The aftermath of a car accident is overwhelming, especially if you sustained a serious back injury. The pain, medical bills, and lost wages leave many with countless questions: Do I have a claim? How can I get back on my feet, both physically and financially? How much is a back injury worth in a car accident? A personal injury lawyer is a powerful advocate in securing the compensation you deserve for your back injury from a car accident settlement.
Common Back Injuries in Car Accidents
Experienced lawyers see various injuries resulting from car accidents; however, back injuries are widespread. The most common types of back injuries include:
- Whiplash. Whiplash is a soft tissue injury caused by the sudden forceful back-and-forth movement of the head and neck. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
- Herniated disc. When the soft cushion between vertebrae bulges or ruptures, it can press on nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.
- Spinal cord injury. These are the most severe back injuries, potentially causing paralysis and permanent disability.
Seeking compensation for a back injury after a car accident is complicated, but a lawyer can help. Even victims suffering from less severe injuries like lower back pain may pursue a car accident settlement. Recovering what you and your family deserve is your attorney’s primary goal. Don’t miss out on getting the financial support you need.
Back Injury and Car Accident Compensation in New Jersey
New Jersey law allows car accident victims to seek compensation for economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages compensate for the financial losses you’ve incurred, such as:
- Medical bills. Medical expenses include past and future losses related to your back injury, such as doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and surgeries.
- Lost wages. If your injuries caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for that lost income.
- Loss of earning capacity. If your back injury limits your ability to work in the future or the ability to earn as much as you would if you didn’t have your injury, you can recover for lost earning potential.
Save all documentation, including pay stubs, invoices, and similar documentation, to support your demand for economic damages.
Noneconomic damages compensate for intangible losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering. Pain and suffering include the physical and emotional pain caused by your injury.
- Loss of consortium. Loss of consortium compensates for the loss of companionship, love, and support from a spouse or family member due to your injury.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. Compensation for the limitations your injury places on your daily activities and hobbies.
Due to their subjective nature, recovering noneconomic damages can be challenging without the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Punitive Damages in New Jersey
Punitive damages are rarely awarded in car accident cases. Compared to compensatory damages, courts do not award punitive damages to compensate a victim for their losses. Instead, punitive damages seek to punish the at-fault driver for egregious conduct, like driving under the influence or reckless disregard for safety.
How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Back Injury Claim
A personal injury lawyer specializing in car accidents can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
- Investigate the accident. Your attorney will gather evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements, to prove the cause of the accident and the other driver’s fault.
- Negotiate with the insurance company. Insurance companies often try to minimize settlements. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Handle the legal process. Filing a lawsuit and navigating the legal system can be complex. Your lawyer will handle all legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
- Calculate the value of your claim. Determining the value of your back injury claim requires quantifying the severity of your injury, medical expenses, lost wages, and future medical needs.
Your attorney handles these time-consuming and crucial tasks, allowing you to focus on your recovery. It’s vital to get back on your feet so you can get the life back that you had before your car accident.
How Much Is a Back Injury Worth in a Car Accident?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to determining back injury car accident compensation. Your settlement amount depends on your case’s specific details, including:
- The severity of your injury,
- The impact on your life, and
- The at-fault driver’s insurance coverage.
However, a lawyer can assess your case and estimate a fair settlement range.
Don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact a personal injury lawyer today to discuss your options and get the compensation you deserve for your back injury from a car accident settlement.
Contact Us
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., our attorneys understand how hard it may be for you and your family following an accident resulting from someone else’s negligent conduct. Getting the medical treatment you need and focusing on your recovery is key to getting back on the right path. We carefully listen to your story so we can prepare a successful strategy for negotiating and litigating on your behalf. We have obtained over $100 million in settlements and judgments on behalf of our clients when they need it most. Contact us today by phone or email for a free consultation and learn more about how Glugeth and Pierguidi, P.C. can help you.