You were rear-ended on your way to work, and now you’re struggling with lingering back pain. You expected the insurance company to cover your medical bills and missed time at work. But instead, the insurance adjuster brushed off your back injury as “minor,” offering a settlement that doesn’t come close to covering your losses.
Sadly, this is all too common for accident victims in California. Many people don’t realize that soft tissue injuries, including spinal injuries, are often downplayed by insurance companies.
Here’s what you need to know—and what to do next.
Why Insurance Adjusters Often Undervalue Back Injuries
After a Visalia car accident, injured parties may not realize that their discomfort can evolve into chronic pain or even lead to serious conditions like spinal stenosis.
However, insurance companies often rely on visible injuries, like broken bones or head trauma, when determining the value of a personal injury claim. Back injuries, especially those without imaging evidence like X-rays or MRIs, can be unfairly categorized as “mild.”
Soft tissue damage can be deceptive. A person may walk away from an automobile accident feeling “okay,” only to develop debilitating symptoms days or weeks later. Even when pain is severe, insurers frequently suggest that over-the-counter pain relievers are sufficient, undermining the true extent of the harm.
The Real Cost of Back Injuries After a Car Accident
Underestimating a back injury isn’t just about downplaying pain—it’s about ignoring the far-reaching impacts on your life, finances, and well-being. Here’s what can be at stake:
Direct and Indirect Consequences of a Back Injury
| Category | Potential Impact |
| Medical Costs | Even “minor” back injuries require costly imaging tests, specialist evaluations, and prolonged medical treatment. Expenses often accumulate quickly, especially when therapy and follow-up care are involved. |
| Employment | Pain and limited mobility can lead to reduced work hours or an extended absence, resulting in a loss of income. Some injured parties may even need to change jobs or stop working altogether. |
| Daily Living | Simple tasks—like driving, lifting, or household chores—may become painful or impossible, disrupting normal activities. Dependence on family or paid caregivers may increase over time. |
| Psychological Effects | Persistent discomfort and reduced independence can lead to emotional distress, frustration, and anxiety. These feelings often worsen when combined with uncertainty about recovery or financial losses. |
| Long-Term Health | Untreated or misdiagnosed spinal injuries can develop into chronic conditions, such as spinal stenosis. This can lead to permanent mobility issues or even long-term disability requiring lifestyle adjustments. |
These consequences qualify for financial compensation (economic damages) and non-economic damages like pain and suffering, yet many settlements fail to account for both.
Steps to Take If the Insurance Adjuster Undervalues Your Back Injury
If your insurance claim is denied or undervalued, don’t panic. You have options—and rights.
1. Seek Specialized Medical Attention
- Request an MRI or CT scan if pain persists.
- Document every symptom and follow-up appointment.
- Consult a spine specialist for potential spinal cord injuries or underlying medical conditions.
The goal is to build a comprehensive picture of your medical treatment that insurance cannot ignore.
2. Follow Through With Prescribed Care
- Complete all physical therapy sessions.
- Keep receipts for medications—even over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Don’t skip appointments. Gaps in treatment may be used against you.
3. Document the Impact on Your Life
- Keep a journal detailing how the back injury affects your sleep, work, and daily activities.
- Note any emotional distress or lifestyle limitations.
- Save all correspondence with your employer about missed work.
This evidence supports your claim for non-economic damages and demonstrates the injury’s long-term effects.
4. Avoid Speaking Directly With the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters may attempt to downplay your injury or get you to admit fault. You are not obligated to provide a recorded statement. Instead:
- Refer all communications to your attorney.
- Don’t accept a lowball settlement out of desperation.
- Review any offers carefully before signing.
How Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help Maximize Your Claim
Dealing with an insurance adjuster can be overwhelming, especially when in pain. That’s where personal injury attorneys come in. Whether you’re dealing with spinal injuries, catastrophic injuries, or persistent physical injuries, the right legal support can change everything.
A lawyer can:
- Handle negotiations with the insurer on your behalf
- Ensure that your medical bills, loss of income, and future care needs are considered
- Present compelling evidence for both financial and non-economic damages
- File a lawsuit if necessary to pursue maximum compensation
Finding the best personal injury lawyer in Visalia could make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
When to Consider Filing a Lawsuit
Sometimes, negotiating with the insurance adjuster is not enough, especially when your personal injury claim is delayed, denied, or drastically undervalued. If the insurer refuses to recognize the seriousness of your back injury, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to protect your rights and secure the financial compensation you’re entitled to.
In California, you generally have two years from your Visalia car accident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries. However, acting quickly is essential. Over time, evidence fades, witnesses become harder to reach, and your case may weaken.
A formal legal complaint signals to the insurer that you’re serious and puts pressure on them to offer a fair settlement. Litigation may also uncover how the company evaluated your case, especially if they ignored critical medical conditions or overlooked long-term care needs associated with spinal injuries.
The best personal injury lawyer in Visalia can guide you through this decision, ensuring your legal strategy reflects your health needs and long-term recovery goals.
Let Us Help You Fight for the Money You Deserve
At Farahi Law Firm, our Visalia team of personal injury attorneys understands the true toll of accident injuries. We’ve helped countless injured parties, like you, navigate complex claims, challenge undervalued settlements, and recover the financial compensation they deserve.
We offer free consultations and don’t charge unless we win. Let us help you get the medical care you need and the money you deserve.
👉 Call us today for a free consultation.
