Victims of car accidents that cause back and neck injuries always get a question of how much compensation they will get. Depending on various factors, such as severity of injuries, health costs, loss of earning, and state of the accident occurrence, the average settlement for car accident back and neck injury varies greatly.
This article is an analysis of all you need to know about the average settlement for car accident back and neck injury suffered as a result of a car crash along with differences in Texas, Florida, and California.
Understanding Back and Neck Injuries from Car Accidents
One of the key causes of whiplash injuries, herniated discs, soft tissues injuries as well as chronic back pains is car accidents. Back and neck injuries may be slight irritation but can also lead to permanent disability, hence a serious aspect of personal injury claims.
Some of the typical injuries are:
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Whiplash: Severe in cases where a car hits another car at the back resulting in inability to move freely, stiff neck and headache.
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Bulging/ Herniated Discs: These injuries may demand surgery or it can involve prolonged physical therapy.
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Spinal Cord Injuries: In extreme circumstances, there can be partial or entire paralysis and the settlements can go very high.
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Soft Tissue Damage: Though not as serious, these injuries still need medical assistance and can affect day-to-day living.
The magnitude of such injuries is more or less determinant of how much compensation will be received by the victims.
What Is the Average Settlement for Car Accident Back and Neck Injury?
The average settlement for car accident back and neck injury can vary between $10,000 to $100,000 for moderate injuries. But much more serious problems that include surgical intervention, chronic pain, or lifelong disability may result in settlements which are in the hundreds of thousands or even millions.
Factors Influencing the Settlement Amount:
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Medical bills: Hospital bills, treatment, rehabilitation, and operations.
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Lost Wages: Earnings replaced while one was unable to work or was able to earn a reduced income during the course of a case.
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Pain and Suffering: Damages that feature compensation on physical and emotional harm.
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Type of Injury: Minor whiplash vs. spinal cord injuries has a drastic change in the amount of settlement.
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Insurance Coverages and State Laws: There are various limits and rules on the settlements that vary by state.
Average Settlement for Car Accident Back and Neck Injury in Texas
Generally, the settlement value of car accident-related back and neck injuries in Texas is between $15,000 and $200,000 based on the gravity of the injury and the condition of fault. Texas abides by a modified comparative fault rule so that your settlement can be lower depending on the level of fault placed on you.
Average Settlement for Car Accident Back and Neck Injury in Florida
In Florida, the average settlement for car accident back and neck injury usually varies between $10,000 to $150,000. Florida is a no-fault state, and victims usually receive compensation on their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage first, but when damage is severe, claims can be made against the driver at fault due to the injury.
Average Settlement for Car Accident Back and Neck Injury in California
Settlements regarding back and neck injuries in California are frequently put in the range of $20,000 to $250,000. The comparative negligence system used in California enables the victim to receive compensation in case they are partially to blame, but in proportion to their contribution to the fault they receive less.
How to Maximize Your Settlement
To obtain the highest possible settlement for your back and neck injury:
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Find medical help immediately: Official records help your case.
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Keep Records: Write down all your medical visits, costs, and the way that an injury can affect your life.
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Hire a Reputed Lawyer: Personal injury attorneys will be able to negotiate with insurance companies until you reach the best settlement.
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Avoid Early Settlement offers: Insurance companies make low settlements at first.
When to Consult an Attorney
A personal injury lawyer is the best person to consult in case you have a severe back or neck injury that needs years of treatment, or that affects your capacity to work. A professional attorney will assist you to calculate the actual worth of your case and get you an adequate compensation award.
Final words
The average settlement for car accident back and neck injury is based on a few factors such as where the accident took place, the extent to which you are injured, and the legal game plans you apply. It does not matter whether you are in Texas, Florida, or California, knowing these factors will enable you to be ready to negotiate and get a fair settlement.
Resources References:
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Nolo – Average Car Accident Settlement Amounts
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/average-car-accident-settlement.html -
AllLaw – Car Accident Settlement Amounts
https://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/auto-accident/typical-car-accident-settlement.html -
Texas Comparative Fault – Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §33.001
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.33.htm -
Florida No-Fault Law – Florida Statutes §627.736
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/ -
California Comparative Negligence – California Civil Code §1714
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes.xhtml
