If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it can be difficult to know just how much compensation you’ll receive. Average settlements for back and neck injuries suffered in car accidents range from $100,000 to $500,000; however, the amount varies based on the severity of the injury and the insurance coverage of all parties responsible.
Back and neck injuries are some of the most common types of injuries resulting from car accidents. Every year, hospitals see almost 870,000 cervical spine injuries caused by traffic crashes. Not only do they significantly decrease your quality of life, but they are also expensive to treat, requiring extensive medical attention and rehabilitation.
At Garnes Injury Law, we understand these factors that determine car accident settlement amounts. Our experienced Pembroke Pines car accident lawyers use their knowledge and expertise to fight for the maximum compensation for our clients—maximizing their lower back pain in car accident settlements. Don’t wait another moment if you’ve sustained a back or neck injury due to a motor vehicle collision—contact us today and learn what financial recovery may be available to you.
Severity of Injury
The consequences of back and neck injuries can be devastating. In extreme cases, such as spinal cord injuries, emergency surgery may be required to remove shattered bone fragments and herniated discs, prevent further injury, and limit physical disability. The costs associated with this type of medical care can range from a minimum of $380 to more than $625,000. Of course, even less serious soft tissue injuries can require rest, ice packs, compression, and elevation of the body part – all of which can add up quickly.
No matter the severity of your injury, it’s important to understand the economic toll that these types of accidents can take in order to ensure that you receive appropriate compensation for your pain, suffering, and medical expenses. With the right resources and determination, you can make sure that you get the justice and financial security you deserve.
Lost Earnings
No one ever anticipates being in an accident, much less the devastating physical and financial toll it can take. That’s why it’s so important to get the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.
If you have sustained a spinal cord injury as a result of a car collision, you may be entitled to compensation beyond just medical bills. Depending on the length of your hospital stay, you could also be eligible for lost wages and loss of earning capacity – two distinct categories that aim to recognize both short and long-term impacts from the accident.
On average, spinal cord injury patients will stay in the hospital for 12 days. This figure is slightly higher for individuals aged 18-29 (13.5 days) and slightly lower for those 60 and over (10 days). When negotiating a settlement, these factors should all be taken into consideration.
In addition, if your injuries make it impossible for you to work, you may also be able to receive compensation for future earning capacity. This money is intended to reflect the wages you would have earned over the course of your life had the accident not occurred. Although no amount of compensation can truly make up for such a traumatic event, it can still go a long way toward providing some degree of assurance during this difficult time.
Ongoing medical expenses
For ongoing medical expenses after a spinal cord injury, you may spend anywhere from $37,250 to an eye-popping $1,157,250 in the first year, and between $4,620 to $251,450 for subsequent years. But it’s worth it: adaptive or assistive devices such as walkers, leg braces, and wheelchairs empower you with mobility. For those with tetraplegia or paralysis in their upper and lower body, these items help to write, type and use the telephone – essential skills that would be impossible without them.
Living with a spinal cord injury isn’t easy, but rehabilitation and physical therapy can help you reclaim your independence and improve your quality of life. The costs of inpatient rehabilitation vary widely, starting at around $21,520 and going all the way up to $464,250.
Don’t let a spinal cord injury take away your ability to live independently. Investing in the necessary rehabilitation services and adaptive devices is a worthwhile endeavor that pays off in the long run.
Comparative Negligence
Here in Florida, all vehicles must have a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL). That means that if you have been injured, you can submit a claim to your auto insurance company for medical expenses related to the accident.
But what if the injuries from the accident are particularly severe? If your back or neck injuries result in permanent loss of a significant physical function, significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, reasonable permanent injury excluding scarring and disfigurement, or even death, then you may be entitled to compensation from the other driver involved in the accident.
Florida goes by the comparative negligence rule when determining any percentage of fault on your part – but don’t let that stop you from seeking fair compensation for your damages. While the other party’s insurer may attempt to deny responsibility or downplay your damages, you should remember that you have rights and that you deserve justice.
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9210246/
- https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/spinal-cord-injury
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8052100/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8710452/
