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Herniated Disc Injury from Car Accidents
Car accidents frequently result in back and spine injuries, with herniated discs being among the most common and painful. Herniated discs can severely affect a person’s daily life and ability to work, and they often require long-term treatment or surgery.
How Car Accidents Cause Herniated Discs
The violent forces involved in car accidents place extreme pressure on the spine. Even in low-speed collisions, the sudden impact can twist, compress, or hyperextend the back and neck. These movements can cause one or more spinal discs to rupture or shift out of position. Rear-end and side-impact collisions are especially likely to trigger this type of injury, but herniated discs can occur in nearly any crash. A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer. This displacement can compress nearby nerves, causing pain, weakness, and limited mobility.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
In many cases, symptoms may not appear immediately, leading to delayed treatment. Common symptoms to be aware of include:
- Localized back or neck pain
- Radiating pain in the arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Muscle weakness or difficulty lifting objects
- Loss of coordination or reduced range of motion
The symptoms of a herniated disc depend on the location of the injury and the nerves it affects. For example, a herniated disc in the lower back (lumbar spine) may cause shooting pain down one leg, commonly referred to as sciatica. Whereas, cervical disc injuries can produce sharp pain in the neck and shoulders, often radiating into the arms.
The Potential Long-Term Impact of a Herniated Disc Injury
A herniated disc can affect a person’s ability to work, perform daily tasks, or engage in physical activity. Some individuals experience chronic pain or recurring flare-ups. In severe cases, nerve damage may become permanent, leading to lasting disability.
In addition to physical suffering, victims often face high medical bills, missed work, and emotional distress. These challenges make it essential to fully document the injury and its impact on your life to ensure you recover the compensation you need now and in the future.
Liability Under Pennsylvania Law
In Pennsylvania, drivers must navigate both fault-based and no-fault insurance rules. Regardless of who caused the crash, an injured person will first turn to their own auto insurance provider for medical coverage under Pennsylvania’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. This initial coverage applies even if another driver was clearly at fault. PIP typically covers medical bills and, in some cases, lost wages up to the limits of the policy.
Pennsylvania also allows drivers to choose between limited tort and full tort insurance coverage. If you carry limited tort, you can only sue for pain and suffering if you sustain a “serious injury.” A herniated disc that causes nerve damage, requires surgery, or leads to long-term disability often qualifies. Drivers with full tort coverage retain the right to sue for all damages—including pain and suffering—regardless of how severe the injury is.
How a Philadelphia Herniated Disc Lawyer Can Help After a Herniated Disc Injury
Insurance companies often try to minimize claims involving soft tissue or spinal injuries, arguing that symptoms are minor or pre-existing. An experienced lawyer can push back with strong evidence, including medical records, imaging results, and expert opinions, to establish the full extent of the injury.
A Philly Herniated Disc lawyer can also gather crash reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence to prove liability. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, a lawyer can take the case to court.
Speak to a Philly Herniated Disc Lawyer Today
If a car accident caused a herniated disc injury, you do not have to face the legal process alone. Call (215) 569-0200 or message Rosenbaum & Associates online today to schedule a free consultation with our Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney.