This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, contact the Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation directly.
High-speed rear-end crashes on the 405, 101, 5, and other Southern California freeways often cause herniated disc injuries in the neck and back. These injuries can lead to radiating pain, numbness, weakness, and long-term limitations that affect work and daily life.
The Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation is a California personal injury law firm that represents people with disc injuries after serious rear-end collisions.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Between each vertebra is a disc that acts as a cushion. In a crash, the force can:
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Tear or rupture the disc
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Cause the disc to bulge or herniate
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Compress nerves in the neck or lower back
Symptoms can include:
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Sharp or burning pain in the neck or back
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Pain, numbness, or tingling down the arms or legs
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Weakness or loss of coordination
Some people need injections or surgery; others manage symptoms with therapy and pain management.
Why Disc Injury Claims Are Often Contested
Insurance companies frequently argue that disc problems are:
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“Degenerative” or age-related
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Not caused by the crash
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Less serious than they really are
Walch Law can work with your doctors to show how the collision aggravated or caused your disc injury and how it affects your ability to work and live normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I still have a case if I had some back pain before the accident?
A: Yes, possibly. The law often allows recovery when a crash worsens a pre-existing condition. Clear medical documentation is key to showing the difference before and after the collision.
Q: Do I need surgery for my disc injury to have a strong claim?
A: Not necessarily. Surgery can highlight severity, but many serious cases involve ongoing pain, injections, and therapy without surgery. The impact on your life is what matters most.
Q: How can the Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation help with a disc injury case?
A: Walch Law can collect imaging and treatment records, consult with your providers, explain your future care needs, and pursue compensation that reflects both your medical expenses and your long-term pain and limitations.