--- description: if you are experiencing back pain after a car accident or any other symptoms, Call Chaikin and Sherman today for a free consultation. title: Back Injuries From Car Accidents - Chaikin & Sherman --- Back Injuries From Car Accidents - Chaikin & Sherman # Back Injuries From Car Accidents Last Updated: August 12, 2025 Reading Time: 7 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 10 months ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) » Back Injuries From Car Accidents What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $18.8 Million Car Crash $2 Million Car Crash $1.9 Million Car Crash $1.37 Million Car Crash $1.1 Million Car Crash $1 Million Car Crash [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) They were adamant about getting me the best settlement. Torkwase Akinalana Car Accidents Proved to be the perfect advocate Michael Bizik Car Accidents I highly recommend the law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, and Siegel P.C. Anna Pastel-Powell Car Crash Mr. Siegel’s strong conviction, dedication, and determination prevailed in a legal victory. Gail Payne Car Accidents I knew I was in good hands once I stepped into their office. Gladys Ibeh Car Accidents They treated me like I was their only client, from beginning to end. Joy Lopez Car Accidents Contact Us Today! "*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Watch our attorneys explain how they fight for car accident victims across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With over $1 billion recovered, our team knows how to build a winning case — from investigation through trial. Video Transcript **Speakers:** Ira Sherman, Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel **Ira Sherman (00:02):** I would say that Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel has a completely different outlook on cases that other people think are garden variety automobile accidents, because to the person who is involved in that accident, that’s not garden variety, that’s altering their life. **Joseph Cammarata (00:21):** First of all, we don’t advertise. People come to us by word of mouth, either from defense lawyers, from insurance companies, from colleagues at the bar. They know that we have decades of experience in the personal injury field. They know that what we bring to bear is a group of lawyers that work and non-lawyers that work as a team to make sure we understand what the nature and the extent of the injury is. We make sure we understand and can express to a third party just what those injuries are, and we work to obtain the most compensation that we can for an individual. **Stephen Ollar (01:04):** What we do a lot of is discovery, not just discovery of the facts of the case, but discovery about insurance. It may be that the individual was operating the vehicle for an employer, and if they were acting with what we call the course and scope of their employment, then there could be potentially additional coverage that would cover a person for those injuries. **Allan Siegel (01:27):** We’ve been handling car accident cases since Don Chaikin founded this firm over 50 years ago. Since we spend a lot of time and we have a lot of those cases, we have developed a level of experience and knowledge that I think is very unique in our field. There aren’t many law firms who can say that they’ve been doing this type of work for over 50 years. **Ira Sherman (01:52):** I care enough to look to determine who this person is and how it affected them, and that takes up a lot of my conversation with our clients. If you have been in a car accident, you may be suffering from back injuries. Back pain is one of the most common injuries after a [car accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/), and it can be excruciating and debilitating. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer with [Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) today to know what steps to take next and whether or not you have the right to file a personal injury claim. ## **What Should I Do If I Have Back Pain After My Car Accident?** If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important that you take the proper steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. There are three things all car accident victims should do, including: **Seek medical treatment**. Your health and well-being should be your top priority after a car accident. If you are experiencing back or neck pain, it is important that you see a doctor right away so that your injuries can be diagnosed, treated, and documented. Car accidents can cause serious injuries to the spine and other parts of the body, and if left untreated, these injuries can become long-lasting or even permanent. A medical professional will diagnose your injuries and create a treatment plan that is right for you. **Report the accident to your insurance company**. Insurance companies typically require policyholders to report accidents within a certain time window. Therefore, failing to report the accident may result in your insurance company denying your claim. **Contact a personal injury lawyer. **If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be [entitled to compensation](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/what-can-you-sue-for-in-a-car-accident/) for your injuries. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you [file a personal injury claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/filing-a-personal-injury-claim/) and get the money you deserve. ## **Symptoms of Back Injuries After a Car Accident** Many different back and neck injuries can occur after a car accident. Some common symptoms of back injuries include: - Pain or stiffness in the back - Difficulty moving the back, torso, or legs - Numbness or tingling in the legs, or feet - Paralysis or loss of strength If you suffer from back pain after a car accident, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately. You should not wait until the symptoms worsen to get help. If left untreated, your injuries can become more severe and could be long-lasting. A doctor will properly diagnose your injuries and create a treatment plan to help you recover. ## **Common Back Injuries After a Wreck** The back is a complex part of the body that can be injured in many different ways. However, some common auto accident injuries relating to back pain include: ### **Slipped or Herniated Discs** The disks between each vertebra act as shock absorbers for the spine. Lumbar disk herniation is a serious injury that happens when the disks between the vertebrae rupture or bulge out. A herniated, bulging, or slipped disc in the back can cause compression on the spinal cord, which can cause numbness or tingling down the legs, feet or toes,, radiating pain down the back and legs, or weakness in the legs. ### **Spinal Cord Injuries** In some cases, car accidents can cause a serious spinal cord injury. The [spinal discs](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bulging-disc/) in your lumbar spine are flat and round, like a jelly doughnut. When too much pressure is placed on them, the inner portion of the disc can push out through tears in the outer layer. This is called a lumbar disc herniation or herniated disc. #### **Lumbar Sprains or Strains** Lumbar sprains or strains occur