Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
Actor and comedian Kevin Hart suffered major back injuries after a car crash in Malibu, California, early Sunday.
Hart was riding as a passenger in his 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, with the driver and another passenger in the vehicle, when it rolled into a ditch at about 12:45 a.m. local time, the California Highway Patrol confirmed.
The driver crashed the muscle car after turning onto Mulholland Highway.
The CHP said in a statement that the driver immediately lost control of the vehicle and the Plymouth left the road and rolled over down the northern embankment.
Hart and the other passengers were trapped inside. Hart and the driver suffered “major back injuries” and were taken to nearby hospitals, according to the highway patrol.
The other passenger was not hospitalized.
Hart, who turned 40 in July, bought himself the Plymouth Barracuda as a birthday gift.
The car smashed through wooden fencing along the roadside and the roof of the vehicle was crushed.
California Highway Patrol said the driver was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
Back injuries can be quite common in serious car accidents, and often require extensive, costly medical treatment and can leave you suffering from long-lasting pain. The following are the most common causes of back injuries from motor vehicle collisions:
WHIPLASH
Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries, and can result in damage to muscles, ligaments and tissues in the neck. This is a common injury following rear-end accidents because the head and neck are propelled forward while the body stays still, then causing the head and neck to come to a sudden stop.
Whiplash symptoms do not always appear right away – it may take a few hours or even a few days for symptoms to present themselves. Whiplash symptoms include pain, stiffness, dizziness, fatigue or blurred vision. Whiplash injuries can vary from mild to severe and may require physical therapy to properly heal.
SPINAL FRACTURES
Spinal fractures can happen when your seat belt fails to hold your body in place properly. The lower half of the body may remain still, while the torso and head are jostled around, resulting in spinal fractures.
Symptoms of a spinal fracture include bladder issues, numbness and muscle weakness. Pain may increase with breathing and when you sit down or walk.
Spinal fractures are treated differently, depending on severity. Some can heal with immobilization and rest, while others require surgery.
HERNIATED DISCS
A herniated disc injury occurs when the discs cushioning the vertebrae in the spine are subjected to a great deal of force in an accident. This force can cause the discs to shift, compressing nerves and causing pain and numbness. This injury is also known as a bulging, ruptured or slipped disc.
To treat these injuries, doctors like to focus on pain relief and physical therapy. Surgery may also be used if the herniation is severe enough and impacting other structures in the body.
SPONDYLOLISTHESIS
Spondylolisthesis occurs when stress fractures force vertebrates to move out of place. This condition can compress nerves or the spinal canal. When this type of injury occurs numbness, pain, weakness and difficulty walking can result.
Treatment for spondylolisthesis varies and doctors may use a combination of surgery and physical therapy.
SPINAL CORD INJURIES
Many car accidents result in spinal cord trauma, even low-speed car accidents. The force of the impact can easily damage the spinal cord, resulting in bruising and lacerations. If the spinal cord is severed, it can cause permanent paralysis.
Back injuries can disrupt your work and daily activities, not to mention the severe pain. These injuries can affect your finances and your quality of life.
Our Florida Auto Accident Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton know how to help you recover compensation for your injuries by filing a personal injury lawsuit. We are here to help you determine the best options for your situation. We will review your case and gather the necessary evidence needed to support your claim, so that we can recover the full and fair financial compensation you deserve.
If you have suffered a back injury from a car accident, let us review your case and advise you of the legal options available for pursuing compensation. We may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
You can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with us today. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you will owe no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.