When you are involved in a car accident – even one that may seem relatively minor – the repercussions can affect you for an extended period of time. A back and neck injury can be particularly debilitating, significantly impacting your life in a number of ways.
As a result, it is imperative to be aware of your right to pursue fair compensation after an auto accident. Understanding how to get a car accident settlement for neck or back injuries can be essential to protecting your future, helping preserve your financial security, physical recovery, and even emotional well-being.
In this guide, we will provide a helpful perspective on the topic, answering questions such as:
- How much is the average settlement for car accident back and neck injury claims?
- Why do car accident settlement amounts vary?
- Should you get a lawyer to help you seek an accident settlement?
What is the Average Car Accident Settlement for a Back and Neck Injury?
When it comes to the average settlement for car accident back and neck injury claims, several factors are in play, including:
- The extent of your injuries
- Any prior or pre-existing injuries
- The degree to which the other party was at fault
- The coverage provided by the insurance company
Because these factors can vary so dramatically, the average car accident settlement amount can range from a few thousand dollars (for relatively minor injuries) to upwards of a million dollars or more (for debilitating, severe injuries).
Neck and Back Injury Settlement Damages
With the help of a personal injury attorney, you can seek monetary damages after a car accident. Our highly experienced lawyers are prepared to fight for a fair settlement for your case, incorporating all relevant damages.
Depending on the specific case, common types of damages available to accident victims may include compensation for:
- Past, present, and future medical costs associated with injuries from the accident
- Costs of rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Long-term medical care costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Permanent injury and disability
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment and quality of life
Beyond the settlement amount directly related to injuries, damages can also be requested for property damage and similar expenses.
Why Does the Average Settlement for a Car Accident Vary So Much?
Because there is no such thing as an “average” car accident claim, it is extremely difficult to estimate a specific dollar amount for the “average” settlement. Many details are considered in each case, ranging from the circumstances of the accident to your personal and professional life.
Every accident is unique, even those that all fall into the category of causing neck and back injuries. Although the injuries occur to the same body parts, each accident victim faces an entirely different situation.
Minor neck and back injuries might cause discomfort for a short period of time, requiring fairly straightforward treatment until they are fully healed. However, other types of injuries to the neck and back may result in irreparable damage, causing the need for surgeries or injections, severe chronic pain, and even lifelong disability.
In addition, different crash victims may experience varying repercussions from similar injuries. For example, a professional athlete with a back injury may be forced to give up their entire career, whereas an office worker may only lose wages for a week or two. As a result, the settlement potential for these two individuals would be dramatically different.
Factors Affecting How Much You Receive for a Car Accident Injury Settlement
Rather than consider average injury settlement amounts, it is far more productive to consider the specifics of your personal injury claim. Our personal injury lawyers can evaluate your case in detail, helping you gain a clearer understanding of what you may be able to expect for a total personal injury settlement amount.
Some of the factors that will impact how much you can receive in an accident settlement include the following:
- The severity and nature of your injuries
- Any prior or pre-existing injuries
- Your liability vs. the other driver’s liability
- Insurance coverage/policy limits
- Your attorney’s experience and negotiation skills
It would be best to trust your case with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney with experience in car accident claims. It is not unusual for an insurance company to do everything possible to pay the smallest-possible settlement amounts, and many people end up accepting far less in recoverable damages than they truly deserve. A skilled and respected attorney can help you force an insurance company to pay what you are owed.
Types of Neck and Back Injuries to Include in a Car Accident Claim
Ranging from minor to extremely serious, injuries to the back and neck can easily occur due to a motor vehicle accident. Promptly seeking medical attention and obtaining diagnostic tests allows you to receive the proper treatment as soon as possible and also ensures that you can file a claim that effectively addresses the severity of your injury.
Common types of injuries associated with the back and neck, specifically those that can be linked to involvement in a car accident, include:
- Whiplash injury
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck sprains
- Cervical spine injury
- Cervical fractures
- Herniated discs
- Broken back
- Broken neck
- Ligament sprains
- Muscle/tendon sprains
- Broken/slipped vertebrae
- Pinched nerves
- Soft tissue injuries
In many cases, severe neck and back injuries occur alongside other bodily harm. For example, serious injuries to the back and neck are often accompanied by traumatic brain injury, internal injuries, etc.
Common Signs of Neck and Back Whiplash Injuries Suffered in a Motor Vehicle Collision
As one of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents, whiplash can also be one of the most difficult to detect. Whiplash is particularly common in rear-end motor vehicle accidents due to the source and intensity of the impact.
Because whiplash symptoms don’t always appear immediately, paying close attention to how your body feels after an accident is of paramount importance. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible, both for your safety and to protect your legal case.
Signs of whiplash include:
- Headaches
- Physical pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and/or upper back
- Burning sensations in the neck and/or shoulders
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Excessive fatigue
- Short-term memory loss
- Loss of concentration
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Settlement?
Whereas your top priority is to receive fair compensation for the injuries caused by an auto accident, insurance company providers don’t necessarily have that same goal. Rather, insurance providers are focused on minimizing the amount they pay to accident victims to protect their company profits. So, when you submit an accident personal injury claim, you can unexpectedly find yourself going head to head with a multi-billion dollar corporation – which isn’t a fair fight.
For this reason, working with a personal injury lawyer is a necessity. Your accident lawyer will help you assemble crucial evidence, navigate personal injury settlement processes, and advocate for your rights. With a skilled lawyer by your side, you can avoid becoming overwhelmed, intimidated, or confused by the tactics employed by an insurance company.
Seek an Experienced Personal Injury Today – Springer & Steinberg, P.C.
If you have experienced a neck or back injury due to a car accident, your next step is to contact a personal injury lawyer you can trust. Springer & Steinberg is a respected law firm based in Denver, Colorado, and our experienced car accident lawyers have helped countless clients seek rightful compensation. Using our expertise, dedication, and skill, we will ensure that you can receive a favorable settlement that lightens the burden of your injuries as much as possible.
For more information about how to submit a car accident injury claim, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Springer & Steinberg today.
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