Neck and back injuries are among the most common and severe of the many types of injuries car accidents cause. They can be incredibly painful and debilitating, not to mention expensive to treat. If you’ve suffered a neck or back injury in a car accident in St. Louis, it’s crucial for you to understand your options for seeking compensation.
At Sumner Law Group, LLC, we have over 50 years of combined experience helping injured clients seek the justice and accountability they deserve. Our dedicated, compassionate attorneys understand what our clients go through after being injured in a car accident. We are prepared to vigorously pursue compensation for the injuries and losses you’ve experienced.
Contact us today for a free initial case review.
Symptoms of a Car Accident Neck or Back Injury
Some of the most typical symptoms of a neck or back injury include:
- Pain or stiffness in the neck or back
- Limited range of motion in the neck or back
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
- Headaches
- Fatigue
These symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the injury, and they may not appear immediately after the accident. It’s critical to seek medical attention even if you do not experience any of these symptoms right after a car accident.
Common Neck and Back Injuries from Car Crashes
Some of the most common types of neck and back injuries that result from car accidents include:
- Whiplash – This injury occurs when the head is suddenly and violently jerked forward and backward in a motion similar to the cracking of a whip. It can cause pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion in the neck, among other effects.
- Herniated discs – A disc becomes herniated when the soft cushioning between the vertebrae in the spine is pushed out of place. It can cause severe pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and legs.
- Fractured vertebrae – The extreme force of a collision can cause the individual bones that make up the spine to crack or break. It can cause severe pain, limited mobility, and even paralysis.
- Soft tissue sprains and strains – The force a car accident exerts on a person’s body can damage the soft tissues in the neck and back, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
How Car Accidents Cause Neck and Back Injuries
Car accident neck and back injuries often occur due to the sudden deceleration or acceleration of the body in a collision. This can damage the ligaments, tendons, and muscles that support the spine and neck, resulting in strains or sprains. Along with that, the impact of a collision can also cause blunt-force trauma, which can result in injuries such as contusions, abrasions, and lacerations.
Even seemingly minor car accidents can cause severe neck and back injuries. Seeking medical attention after an accident is vital, especially if you suspect you are injured. If you do have any injuries, early medical care can prevent them from worsening. Additionally, documentation of your injuries supports your claim for compensation.
Treatments for Neck and Back Injuries
Treatment for neck and back injuries vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some common treatments include:
- Medications to reduce pain and inflammation
- Physical therapy to help improve range of motion and strength
- Chiropractic care to help align the spine and reduce pain
- Surgery to repair or correct the injury
Early intervention is vital for a better recovery, and physical therapy plays a key role in addressing the underlying causes of pain and functional limitations. In some cases, it can help injured people avoid surgery and ongoing use of pain medication. While physical therapy can rehabilitate older injuries, it works best when it is done as soon as possible after an accident.
What Is the Average Settlement in a Neck and Back Injury Case?
The settlement you could receive in a neck and back injury case will depend on several factors, such as the severity of the injury, the length of recovery time, and the cost of medical treatment. Some common types of compensation that a settlement may include are:
- Medical expenses – This includes the cost of doctor’s visits, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any other medical treatment related to the injury.
- Lost wages – If the injury prevents you from working, you may be able to recover the wages you would have earned if you hadn’t been injured.
- Pain and suffering – This type of compensation covers the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the injury.
Since every case is unique, the types of compensation your attorney could recover for you will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident and your injuries.
Seeking Compensation for Neck and Back Injuries
If you’ve been in a car accident and have suffered a neck or back injury as a result, it’s important that you seek advice from an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer at Sumner Law Group, LLC. Our attorneys can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation, determine who is liable for your injuries, and file a claim against them on your behalf.
Next, we can start negotiating with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider, with the goal of securing a settlement that adequately repays you for the harm you have suffered. If the insurer won’t offer a fair settlement, our attorneys can take your case to court and argue in your favor before a judge or jury.
Remember, the process is complicated, and the sooner you get started, the better.
Contact Our St. Louis Car Accident Neck and Back Injury Lawyers
Car accidents in St. Louis often result in severe injuries that are debilitating to victims and expensive to treat. If you suffered a neck or back injury in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you could be entitled to compensation from the person who hurt you. Our experienced lawyers can answer your questions to help you get through this process while you focus on recovery.
Sumner Law Group, LLC, is prepared to help you stand up for your rights and demand the money you need during this difficult time. Our team stands ready to listen to your story and pursue the compensation you need.
Get your free consultation today by giving us a call or filling out our contact form to get started.
