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Common back and spine injuries from crashes
A crash throws the body forward and back in a fraction of a second. That motion strains the muscles and ligaments along the spine, and it can also damage the discs between the vertebrae or crack a vertebra. Some people feel sharp pain right away. Others notice stiffness, numbness or pain running down an arm or leg a day or two later.
Doctors usually start with an exam and X-rays. If the pain keeps going, or you have numbness or weakness, they may order an MRI, which shows discs and nerves that an X-ray can miss. A herniated disc is one of the injuries an MRI often finds. Tell the doctor how the crash happened and what you felt afterward.
- Muscle and ligament strain, often called a sprain
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Pinched nerves and sciatica
- Fractured vertebrae
- Spinal cord injury
Why back pain can show up days later
Adrenaline after a crash can hide pain for hours. Swelling builds slowly, and a damaged disc may start pressing on a nerve only after the area becomes inflamed. That is why many people say they felt fine at the scene and woke up hurting the next morning. You can read more about delayed pain after an accident.
Insurers sometimes point to a gap between the crash and the first doctor visit and argue that something else caused the injury. The simplest answer to that argument is a prompt visit. If you already waited, go now and tell the doctor exactly when the pain started. An honest timeline in the chart helps more than trying to explain the gap later.
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Who pays for treatment while the claim is open
Bills arrive long before a case settles. If you bought MedPay on your own policy, it can pay reasonable medical expenses from the crash up to its limit, whoever was at fault (California Department of Insurance glossary). Health insurance can also pay. Some plans and providers later ask to be repaid from a settlement, so keep track of who paid what. More on who pays medical bills after a car accident.
The at-fault driver’s liability insurer pays at the end, through a settlement or a verdict, and usually only up to the policy limits. In Washington, personal injury protection (PIP) pays medical expenses and some lost income regardless of fault, unless the policyholder rejected it in writing (RCW 48.22.085). Your own policy may hold more help than you think, so read it or have a lawyer read it.
How a back injury claim is proven
The claim rests on the medical records. Imaging, the doctor’s notes, therapy visits and any work restrictions show what the injury is and how it affects your life. Keep a short journal as well: what you cannot lift, how you sleep, which shifts or family events you missed. Those details are hard to remember months later, and they make the records easier to understand.
Expect the insurer to ask about earlier back problems. Be honest with your doctor and your lawyer about them. Old and new records side by side often show what changed after the crash. If you were partly at fault, California’s pure comparative fault rule reduces your damages by your share but does not bar recovery (Li v. Yellow Cab Co.). See recovering when you were partly at fault.
What to do now
See a doctor, and go back if the pain spreads or you feel numbness or weakness. Take photos of the cars and the scene, and write down witness names and phone numbers. Get the other driver’s insurance information and your claim number. Do not sign a release or give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer before you talk to a lawyer. Keep every receipt, including prescriptions and parking.
Deadlines: a California injury lawsuit generally must be filed within two years of the injury, and in Washington the general limit is three years (RCW 4.16.080). If a city or county vehicle was involved, a written claim is generally due within six months. Call (310) 552-6959 or use the form, and we can go over your dates and your records with you.
Common questions
How long does back pain last after a car accident?
It varies from person to person. Many strains improve over weeks with rest and therapy, while disc and nerve injuries can last much longer. Only your doctor can judge your case. If the pain is not getting better, or you notice numbness or weakness, go back and ask whether you need imaging or a referral.
Can I claim a back injury if I did not go to the hospital?
Yes. The emergency room is one option, but a visit to your own doctor or an urgent care clinic also creates a record. What matters is getting checked, telling the doctor about the crash and following the plan. The longer you wait, the more the insurer will question whether the crash caused the pain.
What if I had back problems before the crash?
You can still make a claim. Tell your doctor and your lawyer about the earlier problem instead of hiding it, because the insurer will likely find the old records anyway. Comparing your condition before and after the crash is how the change gets shown, so the old records can end up helping you.
Should I get an MRI after a car accident?
That is a medical decision for your doctor. An MRI is often ordered when pain lasts, spreads into an arm or leg, or comes with numbness or weakness. If your doctor orders one, keep the appointment and ask for a copy of the report. The images become part of the record of what the crash did.
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Related pages
How long after a car accident injuries can show up · Going to the doctor or hospital days after a car accident · Making a whiplash claim after a car accident · Herniated disc after a car accident · Concussion or brain injury after a crash · All car and truck accident questions
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Important: This page is general information about California and Washington law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different; talk to a lawyer about yours. Last reviewed: November 5, 2026.