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AVERAGE BACK INJURY SETTLEMENT AMOUNT
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Average Settlement For A Back Injury From A Car Accident
Even minor back injuries sustained in car accidents can have long-lasting consequences and be debilitating. Don’t underestimate the impact of low-speed collisions, as they can cause serious neck and back problems that insurance companies often downplay. This can lead accident victims into lengthy legal battles just to get the compensation they rightfully deserve. At JML Injury Law, we understand the average settlement for back injuries from car accidents and will fiercely fight for the payout you deserve. Trust us to advocate for your rights and well-being.
Understanding Back Injury Liability
While our spines are indeed resilient and flexible, they remain susceptible to damage from traumatic forces. Surprisingly, even the act of wearing a seat belt can contribute to such injuries.
Although it is crucial to wear seat belts while driving, it is important to acknowledge that they can, in unfortunate circumstances, result in severe back injuries. The compression exerted on the spine during an accident can lead to muscle tears, ruptured discs, or fractures. It is imperative to be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to protect our spinal health.
- Cervical
- Thoracic
- Lumbar
- Sacral
- Coccygeal
Most back injuries from car accidents occur in the thoracic or lumbar spine, making injuries to the sacrum or coccyx very rare. When an injury affects the vertebrae or spinal disc, it is important for diagnostic films, medical records, doctors, and attorneys to determine the specific level of the spine where the injury occurred. This is typically identified by the number of vertebrae involved. The following levels are to be considered:
- Cervical vertebrae (C1-C7) – neck
- Thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12) – middle/upper back
- Lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5) – lower back
- Sacral vertebrae (S1-S5) – pelvis
The intervertebral discs are positioned between the vertebrae, which is why medical professionals do not refer to an injury as a “C3 disc.” Instead, if the disc between C3 and C4 is injured, it would be identified as a “C3-C4 disc injury.” This classification ensures accurate documentation and clear communication within the medical field.
Factors That Determine Your Back Injury Settlement Amount
Back injuries not only affect the bones, but they also frequently damage the soft tissue. In more severe cases, a back injury can completely disrupt a victim’s quality of life. Considering the immense pain and suffering involved, it is only fair to seek rightful compensation if you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault.
However, the amount you may receive from a car accident claim settlement varies depending on several factors, such as the location of the accident and the circumstances leading up to it. Here are some common types of losses that can be recovered after sustaining injuries in a car crash:
- Medical expenses
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and physical suffering
- Lost wages
- Car repair expenses
- Permanent/partial disability (depending on the severity of your accident)
What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement for a Neck or Back Injury?
Determining the exact amount of your back injury settlement resulting from a car accident is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Numerous factors come into play, such as the severity of your condition, the evidence supporting your case, and unique circumstances.
Generally, settlements for back injuries sustained in car accidents range between $10,000 and $100,000. Additionally, various elements can influence the final compensation amount you may receive.
- How did your back or neck injury affect your overall quality of life?
- Did you suffer a permanent disability?
- Did your injury result in long-term pain and suffering?
- Has your neck or back injury prevented you from returning to work?
At JML Injury Law, our primary goal as personal injury attorneys is to ensure that you receive the rightful compensation you deserve following a serious back injury in Texas. In stark contrast, the insurance carrier’s objective couldn’t be more different: they aim to minimize your payment as much as possible. Reach out to our office today for a complimentary consultation and discover how we can alleviate the stress for you and your family.
Common Back Injuries From Car Accidents
Sprains and strains are the most common types of lower back and middle back injuries. However, victims of car accidents may also experience other more frequent injuries, including:
- Herniated Disc: This occurs when the supportive discs in the spine slip out of place, fracture, or rupture. It is usually caused by a severe impact.
- Fractures: While less common, fractures can occur when the bones in the spine are compressed during a car accident. This type of injury can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Treatment may involve surgery and the use of metal hardware to stabilize the vertebrae.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Although not as common as herniated discs, a collision can damage or bruise the spinal cord due to the significant force involved. These injuries typically require comprehensive care for recovery.
Herniated discs are one of the most prevalent causes of back pain, with approximately 90% of cases resulting in irritation to the spinal cord.
New Statistics on Neck and Back Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents
According to 2019 estimates, 2.5 million vehicle accident injuries occurred in the United States. Out of those accidents, 20% resulted in a neck and back injury–that’s 500,000 people!
In 2017, there were over 6 million vehicle accidents in the United States according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These accidents resulted in 2,734,000 injuries and 37,133 fatalities. Around 11% of automobile accident victims suffered some form of injury.
Furthermore, according to the NHTSA, approximately 27% of individuals injured in car accidents experienced neck and back injuries. These types of injuries are projected to incur $18.6 billion in annual medical expenses and lost productivity, impacting the economy significantly.
Contact Our Texas Car Accident Lawyer Today
Suffering injuries in a car accident is far from ideal, and it’s natural to have numerous questions in such a situation. For instance, you may be curious about the average settlement for a back injury. Unfortunately, back injuries are all too common after auto accidents.
However, at JML Injury Law, we are committed to ensuring that you receive the maximum possible compensation. We fully comprehend the importance of holding negligent parties accountable, and we will vigorously fight on your behalf to secure the restitution you rightfully deserve. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for a complimentary consultation and discover how we can assist you further.