In an ideal world, car accidents would be few and far between — and everyone would walk away without injury. But that’s simply not a reality. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that an estimated 2.03 million people were injured as the result of a car accident in 2020. That’s quite the improvement from the previous year when an estimated 2.45 million people sustained an injury due to a collision of some sort.
For many people, auto accidents result in nothing more than a few scrapes and cuts. Some, on the other hand, can suffer moderate to more severe injuries. Whiplash is probably one of the most common back and neck injuries that results from a car accident. A herniated disc is also common. During impact, the body moves suddenly, which can strain muscles and other soft tissues in the neck. If not that, it can cause one or more of the “rubbery cushions” between the vertebrae in your spine to tear or rupture. This rupture can lead to not only immediate pain but long-term issues down the line.
Other injuries due to a car accident are also possible. You may experience:
- Head injury
- Broken ribs
- Broken arms, legs, or shoulders
- Knee trauma
- Internal bleeding
Of course, not all injuries are physical. Due to a crash, you might even experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Simply getting in your car again can become especially problematic, if not impossible, as images of the accident may come rushing to your mind.
No matter what sort of injury you suffered, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t believe anything is wrong, head to the emergency room. Some injuries do take time to manifest. You may be injured and not realize the severity until you consult a medical professional.
Besides, consulting with a physician after a car accident ensures you have documentation of your injury — an important step if the other driver is to blame. Reckless behavior behind the wheel shouldn’t go without consequences.
Personal Injury Settlement Amount Examples
During the last five years, the average personal injury settlement amount came in at $62,6000. Mind you; this number accounts for all personal injuries. The typical car accident settlement amount is just shy of $42,000. Much like the personal injury settlement amount, this is the average settlement for car accidents. It ranges from mild to serious injuries, so your settlement could be more or less, depending on the severity of your injury.
Take, for example, a neck and back injury like whiplash. The average car accident settlement for this type of injury is between $2,500 and $10,000. It’s all rated on a scale of zero to four, with the latter possibly resulting in surgery, missed work, or changes to the individual’s lifestyle. Other financial losses and policy terms can also impact a settlement. Again, this is the average settlement for car accidents involving whiplash, not hard numbers. Victims have been awarded upwards of $30,000 or more for more serious cases.
When it comes to back injuries specifically, the average car accident settlement starts at about $10,000 and can climb to $100,000 or more — all based, again, on the severity of injuries, the impact on the individual’s life, ability to work after the accident, and other financial losses.
If you have sustained an injury as the result of a car accident, err on the side of caution and contact an attorney. An attorney can ensure that you’ll be fairly compensated for your personal injury. Often, it pays to have your case evaluated by a legal professional should you need to take legal action further than what the insurance company might provide.
Our team at Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, PLLC brings more than 150 years of combined experience in the area of personal injury and can connect you with an attorney who suits your specific case and needs. Rest assured that each one of our personal injury attorneys understands the stress and pain involved in a car accident.
If you’re looking for a personal injury attorney in the Tulsa area, please feel free to contact our legal team today. We’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about your case. Case consultations are always free.