There is no way to calculate the average settlement for a cervical radiculopathy car accident because no two crashes are the same. Victims suffer various injuries in different types of collisions, and their incurred expenses could range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands.
Instead of considering what an “average” collision with injuries similar to yours might bring, consider hiring a car collision attorney. They can determine your specific damages and losses, value your case, and file your claim. You will pay them out of any compensation you might recover – if you don’t receive any compensation, you pay no attorney fees.
Lasting Effects of Cervical Radiculopathy in Car Accident Victims
Most people commonly refer to cervical radiculopathy as a “pinched nerve in the neck.” This injury occurs when a crash compresses a nerve near the spinal cord, causing inflammation and irritation. You might experience nerve pain running down the affected arm as well as numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Some cases of cervical radiculopathy can cause lasting damage to the nerve root. If so, you might have symptoms including radiating pain, numbness, or muscle weakness that lead to:
- A long-term need for pain management
- A disability if one or both arms are severely affected
- Inability to return to your job because of your disability
You will need to understand how these permanent changes to your life could affect your settlement before determining an appropriate value.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 537-8185
How do I Know How Much a Settlement for a Pinched Nerve Might be Worth?
You should not consider an offer before you know what fair compensation will look like. Agreeing to a payout too early in your recovery could leave you paying medical bills and covering other costs out of your pocket.
These factors can affect the value of your settlement:
- The severity of your cervical radiculopathy
- If you suffered additional injuries and their severity
- The cost of your medical care and support
- If you have lasting injuries
- How long you were out of work
- If you can return to your previous line of work or work at all
- The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle
- The strength of your case
- Your ability to negotiate a settlement
- If you contributed to the accident in any way
- If the at-fault motorist acted intentionally or particularly recklessly
- State laws that limit your recovery under certain circumstances
That is a lot to take in, especially in the immediate aftermath of an accident. You might want to consult a personal injury lawyer who can help you sort through everything.
Watch Out for Insurance Adjusters Bearing Quick Settlement Offers
Some insurance companies will offer a settlement in the first days or weeks after a crash. These offers are almost always a lowball figure. That soon following a collision, you will not yet know the extent of your injuries or the necessary treatment. You cannot collect for future damages because you will not have evidence of your potential needs.
In addition, even if you believe you have a rough idea of the losses you incurred, you may want to speak with an attorney before you sign an agreement. You may have additional damages you overlooked, and once you sign an agreement, you cannot pursue more money later. Most personal injury law firms provide complimentary case reviews for accident victims.
Attorneys Handle the Claims Process and Seek Fair Compensation
Car accident lawyers manage crash claims from beginning to end. When you call on a law firm, they can go to work for you:
- Protecting your rights
- Talking to the insurer and at-fault party as necessary
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Valuing your case
- Filing the claim
- Negotiating for an appropriate agreement
- Determining if you need to sue the at-fault driver
- Taking legal action on your behalf
The statute of limitations for suing a driver depends on your state. Other factors could shorten the timeline, so you will want to keep these deadlines in mind:
- Two years in Alabama (Ala. Code § 6-2-38)
- Three years in Arkansas (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105)
- One year in Louisiana (La. Civ. Code Art. 3492)
- Three years in Mississippi (Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49)
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Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy and How This Injury Affects Your Life
According to a 2016 article published in Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, compressed cervical nerve roots treatment is often conservative. Doctors generally try noninvasive treatments first before moving on to spinal surgery if there is no improvement. Pain management also plays a key role for many patients.
The necessary treatment for your pinched nerve could include:
- Physical therapy
- Oral or injected steroids
- Ongoing pain management until healed
Morris Bart, LLC Fights for Compensation for Injured Victims
At the Morris Bart law office, our team has someone ready to evaluate your case and offer advice and guidance for free. We are a contingency fee law firm representing accident victims in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas.
Call (800) 537-8185 now to get started.
Questions?Call (800) 537-8185
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