Did You Sustain a Herniated Disc in a Car Accident?

Our Jacksonville injury attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve

Car accidents can cause serious harm to any part of the body, and some of the most common injuries are back and spine injuries like herniated discs. The crash itself may have been over in moments, but you could be dealing with pain, medical expenses, and the disabling effects of your back injury for months or years.

Getting full compensation for a herniated disc in a car accident can be a challenge, but you don’t have to face that challenge alone. Get an experienced Jacksonville car accident attorney who knows how to take on the insurance companies. Contact The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic today.

What is a herniated disc?

The spinal discs are rubbery pads that sit between the vertebrae (the bones that make up your backbone) and act as shock absorbers in the spine. Each disc has a soft, jelly-like center, called the nucleus, within a tougher, rubbery exterior, called the annulus.

A herniated disc occurs when damage to the disc causes the soft center to push through the rubbery exterior casing. This condition is also known as a bulging disc, ruptured disc, prolapsed disc, or “slipped disc” – although the latter term is a misnomer because the disc as a whole does not “slip” out of place.

Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower back (including the L5-S1 segment where the lower back meets the sacrum) or the neck.

How can a car accident cause disc herniation?

Anytime the body is exposed to significant trauma, it can put pressure on the spine. This is particularly common in car accidents because the occupants of a car are in a seated position. During a collision, the back of your seat presses against your upper body, and this pressure can cause one or more discs to rupture.