Do You Get Paid for Back Injury in an Accident

December 17, 2021 Post a Comment

What is the Average Settlement for Car Accident Back and Neck Injuries?

A collision between two vehicles can cause serious back and neck injuries. These injuries may not show symptoms immediately after the accident, but instead days or even weeks later. These injuries can vary greatly from slight to severe, making them unique to each individual; however even a "minor" injury can change your life. The complexity of the back and neck areas are such that an injury in one of these areas can affect other areas of your body. Mobility, for example, can be affected, which can have an impact on daily activities of your life.

car-accident-woman-with-neck-injury If you have been injured in a car accident, it's important to seek both medical attention and advice from an injury attorney. You will need both when filing an insurance claim and accepting settlement. This article explains the common signs of injuries, how to prove your injuries to the insurance company, and the average settlement values for car accident back and neck injuries.

In order to protect your financial future, it is recommended that you consult with an injury attorney. When filing insurance claims as a result of a car accident, it is imperative to consult with an experienced injury attorney like ours at The Doyle Law Offices, that is looking out for your best interests and has the experience to best advise your situation and case. The insurance company is in the business of protecting their money and limiting the amount of settlement values. Therefore, their first offer is more than likely not an offer that you should take. Our attorneys can help guide you through the process and collect the documentation you need for the insurance claims and determine the settlement values that are fair for your injury.

Common Signs of Back and Neck Injuries

Injuries from automobile accidents can vary greatly from whiplash to severe spinal cord damage. Only medical professionals with MRI and CT scans can properly diagnose a back or neck injury, so always seek medical treatment immediately after an accident.

Whiplash

Whiplash is the most common injury sustained in a rear-end car accident. Whiplash is caused by the neck moving forward and then backward in a rapid motion. This type of injury is known as a soft tissue injury because it affects the muscles in the upper back or neck, as opposed to a bone break or fracture.

Some of the most common symptoms of whiplash injuries after a car collision include:

Headaches
Dizziness
Pain and stiffness in the upper back, neck, and shoulders
Burning pain in the neck and/or shoulder
Short-term memory loss
Fatigue
Difficulty sleeping
Difficulty concentrating

Other Serious Trauma

Car crashes can cause serious trauma to the back and neck. Spinal cord injuries can disrupt the connection between the brain and the body and can lead to paralysis. If your spinal cord is severed during an accident, the injury is permanent. Other serious injuries that can result from an automobile accident include:

Broken vertebrae
Herniated discs
Slipped vertebrae
Sprains and strains
Pinched nerves
Degenerative changes

Proving Your Back and Neck Injury Damages

It's critical that you are able to supply documentation to the insurance company in substantiating and qualifying your claim. In some cases, it can be difficult to prove that you are suffering from a back or neck injury, especially whiplash. Soft tissue injuries like whiplash can be difficult to prove because they are not always seen on imaging and diagnostic tests like MRIs and X-rays.

Therefore, insurance companies often argue the claim by blaming the symptoms on degenerative changes to the back and neck that are preexisting. The insurance company may also minimize the seriousness of the symptoms, saying the victim is not in as much pain as claimed.

These are some of the items that you will more than likely need to show when proving your eligibility for damages:

The at-fault driver violated a traffic law that caused the accident.
The at-fault driver's carelessness and negligence was the reason for your accident.
You suffered physical injuries as a result of the accident.

An experienced car accident injury lawyer can assist you in proving the severity of a back and neck injury by obtaining and submitting evidence. Generally speaking, the more evidence you have, the greater your chances of increasing the settlement value of your case. An attorney will collect items such as:

Testimony of a medical expert
Medical documentation
Record of medical treatment and injuries

Average Settlements for Back and Neck Injuries

No two injuries are the same. They vary greatly and, therefore, so do the settlements. This means there really is no true average for settlements of judgments. The amount of settlement that is awarded for your injuries depends on many factors. Generally speaking, the more serious the injury, the more likely it is to receive a higher settlement offer from the at-fault person's insurance company. Additionally, the more medical treatment you receive for your injuries, and the amount lost in wages can result in a higher settlement offer.

For an average car accident that involves minor soft tissue back or neck injury (like whiplash), you may expect a settlement anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000. In cases where procedures such as physical therapy and injections are necessary, the settlement may be up to $30,000. If an injury involves broken bones or other serious trauma, the settlement value can be greater than $100,000.

Be aware that the amount you have in mind may differ greatly from the amount the insurance company has. As the injured victim, you are most concerned in being fully and fairly compensated for your back and neck injuries suffered from the car accident. This makes it imperative to have a personal injury attorney on your side who can assist in obtaining the best settlement value possible based on your situation.

Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you have suffered injuries from an automobile accident, our experienced attorneys can help. This is not a time to go it alone. Our firm goes to bat for you with the insurance company in getting a fair settlement value. Contact The Doyle Law Offices at (919) 228-4487 or fill out the form below.