Can I Get Sciatica From a Car Accident?

Yes, you can get sciatica from a car accident. However, you must be able to prove this was the cause of your injury in order to successfully win a personal injury lawsuit. This requires proper documentation and possible hassles with the insurance company.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica typically develops because of herniated discs in your lower spine. Most people develop herniated discs due to natural wear and tear on and deterioration in their spines. Most people diagnosed with sciatica are between the ages of 30 and 50. However, herniated discs can also develop due to traumatic spinal cord injuries, including those sustained in car accidents.

If you or someone you care about was involved in a car accident recently, we encourage you to call S. Burke Law, especially if you are experiencing pain in your lower back extending through your upper legs. Our team has represented personal injury victims in a variety of cases. Call us for a free consultation, and we will walk you through your legal options. You can reach us at 404-842-7838.

Symptoms of Sciatica

The most common symptom indicating sciatica is radiating pain in the lower back and buttocks. How pronounced the pain is often depends on your age, overall health, and how you developed the ailment. The following is a list of additional sciatica symptoms.

• Constant pain in your lower back and buttocks
• Muscle weakness and numbness
• Difficulty with motor function in legs, feet, and toes
• Pain that worsens when you sit for extended periods of time
• Sharp pain when walking or standing

Like we mentioned above, sciatica generally manifests from long-term wear and tear. Depending on your age at the time of your accident, the opposing driver’s insurance company may attempt to argue that your case of sciatica developed naturally. Or they could argue you suffered a prior injury which was the true cause of your sciatica. It is situations like this where having someone fighting on your behalf can be valuable.

How Car Accidents Cause Sciatica

To prove your case and eventually collect damages, our firm can help you prove that your accident is the direct cause of your ailment.

Like we mentioned earlier, insurance companies may attempt to argue that your ailment was the result of long-term wear and tear. While it is true that most sciatica injuries occur because of wear and tear, they can originate from a single event.

Blunt force trauma is a common cause of sciatica. Many bicyclists and pedestrians involved in accidents with cars report sciatica.

No Prior Medical History of Back Issues

If you never had a history of back issues, S. Burke Law will point to your clean bill of health prior to your accident. We would compare this to the symptoms associated with sciatica.

That said, even if you do have a history of herniated discs, this does not mean you cannot prove that your car accident was the catalyst for your symptoms. Some people have herniated discs without dealing with the painful symptoms. If you had a herniated disc prior to your accident that did not cause you pain, you can still seek legal representation to fight for your case.

Damages You Can Collect After Your Accident

Sciatica injuries can be very serious. In some cases, they are life-changing ailments. Such serious injuries may require award more compensation. S. Burke Law can help you fight for compensation to collect the following damages on your behalf:

• Medical expenses: This can include ambulance trips, medication, specialist visits, and hospital stays.
• Lost wages: Sciatica injuries often require significant rehab which forces you to miss time at work. In some cases, you may be unable to work at all. In either case, we can help you will seek compensation to meet your needs.

Call an Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney

If you were injured in a car accident, we encourage you to call S. Burke Law. If you or someone you love is battling an injury as debilitating as a sciatica injury, we can help you prove that sciatica resulted from your car accident. Suffering such an injury forces you to make lifestyle adjustments in addition to being a tremendous financial burden.