Any car accident has the potential to cause injuries that result in severe and debilitating pain. One study shows that a rear-end accident under 10 mph can cause an injury to fragile body parts like the neck.
Neck and back injuries are common after car accidents. The pain from such injuries can be immediate or develop over days or weeks (delayed pain injury). That is why you should always see a doctor after a car accident, even if you feel okay in the immediate aftermath of the crash. You may have severe internal damage or a delayed pain injury and not know it yet. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident protects your health and documents any potential injuries you sustained.
Never ignore pain after a crash.
Treating crash-related neck and back injuries is time-consuming and expensive, but critical to your health. Left untreated, such injuries can develop into chronic pain, reduce your range of motion, and make it difficult for you to drive, sleep, eat, work, or enjoy many activities.
Accident victims shouldn't have to pay for the expensive medical care they need due to the negligent actions of another driver. That is why car accident victims can pursue compensation for losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you were injured in a crash caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation. However, the insurance company will make you fight for it. That's why having experienced legal representation on your side after a car accident can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.
How much is my case worth?
Every case is different, so estimating an average settlement for a neck or back injury is problematic. It really depends on the specific details of your case, which is why you should contact an attorney to get an accurate estimate of your case's value.
In general, car accident settlements and verdicts are determined by a handful of factors, including injury severity and treatment, the possibility of short- and long-term disabilities, available insurance coverage, and evidence supporting your claim.
Common neck & back injuries from car accidents
Serious underlying injuries usually cause neck pain and back pain. Common neck and back injuries include but are not limited to:
- Whiplash. Car accident victims with whiplash often have damaged ligaments, tendons, fascia, or other connective tissue. As a result, they experience a decreased ability to bend or rotate the neck. With proper medical treatment, whiplash pain may subside in 2-3 months - but not always—some people who get whiplash from a car accident may never fully heal. Keep in mind that concussions and other traumatic brain injuries are also common in whiplash victims, as the violent back-and-forth motion of the head and neck can cause the brain to crash into the skull and suffer damage.
- Fractures and vertebrae injuries. Your spine and neck are made up of interlocking bone discs, or vertebrae, that protect a column of nerves inside. When a disc is fractured or broken, it exposes the nerves to injury. The same goes for when a disc is pushed out of place, like a herniated or bulging disc. Any nerve damage could have catastrophic results like reducing your range of motion and control of body functions, decreasing brain power, and paralysis.
- Muscle, tendon, and ligament damage. Soft tissue injuries include tears, sprains, and strains. This type of injury is a frequent result of car accidents. This damage to the musculoskeletal system can take months to heal and may require surgeries and physical therapy.
A car accident lawyer can fight for maximum compensation.
if you are experiencing back or neck pain after a crash, it is crucial to take steps to protect your health and legal rights. First, see a doctor right away to diagnose and document your injuries. Then, contact Hoover Rogers Law for a free injury case consultation. At no cost to you and at no obligation to hire us, we can listen to what happened, answer your questions, and help you weigh your legal options.
A member of our team is available to hear from you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us today to schedule your free injury case consultation.