You’re in pain. The car accident is over, but your recovery has just begun. You might have been told you suffered a herniated disc, and now you’re left wondering what it means for your health, job, and future.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A herniated disc from a car accident is common. These injuries can be severe and have lasting effects. And when someone else caused the wreck, you shouldn’t be stuck with the costs.
This post will help you understand how herniated discs happen in car accidents, how to protect your rights, and what compensation might be available under New Jersey law.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Your spine is made up of vertebrae with small, cushion-like discs between them. These discs help you move comfortably and absorb impact. When a disc is damaged due to trauma, pressure, or wear, it can rupture or “herniate,” pushing out into the spinal canal and irritating nearby nerves. This injury is often also called a “slipped” disc.
Struggling with pain after your accident?
A herniated disc can affect your work, your mobility, and your future. Don’t let the insurance company minimize your suffering.
Can You Get a Herniated Disc from a Car Accident?
Yes. A car accident can absolutely cause a herniated disc. The sudden jolt of a crash puts immense pressure on your spine. Even if you were wearing a seatbelt and didn’t hit your head, the force of the collision can twist or compress your spine in ways it’s not built to handle.
These injuries often appear in rear-end or side-impact crashes, but they can happen in any type of accident, including lower-speed collisions.
Sometimes, a car accident may also aggravate a pre-existing disc condition. Even if you had mild back pain before, a crash can worsen the problem and trigger new symptoms that significantly impact your quality of life.
Can a Car Accident Cause a Bulging Disc?
Yes. A bulging disc is another common spinal injury caused by vehicle collisions. It happens when the disc presses outward but doesn’t rupture. This can still cause pain, nerve compression, and limited mobility.
When Can a Car Accident Cause a Herniated Disc? Key Signs to Watch For
A herniated disc doesn’t always cause immediate symptoms. Some people feel fine after the accident only to develop pain or weakness days later. Common signs of disc injury include:
- Neck or lower back pain;
- Tingling or numbness in your arms, legs, hands, or feet;
- Muscle weakness;
- Pain that radiates down one side of your body (sciatica); and
- Difficulty standing, walking, or lifting.
If you notice any of these signs, see a doctor immediately. Waiting too long can worsen the injury, and insurance companies may use the delay to argue against your claim.
Diagnosing and Treating a Slipped Disc from a Car Accident
To confirm a diagnosis of a herniated disc, your doctor may order imaging tests, such as an MRI, CT scan, or X-ray. These tests help determine the exact location and severity of the injury.
Treatment varies depending on the severity and your overall health. Options may include:
- Rest and physical therapy,
- Prescription medications,
- Cortisone injections,
- Chiropractic care, and
- Surgery (in severe cases).
While some people recover in a few months, others deal with chronic pain or long-term disability. That’s why it’s so important to understand your legal options.
Do I Have a Legal Claim for a Herniated Disc from an Auto Accident?
If someone else caused the crash, you likely have a legal claim. In New Jersey, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit or pursue compensation through your insurance policy, depending on the details of your case.
Key factors that can support your claim include:
- Medical documentation linking the disc injury to the accident;
- Proof that the other driver was negligent (e.g., speeding, distracted driving); and
- Records of how the injury has affected your life and work.
Even if the insurance company argues that your herniated disc was pre-existing, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. If the accident made your condition worse, you may still be entitled to compensation.
What Is the Value of a Herniated Disc Claim?
One of the most common questions we hear is, “What’s the compensation for a herniated disc in a car accident?”
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every case is different, and the value depends on:
- The severity of the injury,
- The cost of medical treatment (including future care),
- Time missed from work,
- How the injury affects your daily life,
- Whether surgery or long-term care is needed, and
- Whether you suffered permanent impairment.
In New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and noneconomic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Severe herniated disc cases, especially those requiring surgery or resulting in disability, may lead to higher settlements or verdicts.
How to File a Claim for a Herniated Disc from a Car Accident
Here are the steps to protect your rights and start building your case:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Do not wait to see a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to recovery and essential for your legal case.
- Document everything. Keep copies of medical records, test results, bills, prescriptions, and photos of your injuries. Start a journal to track your symptoms and how the injury affects your daily life.
- Report the accident. Make sure you file a police report and notify your insurance company. Do not admit fault or downplay your symptoms.
- Avoid early settlement offers. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and for as little as possible. Don’t sign anything or accept a payout before talking to a lawyer.
- Talk to a personal injury attorney. A qualified attorney can evaluate your case, deal with insurance companies, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. That might sound like a long time, but building a strong case takes time, especially if your injury evolves over weeks or months.
Don’t wait. Early legal advice can make all the difference.
What If You Had a Pre-Existing Back Injury?
It’s common to have some degeneration in your spine, especially as you age. But if a car accident makes that condition worse, you can still file a claim.
The key is showing that the accident aggravated your injury. Your medical records and testimony from your doctor can help establish the link between the crash and your current pain levels or physical limitations.
Get the Legal Help You Need Without the Pressure
Suffering a herniated disc from a car accident is painful, frustrating, and overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t need to go through it alone.
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we understand what you’re going through. Our attorneys are here to listen, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you deserve without adding stress to your recovery.
We don’t just handle claims; for the past two decades, we’ve made it our goal to help injured victims in New Jersey find their feet after the devastation of an accident. If you’re dealing with a serious back injury after a crash, reach out today. We’ll explain your options and fight for every dollar you’re entitled to.
The consultation is free, and you won’t pay us anything unless we secure a favorable outcome for you.
David Pierguidi and Jared Glugeth understand how hard it may be for you and your family following an accident resulting from someone’s negligent actions. Get the medical treatment you need right away and then call our law firm at any time of day for answers to your questions.
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