Average Settlement for Car Accident Back and Neck Injury in Oklahoma City

When you’ve been in a car accident in Oklahoma City that’s left you with back or neck injuries, you’re not just dealing with pain – you’re facing a mountain of medical bills, lost wages, and a whole lot of stress.

At 222 Injury Lawyers, we don’t just know Oklahoma law inside and out – we know how to make it work for you. Whether you’re nursing a case of whiplash or dealing with something more serious, we’re here to get you the compensation you deserve.

Let’s talk about what your case might be worth and how we can help you get back on your feet.

Common Back and Neck Injuries from Car Accidents

Car accidents can do a number on your body, especially your back and neck. These areas are particularly vulnerable because of the way your body moves. Here are some of the most common injuries we see:

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash is probably the injury most people think of when it comes to car accidents. It happens when your head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, kind of like a whip cracking. This can strain or tear the muscles and ligaments in your neck. Even though it’s considered a “minor” injury, whiplash can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility if it’s not treated properly.

Herniated Discs

Between each of your vertebrae, you have little cushions called discs. In a car accident, these discs can get pushed out of place or even rupture. We call this a herniated disc, and it can be incredibly painful. You might feel pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates down your arms or legs.

Spinal Cord Injuries

In more severe accidents, there’s a risk of damage to the spinal cord itself. This is serious. Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on where and how badly the cord is damaged. These injuries often result in the highest settlements due to their life-changing nature.

Cervical Spine Injuries

The cervical spine is the neck part of your spine. Injuries here can range from strains to fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae. Even a seemingly minor injury to this area can cause pain and limit your ability to turn your head or lift things.

Lower Back Injuries

Your lower back often takes a beating in a car accident. We commonly see sprains, strains, and fractures in this area. These injuries can cause chronic pain and really impact your day-to-day life, making it hard to do simple things like bend over or sit for long periods.

Factors Influencing Car Accident Settlement Amounts

If you’re experiencing any of the above injuries, you’re probably wondering, “What’s my case worth?” Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every case is different, and several factors come into play when determining settlement amounts. Here’s what we look at:

Severity of Injuries

This one’s pretty straightforward. The more severe your injuries, the higher your settlement is likely to be. A minor case of whiplash will typically result in a lower settlement than a spinal cord injury requiring long-term care.

Medical Treatment and Expenses

Your settlement should cover all your medical expenses related to the accident. This includes everything from emergency room visits and surgeries to ongoing physical therapy and medication. We’ll also factor in any future medical needs you might have as a result of your injuries.

Long-term Impact on Quality of Life

Some injuries heal quickly, while others can affect you for years to come. If your back or neck injury prevents you from enjoying hobbies, playing with your kids, or even just sleeping comfortably, that long-term impact on your quality of life will be considered in your settlement.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

If you’ve had to take time off work to recover, those lost wages should be part of your settlement. And if your injury affects your ability to do your job in the future or limits your earning potential, we’ll factor that in, too.

Pain and Suffering

This one’s a bit trickier to quantify, but it’s an important part of your settlement. The physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a result of your injuries are real, and you deserve compensation for that suffering.

Fault Determination in Oklahoma

Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault for the accident, you can recover damages. However, your settlement may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, you’d receive 80% of the determined settlement amount.

Average Settlement Ranges for Back and Neck Injuries

Now, I know you’re probably looking for some hard numbers here. The truth is settlements can vary widely depending on all the factors we just talked about. But to give you a general idea:

• Minor soft tissue injuries might settle for a few thousand dollars up to around $10,000.
• Moderate back and neck injuries, like herniated discs, could see settlements in the $10,000 to $100,000 range.
• Severe spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis could lead to settlements in the millions.

Remember, these are just rough estimates. Your case could be worth more or less depending on your specific circumstances.

Real-Life Settlement Examples We’ve Obtained

At 222 Injury Lawyers, we’ve handled numerous back and neck injury cases.
Here are a couple of examples:

• In another case, we obtained a $750,000 verdict for a client who suffered a herniated disc in a rear-end collision with minimal visible damage to the vehicles.
• Likowski v. Jim Norton Toyota – After a two-week bench trial, we secured a $1,000,000 settlement for our client involved in a rear-end collision with no visible property damage.

These cases illustrate how settlement amounts can vary significantly based on the specific details of each situation.

The Settlement Process for Car Accident Back and Neck Injuries

Getting a fair settlement isn’t always easy. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying it out. Here’s what you can expect:

1. We’ll start by gathering all your medical records and bills. Thorough documentation is key to proving the extent of your injuries and the cost of your treatment.
2. Next, we’ll calculate all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
3. We’ll then submit a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your injuries and the compensation we believe you’re entitled to.
4. This usually kicks off a period of negotiation. The insurance company will likely come back with a lower offer, and we’ll work to negotiate a fair settlement.
5. If we can’t reach a fair settlement through negotiation, we’re not afraid to take your case to court. Sometimes, the potential for litigation can encourage insurance companies to offer a better settlement.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Oklahoma City

If you’ve been in a car accident, here’s what you should do:

1. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some back and neck injuries can take days or even weeks to fully manifest.
2. Document everything. Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries, get contact information from witnesses, and keep all your medical records and bills.
3. Don’t rush to accept an early settlement offer from the insurance company. These initial offers are often far lower than what your case is actually worth.
4. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney. The sooner you have legal representation, the better protected your rights will be.

Get Legal Help for Your Oklahoma City Car Accident Case

At 222 Injury Lawyers, we’ve been helping Oklahoma City residents with car accident cases for years. We know the local courts, we know Oklahoma law, and we know how to get results for our clients.

We offer free case evaluations so you can get an idea of what your case might be worth without any obligation. And we work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

Ready to talk about your case? Give us a call or use our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Remember, we don’t get paid unless you do. Let’s get you on the road to recovery – both physical and financial.