Can a Car Accident Cause a Compression Fracture?

Car accidents often result in serious injuries, but one of the most overlooked yet painful conditions is a compression fracture of the spine. This injury occurs when the vertebrae collapse due to a sudden, forceful impact—something that frequently happens in high-speed collisions. If you or a loved one suffered a compression fracture in a New Jersey car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Let’s break down how car accidents cause compression fractures, what steps you should take if you’re injured, and how New Jersey law affects your ability to seek compensation.

What Is a Compression Fracture?

A compression fracture is a break in one or more vertebrae in the spine. It occurs when the bone is compressed beyond its strength limit, often leading to the collapse of the front part of the vertebra while the back remains intact. This creates a wedge-like shape in the spine and can cause significant pain, mobility issues, and even permanent deformity if left untreated.

Symptoms of a Compression Fracture:

• Severe back pain that worsens with movement
• Loss of height due to vertebral collapse
• Limited mobility or difficulty bending and twisting
• Numbness or tingling if nerves are affected
• Difficulty breathing in severe cases

Compression fractures are especially common among older adults with osteoporosis, but they can also affect younger individuals in high-impact car accidents.

How Car Accidents Can Cause Compression Fractures

Car accidents generate extreme forces that can compress and fracture the spine. Common ways these fractures occur include:

• Direct Impact: A rear-end or head-on collision can forcefully compress the spine, causing vertebral damage.
• Seatbelt Trauma: While seatbelts save lives, they can exert significant pressure on the spine during a crash.
• Airbag Deployment: The rapid inflation of an airbag can jolt the upper body, leading to spinal fractures.

Whiplash and sudden deceleration can also play a role in spinal fractures, especially in rollover accidents. In New Jersey, if another driver’s negligence caused your injury, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering.

What Should You Do If You’ve Suffered a Compression Fracture in a Car Accident?

If you suspect a compression fracture after a car accident, seek immediate medical attention. Delaying treatment can worsen the injury and impact your ability to recover compensation.

Steps to Take:

1. Get a Medical Evaluation: A doctor will use X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to confirm the fracture.
2. Follow Treatment Plans: Compression fractures may require bracing, physical therapy, or even surgery.
3. Document Everything: Keep records of medical visits, prescriptions, and how the injury affects your daily life.
4. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Alone: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim. Speak with a lawyer first.
5. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: A legal expert can help you file a claim and maximize your compensation.

New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will handle initial medical costs. However, if your injury is serious, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages.

Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation

Compression fractures can sometimes be mistaken for general back pain or muscle strain, which is why a thorough medical evaluation is crucial. Doctors will diagnose a compression fracture using:

• X-rays: To identify fractures and bone misalignment
• CT scans: To get a more detailed view of the affected vertebrae
• MRI scans: To check for spinal cord or nerve damage

In New Jersey, your PIP coverage will pay for these diagnostic tests, but if your expenses exceed your policy limits, you may need to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Treatment Options for Compression Fractures

The treatment for compression fractures depends on the severity of the injury. Options include:

• Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription medications
• Bracing: A back brace can support the spine as it heals
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the spine for stability
• Surgical Options: In severe cases, procedures like vertebroplasty (bone cement injection) or spinal fusion may be necessary

Healing time for compression fractures varies but can take several weeks to months. Severe cases may lead to chronic pain and permanent disability, making legal action even more important.

Legal Considerations: Seeking Compensation for Your Injury

New Jersey law allows injured car accident victims to pursue compensation, but understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Key NJ Laws Affecting Your Case:

• Statute of Limitations: You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (NJ Rev Stat § 2A:14-2).
• Comparative Negligence: Even if you were partially at fault, you could still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% responsible (NJSA 2A:15-5.1).
• No-Fault Insurance Rules: NJ’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers medical expenses, but you may need to sue for pain and suffering if your injuries are severe.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Navigating a personal injury claim while recovering from a serious spinal injury is overwhelming. A New Jersey car accident lawyer can:

• Gather medical evidence and expert testimony to strengthen your case
• Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation
• File a lawsuit if a settlement offer is insufficient

At Rosengard Law Group, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a spinal injury can take. Our experienced personal injury attorneys fight aggressively to get our clients the compensation they deserve.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation, and let us help you get the justice and financial recovery you need.