No one plans on getting into a car accident, but unfortunately, they do happen. And while the physical damage of a car accident can be easy to see at first glance, the unseen injuries often cause the most long-term harm.
One such injury is a pinched nerve—an injury caused by excessive pressure on nerves or nerve roots. If you’ve been involved in an auto accident and are suffering from this type of injury, you may be entitled to compensation from your insurance company for medical bills and other damages incurred due to your pain and suffering.
In this article, we will discuss what you need to know when filing a settlement claim with a pinched nerve case – including how to prove the extent of your injury, what types of compensation you may be entitled to, and how to maximize your settlement amount. Read on for more information about pinched nerve car accident settlements.
What is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve occurs when pressure is placed on a nerve, causing pain, numbness, and tingling. This can happen when the nerve is compressed by a bone, muscle, or other tissue.
Pinched nerves can occur anywhere in the body, but pinched nerve injuries in car accidents are most common in the back or neck, followed by arms, and then legs.
How Can a Car Accident Cause a Pinched Nerve?
A car accident can cause a pinched nerve in a number of ways. The most common way is when the head and neck are suddenly and violently jerked forward or backward. This can happen in a rear-end collision when the car is hit from behind.
The sudden movement can cause the vertebrae in the neck to move out of alignment, putting pressure on the nerves.
Pinched nerves can also be caused by a direct blow to the head or neck or by a whiplash injury.
What are the Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve After a Car Accident?
The symptoms of a pinched nerve can vary depending on the location of the nerve. However, some common symptoms include:
- Pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected area
- Weakness in the affected area
- Difficulty moving the affected area
- Burning or shooting pain
- Numbness or tingling that radiates down the arm or leg
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment.
How is a Pinched Nerve Treated After a Car Accident?
The treatment for a pinched nerve will depend on the severity of the injury. In some cases, the nerve may heal on its own with rest and physical therapy.
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the nerve.
If you have been diagnosed with a pinched nerve, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. This may include taking medication, resting, and doing physical therapy exercises.
What is the Average Car Accident Settlement for a Pinched Nerve Car Accident?
The average settlement for a pinched nerve car accident varies depending on the severity of the injury, the extent of the damages, and the laws of the state in which the accident occurred.
In general, however, you can expect to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Find out the maximum compensation you could receive.
Factors Affecting Settlement Amount
When someone has a pinched nerve injury, the settlement amount they receive could be affected by different things. The settlement amount for a pinched nerve injury will depend on several factors, including:
- The severity of the injuries suffered in the car accident
- The extent of the damages
- The laws of the state in which the accident occurred
- The insurance coverage of the at-fault driver
- The negotiating skills of the parties involved
Economic damages are those that can be easily quantified, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages are those that are more difficult to quantify, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.
The severity of the injury is one of the most important factors in determining the settlement amount. A more severe injury will likely result in a higher settlement amount, more serious injuries will incur greater medical expenses and extended physical therapy sessions. The extent of the damages is also important. If the injury has caused you to miss work or incur significant medical expenses, you will likely be able to recover more in damages.
The laws of the state where the accident occurred can also affect the settlement amount. Some states have laws that cap the amount of damages that can be recovered in a personal injury case. Others have laws that allow for punitive damages, which are damages that are designed to punish the at-fault driver and deter others from similar behavior.
The insurance coverage of the at-fault driver is another important factor. If the at-fault driver has high-limit insurance, you may be able to recover more in damages. However, if the at-fault driver has low-limit insurance, you may not be able to recover all of your damages.
Finally, the negotiating skills of the parties involved can also affect the car accident settlement amount. If you have an experienced personal injury lawyer who is skilled at negotiating, you may be able to get a higher settlement amount.
Pinched Nerve Car Accident Settlement Statistics
Here are some helpful pinched nerve settlement statistics:
- The average settlement for a pinched nerve injury in the United States is $200,000.
- The highest settlement for a pinched nerve injury was $1 million.
- The lowest settlement for a pinched nerve injury was $10,000.
- The average time it takes to settle a pinched nerve injury case is 12 months.
- The average settlement percentage that goes to the lawyer is 33%.
- The most common types of damages awarded in pinched nerve injury cases are medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It’s important to note that these are just statistics, and the actual settlement amount in your case may be different. The amount of your settlement will depend on the specific facts of your case, including the severity of your injury, the extent of your damages, and the laws of the state where the accident occurred.
How Can I Ensure Maximum Compensation for a Pinched Nerve After a Car Accident?
To get the best possible settlement for your pinched nerve car accident, you should:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you do not think you are injured, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment.
- Don’t forget to stay at the scene of the accident till the police arrives.
- Keep a record of all your medical expenses. This includes the cost of any doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and physical therapy.
- Save any documentation from the insurance company. This includes the police report, the insurance company’s initial offer, and any other correspondence you have with the insurance company.
- Contact an experienced auto accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Pinched nerve injuries can be devastating, and the settlement amount you receive should reflect that. It’s important to remember that there are many factors at play when it comes to determining a fair settlement, so make sure you understand your rights and options before proceeding with any action. If you or someone you know has suffered from a pinched nerve injury due to an accident, contact a skilled personal injury lawyer; they often offer free case evaluation n so make the most of that to help you receive a fair settlement for your injuries.