Average Car Accident Settlements for Back and Neck Injuries

Settlements for back and neck injuries vary widely based on the severity of the injury, medical costs, and insurance policy limits, rather than a fixed average amount. The truth? There is no blanket answer to that question. No two cases are the same, as no two injuries, accidents, or people are the same. 

At Dormer Harpring, we guide clients throughout Denver through these challenges and advocate for equitable settlements that empower you and your specific needs.

Common Neck and Back Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause a range of neck and back injuries, some more severe than others. Whiplash is one of the most common neck injuries, often resulting from rear-end collisions. It happens when the neck suddenly jerks forward and then snaps back, straining muscles and ligaments. Symptoms might include stiffness, headaches, and difficulty moving the neck, which can persist for weeks or even months.

Back injuries vary from herniated discs and spinal fractures to chronic lower back pain. The injuries may not reveal themselves immediately but can cause years of pain, limited range of motion, and expensive medical care. In some instances, untreated spinal injuries may develop into chronic pain syndromes or require surgical intervention, which increases the severity and settlement value.

Some other common injuries include:

• Sprains and strains: These minor soft tissue injuries may sound trivial, but they can lead to permanent effects if not treated.
• Facet joint injuries: Damage to the small joints stabilizing the spine, frequently resulting in chronic pain and loss of movement.
• Nerve damage: Compression or trauma to nerves can result in long-term pain, numbness, or even paralysis.
• Compression fractures: Tiny cracks in the vertebrae that can lead to chronic back pain or spinal deformities if untreated.

 

Factors Affecting the Average Settlement for Car Accident Back and Neck Injury

Several factors can influence how much you might receive in a settlement for a neck or back injury:

• Severity of Injuries: More severe injuries, like spinal fractures, often lead to higher settlements due to extensive treatment needs and potential lifelong disability.
• Injury Severity: More severe injuries, such as spinal fractures, are often accompanied by larger settlements due to the extensive treatment required and the potential for permanent disability.
• Medical expenses: Costs associated with visits to doctors, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and the like weigh heavily in determining your compensation. Even relatively minor injuries can add up to thousands of dollars in medical expenses.
• Future Medical Care: If the injury needs ongoing medical treatment, such as pain management in addition to surgeries, future medical costs could be a large component of your settlement.
• Lost Wages: If you missed work because of your injury, that loss of earnings might be included in your settlement. For permanent disability, future lost earnings may also be included.
• In Colorado, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering are capped at $250,000, or $500,000 if there is clear and convincing evidence. Exceptions apply for catastrophic injuries (CRS § 13-21-102.5).
• Liability: The more obvious it is that the other party was at fault for the accident, the stronger your case is likely to be. Police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage are among the pieces of evidence that can help establish liability.
• Comparative fault: In Colorado, under the modified comparative negligence rule (CRS § 13-21-111), you can recover compensation only if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot receive any compensation.
• Loss Of Daily Life: If injuries hinder your ability to perform essential daily tasks or enjoy hobbies, this can raise the value of your settlement.

 

How Much is the Average Settlement for Car Accident Back and Neck Injury?

While it is hard to give a specific amount, settlements for neck and back injuries tend to come in a wide range. Minor injuries like whiplash might have lower settlements, while more serious injuries involving long-term disability can result in significantly higher compensation.

Minor injuries generally have low settlements, reports Disability Help. Every case is different, though, and complicating issues like long-term care or permanent disability would make compensation much higher. For severe injuries that include surgery or prolonged care, the settlements can be considerably higher depending on individual circumstances.

In Colorado, auto insurance policies must meet state minimum coverage limits: $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. If damages exceed these limits, victims may need to rely on uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) if available. If the at-fault driver has minimal insurance coverage, your compensation might be limited unless other sources, such as underinsured motorist coverage, are available.

Case Results for Back and Neck Injury Settlements

Real-world examples give you a better sense of what you can expect. The following are actual results from the cases we have worked on:

$750,000 – Low-Speed Rear-End Car Accident: Our clients sustained neck and back injuries after another vehicle collided with their trailer hitch, with no property damage visible to their vehicle. The original bid was $2,543.62. They engaged us after being let go by a big regional TV ad agency because of no visible property damage. We obtained a good settlement reflection.

$621,000 — Car Accident: Our client sustained a permanent neck after a brush-by collision. The insurance company refused to settle for more than $17,000 before the trial, but within months unrelated to the case, they paid much more, which covered medical bills, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

$550,000 — Car Accident: Our client injured her neck when another car backed into the road and collided with her vehicle. Despite a denial of liability at first, we were able to get a substantial settlement. We served as trial counsel for a local personal injury firm in an outcome that netted a victory for our client.

Under Colorado law (CRS § 13-80-101), you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for back or neck injuries. Failing to file within this period may result in losing your right to compensation.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Maximize Your Back and Neck Injury Settlement

At Dormer Harpring, we help clients in Denver fight for the settlements they deserve after back or neck injuries caused by car accidents. Our Denver Car Accident Lawyer works closely with medical experts to ensure your injuries are properly documented and that your settlement reflects the full scope of your losses.

We take a personalized approach to every case, understanding that no two injuries—or clients—are exactly alike. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or preparing for trial, we’re committed to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you need to move forward.

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