Yes, an annular tear can be caused by a car accident. Car accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, and a sudden trauma can cause annular tear. Annular tears usually occur when impact puts too much pressure on the vertebral discs. An example can be when the metal frame of the car crushes the victim in an accident.
If you were also involved in a car accident and are struggling with back pain, consulting with an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help you know your legal rights. An attorney understands how to pursue compensation for your damages, can protect your compensation rights, and represent your interests in negotiations and court.
Victims who have annular tear injuries after a car crash can pursue compensation for their injuries from either the at-fault party or the insurance company by filing a car accident claim.
What Is An Annular Tear?
An annular tear is a condition where the outermost layer of an intervertebral disc connecting the vertebrae in the spine ruptures. These discs are made up of the annulus, a thick outer layer; and the nucleus, the inner gel-like substance. Intervertebral discs act as a shock absorber for the spine. When the annulus is damaged, the disc’s inner gel-like substance can leak out.
While annular tears can occur in any age group, they are a more common condition in people over 40 years of age. Degeneration, chronic strain, and traumatic injury can cause these injuries. The condition often results in back or neck pain, but can also cause leg pain or numbness.
Different Types of Annular Tears
Generally, there are three types of annular tears: radial, peripheral, and concentric.
- Radial annular tear: A radial annular tear starts in the center of the annulus and moves toward the outer edge of the disc. These tears are often caused by degenerative changes in the spine.
- Peripheral annular tear: This type of tear occurs to the outer fibers of the disc. It is often caused by traumatic injury
- Concentric annular tear: These are injuries that form in a circular pattern on the outer layers of the disc. It is usually caused by an injury.
Symptoms of Annular Tears
Symptoms of an annular tear can be mild or severe depending on the type and location of the tear including:
- Back pain;
- Neck pain;
- Muscle weakness;
- Nerve and sciatic pain;
- Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the limbs;
- Radiating pain.
How Do Annular Tears Happen and What To Do After An Injury?
The annular tear of the lumbar disc can develop in the human body with age as the spinal cord dries out. However, other causes can lead to an annular tear as well. It can be caused by any kind of injury to the spine or sudden movement that puts excessive pressure on the spinal cord.
Repetitive motions like heavy lifting at work, for instance, can eventually cause a rupture. Instantaneous damage, on the other hand, can be caused by traumatic events.
Following a back or neck injury, it is important to seek medical assistance. If your injury was caused by another’s negligence you may also need legal help.
How Do I Prove My Injuries And Get Compensation?
If you were injured in an accident, you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages for your injuries. Economic damages include lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and other rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages may include diminished quality of life, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
The amount of compensation will depend on issues of liability and proving the damages you have suffered. To prove your injuries, you will need to show evidence of the injury and how you’ve been affected.
Having ample relevant evidence to prove your injuries can help win a fair settlement or judgment from the insurance company or courts. Some examples of evidence includes:
- Medical records;
- Diagnostic test results;
- Medical expert testimony;
- An injury journal to document the effects and progress of your situation;
- Medical bills and receipts.
An experienced accident attorney can guide you through the car accident claim process by ensuring you take vital steps to prove your case. They may help you seek compensatory damages.
What Is the Average Settlement Value for An Annular Tear Injury?
Generally, the average settlement value for annular tear injuries is around $50,000. However, the car accident settlement may vary depending on various factors, such as the injury’s severity, the accident case’s complexity, whether the injury is causing long-term care or chronic pain, and the parties involved in the collision.
If you were involved in a car accident and are struggling with back pain, consult an experienced lawyer. We can help you understand your legal rights, evaluate your potential compensation, and represent your interests in negotiations with the insurance companies and in court.
Our compassionate personal injury lawyer is here to help. Contact us today for a free case review and to discuss how to proceed with your annular tear car settlement case.