Lower back pain after a car accident can result from strains, sprains, herniated discs, fractures, or nerve injuries caused by the force of a collision. Pain may begin immediately or become noticeable hours or days after a crash in Fort Worth, Texas. New, persistent, or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a health care provider.

The lower back is a common site of back injuries. Sudden jolts from car accidents can cause strains, sprains, herniated discs, and fractured vertebrae.

What Causes Lower Back Pain After a Car Accident?

Lower back pain after a crash often develops when the collision suddenly stretches, compresses, or twists structures in the lumbar spine. Even when a vehicle stops abruptly, the body can continue moving, placing stress on muscles, ligaments, discs, bones, and nerves.

Common injuries associated with post-accident back pain include:

  • Muscle strains and ligament sprains
  • Herniated or bulging discs
  • Vertebral fractures
  • Muscle spasms
  • Irritated or compressed nerves
  • Spinal cord injuries

A herniated disc can place pressure on spinal nerves, which may cause pain, numbness, or weakness. The force and direction of the collision, a person’s position in the vehicle, and preexisting conditions can affect the type and severity of the injury.

What Symptoms Can Occur with Lower Back Pain?

Lower back injuries can cause pain, stiffness, reduced movement, and neurological symptoms if a nerve is involved. Symptoms can remain in the lumbar region or extend into the hips, buttocks, or legs.

A person may experience aching or sharp pain, muscle spasms, limited range of motion, tingling, numbness, weakness, or difficulty standing and walking comfortably. Significant weakness, loss of sensation, difficulty walking, or changes in bowel or bladder control can indicate a serious condition and warrant prompt medical attention.

How Is Lower Back Pain After a Fort Worth Car Accident Diagnosed?

A health care provider can evaluate lower back pain by reviewing the crash, symptoms, medical history, and findings from a physical examination. The examination may assess tenderness, strength, sensation, reflexes, and range of motion.

Depending on the symptoms, a provider may also recommend diagnostic imaging or other testing to look for fractures, disc injuries, or nerve involvement. Keeping records of when symptoms began, how they changed, medical appointments, treatment recommendations, and activities missed because of the injury can help document the course of recovery.

Can I Recover Compensation for Lower Back Pain After a Texas Car Accident?

A person injured by another party’s negligence in a Texas car accident can pursue compensation for accident-related losses, subject to the facts of the case and Texas law.

Texas follows a proportionate-responsibility rule. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001, a claimant cannot recover damages if their share of responsibility is greater than 50%. A person’s recovery can also be reduced to account for their percentage of responsibility.

Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers handles car accident claims in Fort Worth and throughout Texas. Founding attorney Rich Hyde graduated from the University of Texas School of Law and has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 Civil Litigator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Back Pain Start Days After a Car Accident?

Yes. Back pain may appear immediately or become noticeable later as soreness, inflammation, or other symptoms develop after a crash.

Should I See a Doctor for Lower Back Pain After a Crash?

Persistent, severe, or worsening back pain should be evaluated by a health care professional. Numbness, weakness, difficulty walking, or changes in bowel or bladder function may require prompt medical attention.

What Compensation Can I Seek for a Back Injury in Texas?

Depending on the case, compensation can include medical costs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, rehabilitation expenses, and other documented losses.

How Long Do I Have to Sue After a Texas Car Accident?

Texas generally gives an injured person two years to file a personal injury lawsuit under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. However, exceptions may change the deadline. 

Contact the Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyers at Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today

For more information, contact Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth car accident lawyer in Fort Worth, TX, today.

We are proud to serve clients throughout Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the surrounding communities in Texas.

Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
4528 W Vickery Blvd #202, Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 400-5000
Available 24/7

Ride there with Uber

Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers – Coppell
202 W Sandy Lake Rd ste 105, Coppell, TX 75019
(817) 400-5000
Available 24/7