Bettendorf Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Lives can be unexpectedly derailed by accidents and injuries. During these difficult times, car accident injury lawyers become essential allies. They specialize in representing victims of others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This article highlights the critical role these lawyers play, guiding individuals through their claims and aiding in their recovery.

Broken Back After a Car Accident

A broken back refers to the vertebrae in the spinal column becoming fractured due to trauma. In car accidents, the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae are most commonly affected, though any area of the back can be fractured or dislocated. There are three major types of fracture patterns that a victim might experience:

- Flexion Fracture
- Extension Fracture
- Rotation Fracture

Within these patterns, specific fractures such as compression fractures, fracture-dislocations, and axial burst fractures can occur.

The Dangers of a Broken Back

The vertebrae in the spinal column protect the spinal cord. When the vertebrae are fractured or dislocated, they can damage the spinal cord. If the spinal cord is injured, it can lead to paralysis or other neurological problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), spinal cord injuries can result in long-term issues affecting the nerves, respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal systems, and can also cause psychological issues like depression or anxiety. Even if the spinal cord remains unharmed, fractured vertebrae may still require medical care, surgery, and a lengthy, painful recovery period. This can affect a person's ability to return to their previous lifestyle and may lead to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Protecting Yourself While Driving

The CDC reports that car accidents account for 46 percent of spinal cord injuries in the United States. Wearing a seatbelt can reduce the risk of such injuries by 60 percent, and using a seatbelt along with airbags can reduce the risk by 80 percent. Always buckle up and ensure your airbags are functional to protect yourself in case of an accident.

Epidural Injections for Pain After a Car Accident

Living with a spinal injury is painful and can significantly disrupt your life. One treatment option for alleviating pain is epidural injections, which involve injecting an anti-inflammatory steroid medication into the epidural space of the spinal column.

How is the Epidural Steroid Injection Procedure Performed?

During the procedure, you will lie on an X-ray table while a doctor cleans and prepares the injection site. Using a fluoroscope, the doctor locates the correct spot and injects steroids and pain-relieving substances into the epidural space. This reduces swelling and relieves nerve pressure. While the procedure is generally not painful, you can request medication to help you relax if you feel anxious. After the procedure, you will be monitored for a short time before being allowed to go home.

Are There Any Side Effects or Complications?

Epidural injections are generally safe and effective, but side effects such as dizziness, headache, nausea, infection, allergy, and bleeding can occur. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Since the medication can negatively affect other parts of your body, reputable physicians limit the number of epidural injections to two or three times per year.

Preserving Your Vehicle as Evidence

If your vehicle is towed from the accident scene, it is important to preserve it as evidence for your claim. Follow these steps:

1. Find Out Where Your Car is Being Towed: Contact your lawyer to send a preservation letter to the tow yard, requesting that the vehicle remain intact.
2. Move Your Car to a Private, Covered Storage Area: This prevents high daily costs from the tow yard and protects the car from being scrapped, vandalized, or tampered with.
3. Take Pictures: Keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment to photograph your damaged car and the accident scene. These pictures serve as backup evidence if your vehicle is lost or destroyed.

We Are Here To Help

Remember, you are not alone in recovering from your injuries. We have helped thousands of Iowans through their physical, emotional, and financial recoveries. If you have questions about what you are going through, feel free to call our office for your confidential injury conference. We will take the time to listen to you and give you our advice concerning your injury matter at no cost or risk to you.

Free Book at No Cost 

If you are not ready to speak with an attorney yet but would like to learn more about Iowa injury cases including tips about how you can avoid making common costly mistakes request a copy of our Iowa Personal Injury book which includes 14 myths about Iowa injury cases and 5 things to know before hiring an attorney.

If you have specific questions about your injury matter feel free to call our office to speak with our Injury team at 641-792-3595 or use our Chat feature by clicking here 24 hours a day/7 days per week. Your information will remain confidential and there is no cost or obligation.