Car accident injuries
Back Injury Claims After a Car Accident
Back injuries from a car accident range from a painful muscle strain to serious damage to the spine. If someone else was at fault, you could claim compensation for your injury, your treatment and your losses.
Last reviewed: Reviewed by the Auto Crash Claims editorial team
How it happens in a car accident
In a car accident the force of the impact can jolt or compress your spine, straining the muscles and ligaments in your back or damaging the discs and vertebrae. Back injuries are common in rear-end shunts and higher-speed collisions.
What a claim could be worth
Based on the Judicial College Guidelines, back injury claims typically range from a few thousand pounds for a soft-tissue strain that recovers, up to £150,000 or more for serious spinal injuries with lasting disability.
These are indicative ranges only, not a promise. The real figure depends on a medical assessment and your financial losses. Get an instant estimate with our compensation calculator, or start your free claim check below.
Common symptoms
- Pain, stiffness or spasms in the back
- Pain, numbness or weakness spreading to the legs
- Difficulty standing, sitting or lifting
A back injury can affect almost everything you do, from working and driving to sleeping and looking after your family. What starts as stiffness after a crash can turn into a longer-term problem, so it’s worth getting it looked at properly rather than pushing through.
If the accident wasn’t your fault, a back injury claim can cover the injury, your treatment and the income you’ve lost. Checking is free, with no obligation, and the specialists we work with can tell you whether you have a claim and what it could be worth.
Evidence that helps your claim
- A medical assessment, and any scans of your back or spine
- Details of the accident and the at-fault driver
- A record of time off work, treatment and other costs
Frequently asked questions
How much compensation can I get for a back injury?
It depends on the severity. A soft-tissue back strain that recovers is usually worth a few thousand pounds, while a serious spinal injury with lasting effects can be worth well into six figures. Your financial losses are added on top.
Can I claim for a back injury months after the accident?
Yes. Back injuries sometimes worsen over time, and you generally have three years from the date of the accident to claim in England, Wales and Scotland. It's still best to get it assessed early.
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