California Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
# Neck and Back Injuries After a Car Accident in Los Angeles, California
*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.*
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Neck and back pain are some of the most common—and most misunderstood—injuries after a car accident in **Los Angeles**. You might walk away from a rear-end crash or side-impact collision thinking you’re okay, only to wake up days later barely able to move. The **Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation** is a California personal injury law firm that helps people throughout Los Angeles and Southern California who suffer serious neck and back injuries after car, truck, and motorcycle accidents.
## Why Neck and Back Injuries Are Easy to Overlook
After a crash on the 101, 405, or city streets, adrenaline can hide pain. Soft tissues, discs, and nerves in your spine can be damaged even when:
– Your car isn’t totaled
– You didn’t hit your head
– You didn’t feel intense pain at the scene
Common post-crash neck and back injuries include:
– Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
– Herniated or bulging discs
– Pinched nerves and radiculopathy (pain that travels down the arms or legs)
– Compression fractures and other spinal injuries
These conditions can lead to chronic pain, headaches, numbness, weakness, and difficulty working or caring for your family.
## What to Do If Neck or Back Pain Appears After a Crash
If you’re feeling stiffness, pain, tingling, or weakness after a collision:
1. **See a doctor as soon as possible.** ER, urgent care, or your primary doctor can evaluate you and order imaging if needed.
2. **Follow up with specialists** such as chiropractors, orthopedic doctors, pain management physicians, or physical therapists.
3. **Follow your treatment plan** and keep all appointments.
4. **Document your symptoms**—when they started, how they affect your work, sleep, and daily activities.
This not only helps you heal, it also creates a clear record tying your injuries to the accident.
## How the Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation Can Help
Insurance companies often downplay neck and back injuries as “just soft tissue.” **Walch Law** can:
– Collect medical records and imaging that show the true extent of your injuries
– Work with your doctors to explain your diagnosis and future care needs
– Negotiate with insurance companies that try to minimize your claim
– Pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
If you suffered neck or back injuries in a crash in **Los Angeles or anywhere in Southern California**, the **Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation** can review your case and explain your options.
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## Frequently Asked Questions
**Q: What if my neck and back pain started days after the accident?**
**A:** That’s common. Many people don’t feel full pain until hours or days later. You should still see a doctor promptly and make sure they know your symptoms started after the crash. Delayed onset doesn’t mean your injuries aren’t serious.
**Q: Do I need an MRI or other imaging to have a claim?**
**A:** Not always, but imaging can help identify disc problems and other structural issues. Your doctors decide which tests you need. A lawyer can use your medical records—imaging and clinical findings together—to support your case.
**Q: How does the Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation charge for neck and back injury cases?**
**A:** Walch Law typically works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay attorney’s fees up front and only owe fees if the firm successfully recovers money for you.