At Pasquali Law Firm in Oklahoma City, our team understands the full impact of spinal and back injuries. We fight to ensure that injury victims receive the compensation they deserve — not just for today’s medical bills, but for tomorrow’s challenges as well.

What Types of Back Injuries Occur in Car Accidents

Back injuries from car crashes can range from mild to severe. Some common types:

• Soft-tissue injuries: strains, sprains of muscles, ligaments, tendons in the back.

• Disc injuries: herniated or bulging discs in the spinal column.

• Spinal fractures: vertebral compression fractures, breakage of vertebrae.

• Spinal cord injuries: damage to the spinal cord causing partial or total paralysis.

• Nerve injuries: sciatica or other nerve damage when discs or vertebrae compress or irritate nerves.

How Back Injuries Happen in Accidents

Several factors increase risk and severity:

• High speed impacts, head-on collisions, rollovers.

• When the torso is forced forward/backward/side-to-side abruptly (e.g., “T-bone” collisions) or via seatbelt force.

• Lack of proper headrest, improper seat positioning.

• Delayed medical attention, or ignoring early symptoms.

Symptoms to Recognize

Back injuries can manifest in various ways:

• Persistent or sharp pain in the upper, middle, or lower back.

• Pain radiating down into the buttocks, legs (sciatica).

• Numbness, tingling, weakness in legs or feet.

• Loss of range of motion, stiffness.

• Trouble standing up, walking, or performing everyday tasks.

• In serious cases, bladder or bowel control issues, which require immediate medical attention.

Diagnostic & Treatment Path

Proper medical care is essential for both recovery and any legal claim:

1. Medical examination & imaging: X-rays, MRI, CT scans to diagnose disc damage, fractures, spinal cord involvement.
2. Medical documentation: records of visits, notes of symptoms, imaging results, prescribed treatments.
3. Treatment options:
4. Rest, physical therapy, chiropractic care
5. Pain management: medications, nerve blocks
6. Surgery in case of severe structural damage or spinal cord injury
7. Rehabilitation over the long term for major injuries
8. Follow-up & long-term care: For many, recovery is gradual. Ongoing treatment, adjustments in lifestyle may be necessary.

Potential Long-Term Consequences

• Chronic pain, loss of mobility, reduced ability to work.

• Permanent disability in cases of spinal cord injury.

• Mental health effects: depression, anxiety due to physical limitations and lifestyle changes.

• Financial burdens: medical costs, lost wages, ongoing therapies.

Legal Rights & Claims After a Back Injury

If your back injury resulted from someone else’s negligence in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation. Key legal considerations in Oklahoma include:

• Proving fault: that the other party had a duty to drive safely, breached that duty, and that breach caused your injury.

• Meeting the statute of limitations — there’s a deadline by which you must file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can prevent you from recovering damages.

• Types of damages that can be claimed: medical costs (now and future), lost income, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life.

• Oklahoma’s comparative fault rules: if you share partial fault, your compensation may be reduced proportionally, but you may still recover.

Why an Experienced Attorney Helps

• To investigate accident scene, vehicle damage, seatbelt use, witness testimony, and gather all evidence of the cause and extent of injury.

• To document medical treatment fully and ensure all future medical needs are considered.

• To negotiate with insurance companies who may try to undervalue “back injury” claims.

• To help you understand your rights under Oklahoma law and avoid mistakes that might limit your recovery.

How Pasquali Law Firm Can Support You

• We are Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyers who are well-versed in handling serious back injury cases, including spinal injuries, disc herniations, and paralysis.

• We also handle special kinds of crashes (e.g. T-bone accidents) which often cause side-impact trauma that severely injures the spine.

• We offer free consultations where we review your case, help you understand the full scope of damages, and how to pursue maximum compensation.

What You Should Do If You Suspect a Back Injury

1. Seek medical care immediately, even if pain is mild at first.

2. Keep detailed records: dates, times, symptoms, medical treatments, any imaging.

3. Notify your insurance company, but be careful with statements without legal advice.

4. Avoid early settlements until you understand the full extent of your injuries.

5. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer (like Pasquali Law Firm) early to protect your legal rights.