Were you in a Rear-End Car Accident in Bend, Oregon?
Rear-end car accidents happen a lot more often than you think (more information on that later). In many of these accidents, back injuries are amongst the most common occurrences that we see. While you could certainly obtain a variety of other injuries, we want to focus in on back injuries and what you need to do when an accident occurs.
Back injuries can be tricky. They can sneak up on you days after an accident. You may feel fine at the time of the accident, but that’s only because many back injuries do not flare up right away. For this reason, if you find yourself in a car accident — especially one where you were rear-ended — do not ignore the possibility that a back injury may have occurred. Even the slightest tweak in your back could be a sign of future problems to come. See a doctor right away to get checked out. This will also help with documentation if you decide to take legal action.
What can be done to avoid getting rear-ended?
Unfortunately, the answer is: nothing. Driving an automobile is risky. No matter how well you drive, there are other careless drivers on the road who always pose a threat to your safety. This is why it’s so important to have a personal injury attorney like Dwyer Williams Cherkoss Attorneys in your corner if you find yourself injured in a car accident — whether it be a rear-end accident or any other type of car accident.
Take a Quick Look at the Facts
The 2016 Oregon Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes Report shows that 36% of non-fatal crashes are due to rear-ends. That’s the most common non-fatal collision that occurs in the state. What does this means? This means that your chances of getting rear-ended on the road are fairly high. If this unfortunate situation happens to you by fault of another driver, we at Dwyer Williams Cherkoss Accident Injury Attorneys want to be sure that you receive the compensation that you deserve to support your medical treatment.
What kind of back injuries are we talking about?
Back injuries can vary greatly in severity. There are strains, pulled muscles, ligament tears and sometimes fractures. Herniated discs are also quite common. This occurs when a disc slips out of place. These discs are there to separate the vertebrae and protect your spine. If this injury occurs, you will likely feel sudden, immense pain in the area of the disc slip.
Spinal cord injuries are of a much more serious nature. These kinds of injuries can cause long term damage that requires a lot of follow-up treatments. The same goes for fractures or any injury to the thoracic or lumbar spine.
Medical treatment and financial burdens
Medical treatment will vary depending on your injury. You will likely go through a series of tests such as x-rays, MRI's and bone scans to evaluate the extent of your injury. From there, you may be prescribed pain medication for minor aches. Or you could require physical therapy, injections to decrease inflammation or potentially surgery if the injury has caused severe damage. Of course, all of these things cost money. This is why you need a personal injury lawyer to ensure that you receive the proper compensation.
What are the next steps to help you receive compensation for your injury?
If you were rear-ended and injured in a car accident here in Bend, Oregon, contact us today for a free case evaluation. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys has an excellent track record of success in the state of Oregon. With over one hundred years of combined experience amongst our attorneys, you know that you will be in good hands! We understand the heavy toll that this injury can have on your life. This is why we want to make sure that you receive justice and compensation for your injury.