compensation you could claim for car accident back injury, please feel free to call our team today.
Time Limits for Making a Back Injury Claim After A Car Accident
The Limitation Act 1980 sets a standard three-year time limit for starting a back injury claim after a car accident. This three-year period begins on the date of the accident or, in some cases, the date a medical professional first confirmed your injury linked to the accident if your symptoms appeared later.
Some exceptions apply to this rule:
- For claimants under 18 at the time of an accident, the time limit is paused. The three-year window starts on their 18th birthday, giving them until their 21st birthday to begin a claim. A parent or responsible adult can act as a litigation friend and make a claim on their behalf at any time before they turn 18.
- For adults lacking mental capacity, the three-year limit remains suspended unless they regain mental capacity. If their capacity returns, the time limit starts from that date. During the suspended period, someone else may start the claim as their litigation friend.
Whether you’re claiming on behalf of yourself or a loved one, please contact our team to check how long you have to take action.
No Win No Fee Claims Benefits Explained
No Win No Fee claims offer you a risk-free way to pursue compensation for your back injury. This arrangement means you won’t have to pay any legal fees unless your case is successful, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the added financial burden. If you win, your solicitor’s fees are typically covered by the compensation awarded, ensuring you receive the full amount you deserve.
Additionally, No Win No Fee agreements provide access to legal representation that you might not otherwise afford. This can significantly increase your chances of a successful claim, as experienced solicitors will handle your case, guiding you through the process and advocating for your rights. Overall, this approach empowers you to seek justice without the fear of financial loss.
Contact Us Today For Free Legal Advice
Navigating a back injury claim after a car accident can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. With the right evidence and legal support you can protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
If you’d like free advice about claiming or have any questions please use the number above to reach out to us. If you’d rather we call you at a convenient time, please complete our Contact Us page today.
Acting quickly and understanding your options will put you in the strongest position to move forward with confidence.
