It’s extremely common for a person to sustain a neck and back injury in a car accident. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries — approximately 16,500 each year.
Neck and back injuries can range from mild stiffness to severe, aggravating pain and life-changing debilitations. While some people may only experience a few days of discomfort, others may have serious injuries that require long-term medical care.
If you have suffered a neck and back injury due to a vehicle accident, seek medical attention and then contact a competent personal injury attorney. Do you need legal representation to help aid you in the recovery process? We’ll unpack all of that here, but first, let’s discuss the types of back injuries that are likely to occur in an accident.
Car accidents are the leading cause of neck and back injuries in the United States. There are many distinct types of neck and back injuries that can occur, and some are more serious than others.
The most common type of neck injury is whiplash. This occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward. The force of the jerk can cause the neck muscles and ligaments to tear. Whiplash can be very painful and may require physical therapy to recover from.
A common type of back injury is a herniated disc. This occurs when the discs in the spine become damaged and begin to bulge out. Herniated discs can be very painful and may require surgery to correct.
Spinal injuries are also common after car accidents. The most common type of spinal injury is where the spinal cord is damaged. When these injuries occur, the victim may suffer paralysis, loss of sensation, and other serious problems. In some cases, the victim may even die.
More serious back injuries include strains and compression fractures. These injuries can be very painful and may require surgery to correct.
If you have been in a car accident, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. He or she can diagnose any injuries that you may have and help you get the treatment that you need.
If you plan to file a personal injury claim seeking compensation for a back or neck injury, there are certain elements of proof you will need to establish in order to successfully recover damages.
First, you need to prove that you have a physical injury that is causing you discomfort or pain. Second, you should be prepared to show what medical treatment you have undergone to relieve your pain or address your injury. Finally, any debilitating injury should be documented by your health professional and through your own health diary, indicating how your injury is preventing you from doing the things in life you most enjoy.
To establish these elements of proof, you will need to present evidence. This may include medical records, eyewitness testimony, photographs, and/or video footage. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you gather and present the evidence you need to prove your case and recover the compensation you deserve.
In the United States, the average car accident settlement for a neck or back injury is about $10,000. This number can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the state in which the accident occurred. For example, in Phoenix, the average settlement for a neck or back injury is $25,000.
There are many factors that affect the amount of a settlement, including the severity of the injury, the length of time it takes to recover, the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded, which could raise the settlement well above the average amount.
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options.
In any personal injury case, the amount of the settlement is based on many factors. Some of these include:
If you have been injured in a car accident, the best way to learn how much your case is worth is to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
A personal injury lawyer can be a great asset for a neck or back injury case. Here are a few things a personal injury lawyer can do for a neck or back injury case:
An experienced personal injury attorney could help you recover financial damages such as lost wages, if your injuries prevented you from working, as well as any out-of-pocket medical expenses for treatment you have received.
Your attorney can also file for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and compensation for loss of enjoyment of life if you can no longer participate in normal activities you previously enjoyed.
If your case ends up going to trial against the insurance company, a skilled personal injury attorney can ask the court to award compensatory damages. This is a monetary award intended to punish the at-fault party for negligence in causing an accident that resulted in serious injuries.
Here at Torgenson Law, we understand that this can be a frustrating and challenging time for you and your family. We put all of the legal resources at our disposal to work on your case because we care about your claim and will work tirelessly to provide the best settlement for your neck and back injury. Contact us today for a free consultation.
John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.
John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.
Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.
