It's almost impossible to be involved in a bad car accident and not suffer from some degree of related neck and back pain. Even a low-speed crash can injure fragile necks.
Indeed, a car accident can cause life-altering damage to the neck and back. Victims may have difficulty controlling their body functions, range of mobility, sleeping, driving, thinking clearly, working, enjoying life, and completing everyday tasks, among other things.
Treating back and neck injuries after a car accident can quickly get expensive. Victims may require surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications, and more.
Fortunately, car accident victims have recourse through the civil justice system. They can file an insurance claim to get compensation for their losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In Nebraska, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate the process.
Neck and back pain compensation
How much compensation you will get for a car accident largely depends on the severity of your injuries, the negative effect the crash has had on your life, and how much coverage is available via the at-fault driver's insurance policy. A lawyer can help you determine all liable parties and hold them accountable for your losses.
As such, there is no standard average settlement for an injury that causes back or neck pain. It all depends on the specific details of your case, which is why you should talk to a car accident lawyer who can give you an accurate estimate of your case's worth.
Injuries that cause neck and back pain after a car accident
Here are some of the most common neck and back injuries people suffer after a car accident:
- Whiplash. This type of injury, or Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD), is characterized by neck pain followed by headaches. The pain is often described as tender and stiff. If you are still in pain a few months after a car accident, you may be suffering from a chronic WAD and should see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Fractures. Some of the most common car accident injuries that cause neck pain are fractures of the vertebrae facet joints, the small bone "hooks" that connect spinal discs. Back pain due to fractures often involves the thoracic and lumbar spine. There are three types of fracture patterns - flexion, extension, and rotation.
- Axial burst fractures. These are when a vertebra loses height on both the front and back, often pinching nerves.
- Disc damage. Disc injuries include slipped discs, herniated discs, or bulging discs. Out of position, a disc can leave your spinal cord vulnerable to pain and tears. Disc damage often results in neck, back, and arm pain.
- Pinched nerves. In an accident, the rapid and violent motions can cause bones to become temporarily unstable and dislocate fully or partially. Sometimes this results in bones settling where they shouldn't be. This pinches nerves leading to painful inflammation, swelling, and irritation.
- Muscle, ligament, tendon sprain, strains, and tears. Much like whiplash, soft tissue damage can cause a delayed pain injury. That means although the crash seriously injures you, you don't feel the pain of this particular injury until days or weeks later. In addition, soft tissue injuries take longer to heal than many other types of damage. This is why it's vital to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident, even if you don't have noticeable pain or symptoms. You may be injured and not realize it.
Talk to an Omaha car accident lawyer today.
Even with expert medical care, many car accident victims with back and neck pain never fully recover. That is why putting yourself in the best position to recover maximum compensation is crucial.
At Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O., we can tell you how much your potential claim is worth and how we can help you recover the compensation you're entitled to. At no cost to you and with no obligation to hire us, a member of our law firm can listen to what happened, answer your questions, and help weigh your legal options.
Our law firm is based in Omaha and serves clients throughout Nebraska and Iowa. A member of our team is available to hear from you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you were injured or a loved one died in an Omaha car accident, don't delay. Contact us to schedule your free case consultation today.