when ligaments in the back are torn from where they attach muscle to bone. A car accident victim may experience low back pain that branches into the posterior, restricted range of motion, difficulty maintaining normal posture, muscle spasms, and pain that lasts up to two weeks. ### **Spinal Fractures** If the force of impact is powerful, you may suffer from a fractured spine. This type of injury can occur in any part of the back or spinal column and cause severe pain, numbness, and paralysis that may be permanent. ### **Pinched Nerves** If a nerve is compressed or injured as the result of a car accident, you may experience tingling, numbness, and pain in the affected area. This condition is known as a pinched nerve and can be very painful and debilitating. ### **Thoracic Spine Injuries** The thoracic spine is the middle part of your spine. If this area suffers an injury, you may experience pain and reduced mobility in the upper back as a result. ### **Facet Joint Injuries** The [facet joints](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/facet-joint-injuries/) in the cervical spine help in head and neck stabilization and mobility. The impact of a car collision can inflame and irritate the joints. ### **Soft Tissue Injuries** Soft tissue injuries may cause back pain, tightness, pinching, and muscle spasms. ## **Treatment of Back Injuries After a Car Accident** If you have suffered a back injury after an auto accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This can help ensure that your condition does not worsen and that you receive the proper treatment for your injuries. Some of the most common treatments for back injuries include: ### **Physical Therapy** Physical therapists can teach you how to strengthen your core muscles and improve flexibility for you to return to normal activities as quickly as possible after a car accident. ### **Surgery** In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair a broken bone in the spine or remove a ruptured disc. Often when you have surgery, vertebrae are fused together. This is called a fusion. ### **Chiropractic Care** Chiropractors may be able to relieve pain, stiffness, and other symptoms of back injuries with a combination of adjustments, manipulations, and massage. ## **Long-Term Complications of Back Injuries** Back injuries can have several long-term consequences. Some of the most common complications that may occur include: ### **Chronic Pain** Chronic back pain can be caused by various conditions, such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or herniated discs. This pain becomes so severe that it interferes with daily life and activities in some cases. It may persist for months or years after an accident. ### **Loss of Mobility** If you suffer from a spinal fracture or other serious back injuries, you may be left with reduced mobility and difficulty performing everyday tasks. ### **Incontinence** If you have suffered a back injury in an auto accident, you may experience incontinence due to nerve damage or other complications associated with your injuries. You may also suffer from sexual dysfunction if nerves in this area are damaged by the trauma of being involved in a car accident. ### **Depression and Anxiety** Many people who suffer from chronic pain or other complications of back injuries experience depression and anxiety as a result of their condition. This is particularly common in those who are unable to work or return to normal activities because of the severity of their symptoms. ## **Can You File a Lawsuit for Back Injuries Caused by a Car Accident?** To determine whether you have a case, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who can [review the facts](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/should-i-get-a-lawyer/) of your situation and advise you on your best course of action. If you decide to file a lawsuit, your attorney will help you gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company for fair compensation. ## **What Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Can Do For You** The Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motor vehicle accident, gathering the evidence to establish liability and negligence. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has achieved more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate. ## **Determining the Value of Your Case** If you have suffered a back injury in an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To find out[ how much your case is worth](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/factors-that-affect-the-value-of-your-case/), contact the personal injury attorneys of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. for a free consultation. Our experienced lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of car accidents obtain justice and fair compensation. Here are a few of our case results: - $6 million for a client who suffered a brain injury after being involved in a rear-end collision. - $4.8 million for a severely injured client after another vehicle struck his motorcycle. - $1.9 million for a client who suffered a permanent back injury due to a car accident. - $1.5 million for a client who had to undergo multiple surgeries after a negligent motorist cut off his motorcycle. - $1 million settlement obtained on behalf of our 19-year-old client who was a passenger in a car in which the driver lost control, causing a collision. As a result, our client suffered extensive brain damage with cognitive impairment. He was in a coma for an extended period of time. Although he has regained consciousness, he is unable to care for himself. The law firm asked the Court to appoint him a guardian to care for him. The law firm is helping to establish a special needs trust so that the proceeds from the settlement will be protected against any medical liens. - $1 million settlement on behalf of a client who suffered a brain injury when the driver of the car in which he was a passenger lost control of his vehicle. ## **Contact an Accident Lawyer Today** If you are looking for the highest level representation available for your personal injury case, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or[ contact us online](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) to get the proven legal representation you deserve. [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including [Virginia](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/virginia/) ([Northern Virginia car accident cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/northern-virginia/), [Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-attorneys-in-arlington-va/), [Fairfax County auto accident claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fairfax/), [Woodbridge](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/woodbridge-va/), [Manassas](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/manassas-va/), and [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/alexandria/)) and Maryland ([Bethesda](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bethesda/), [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/hyattsville/), [Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/rockville/), Lau Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. 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