Setareh Law
April 8, 2025
An injury to the neck or back may have harmful effects on your body and can limit your ability to complete daily tasks. Properly recovering from these injuries often requires medical treatments like physical therapy, prescription medication, and even surgery. Medical care can be a significant and long-term expense. If you sustained injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence, a car accident attorney may be able to help you pursue compensation.
Understanding the average car accident settlement for neck and back injuries can help victims know what to expect in terms of compensation. A car accident settlement is a legal agreement made between two or more individuals in which one or more parties are required to pay an agreed-upon amount for injuries the other acquired in the motor vehicle accident. A settlement can assist with medical fees and other financial costs associated with the damages incurred as a result of the other driver’s negligence.
Understanding Neck and Back Injuries in Car Accidents
Neck and back injuries are common in car accidents, even at low speeds. These injuries can range from mild to severe and may not always be immediately apparent. Understanding the types of neck and back injuries that can occur in car accidents is crucial for seeking proper medical treatment and compensation. Prompt medical attention can help diagnose the extent of your injuries and ensure you receive the necessary care to prevent long-term complications.
Common Neck and Back Injuries
Some common neck and back injuries that can occur in car accidents include:
- Whiplash: This is a soft tissue injury caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head and neck, often resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
- Herniated Discs: A condition where the spinal disc bulges or ruptures, putting pressure on surrounding nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs.
- Fractured Vertebrae: A break in one or more of the bones in the spine, which can cause severe pain and may require surgery to heal properly.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or loss of sensation and mobility, significantly impacting your quality of life.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These include damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck and back, which can cause pain and limit your ability to move.
Understanding these injuries can help you recognize the importance of seeking immediate medical treatment and documenting your injuries for any potential legal claims.
Symptoms of Neck and Back Injuries
Symptoms of neck and back injuries can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or stiffness in the neck or back
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Weakness or loss of sensation in the arms or legs
- Difficulty moving or walking
- Headaches or dizziness
If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further complications and support your claim for compensation.
What Determines the Settlement Amount for Your Neck & Back Injuries?
When it comes to car crash settlements for neck and back injuries, each injury settlement will vary depending on the accident and the severity of the inflicted damage. For example, if an accident makes it difficult for you to stand for a long time, and you’re now unable to complete your job, you can include medical fees and lost wages in determining the settlement amount.
Below are a few factors to consider when determining a fair settlement amount:
Evaluating the Type of Injuries
After an accident occurs, it’s crucial that you see a doctor for your back and neck injury. Sometimes, neck and back injuries don’t show their severity until after the accident and, if left untreated, can turn into long-term disabilities. The severity of an injury is a significant factor in the amount of compensation you may receive due to the medical treatment required.
Gathering Evidence and Medical Bills
Medical reports and documentation of your injuries are vital legal evidence that present an unbiased professional account of your damages. Providing thorough documentation can strengthen your case when negotiating with the insurance company. In addition to providing medical records, photos and videos showing your injuries after the accident can be helpful documentation as well. Keep any medical bills and insurance statements related to the accident, as these will be important when pursuing a fair settlement.
Receiving Help from an Experienced Lawyer
For those unfamiliar with the legal processes and terminologies related to car accident cases, the process can be complicated and overwhelming. A car accident attorney will guide you through the procedures and assist with gathering evidence for your claim. An experienced lawyer will uphold your intentions and advocate for your rights.
Considering all these factors for your car accident claim can give you a better understanding of the amount of compensation you may receive. After discussing these factors with your car accident settlement lawyer, they can help you determine a fair compensation amount for your damages.
Compensation for Neck and Back Injuries
If you have suffered a neck or back injury in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Navigating the claims process can be complex, but understanding the types of damages you can recover is a crucial step in ensuring you receive fair compensation.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
The types of damages that can be recovered in a car accident case involving neck and back injuries include:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical treatment, including physical therapy, surgery, and medication. This covers both current and future medical costs related to your injury.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to the injury. This includes not only the immediate time off but also any long-term impact on your earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the injury. This can be more challenging to quantify but is an essential component of your claim.
- Property Damage: Compensation for damage to your vehicle or other property. This ensures you are not left with out-of-pocket expenses for repairs or replacements.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injury on your relationships with family and friends. This recognizes the broader effects of your injury on your personal life.
It’s essential to work with an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your neck and back injuries. They can help you navigate the complex claims process and negotiate with insurance companies to get you the settlement you deserve. An attorney will advocate for your rights and ensure that all aspects of your injury and its impact on your life are considered in your claim.
Common Symptoms of Neck & Back Injuries from Car Accidents in California
Almost everyone will experience a car accident in their life. When the injuries sustained are severe and impact your life, medical and legal assistance might be necessary. Whether you can see or feel the injuries, receiving medical care from either an emergency provider or primary care physician is essential. Sometimes, injuries don’t surface until after the accident and may produce dangerous or serious consequences to your health if not actively treated.
Here are a few common symptoms from neck injuries and back injuries after motor vehicle accidents:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Fatigue
- Pain and stiffness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Burning sensation in the shoulder or neck
- Short-term memory loss
- Difficulty sleeping
The symptoms that you may suffer from neck and back injuries may have lasting effects on you and the lives of your loved ones. The physical therapy and other medical care you might need to recover from the accident may start to become expensive. Fortunately, with the help of a personal injury lawyer, you may be able to discuss settlement options that will assist with your financial losses.
Receive Guidance from an Experienced California Car Accident Lawyer
With years of combined experience and a passion for providing clients with legal guidance, our team of car accident attorneys at Setareh Law is ready to advocate for your rights and help you secure fair injury settlements. The aftermath of a car accident is difficult and frustrating, but we will stand beside you every step of the way.
For more information on car accident settlements and to talk with one of our attorneys, call (310) 659-1826 or fill out our online contact form.
