Common Injuries an Auto Crash Victim in St Petersburg May Experience
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
We have talked a lot about car accidents and what can happen when it is time to recover financially, but we should also discuss physical recovery as well.Here are some of the more common injuries an auto crash victim may experience and how those injuries can significantly impact their quality of life moving forward.
Whiplash
In the year 2016, Florida reportedly had 395,785 motor vehicle accidents. Whiplash was the most common of the injuries sustained during these accidents.
Whiplash happens when a person’s head snaps forward and backward or moves side to side from the impact during a car accident. Whiplash is often associated with rear-end accidents, but any type of force can cause this injury.
Some common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, headache, neck and shoulder stiffness, arm pain or weakness, jaw stiffness and soreness, and dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. If you refrain from receiving physical therapy after this type of injury, your recovery time may be slower.
Payout for a Whiplash Injury
The average payout for a whiplash injury in Florida is $10,000. This is the amount Florida no-fault insurance coverage offers and is usually enough money to cover lost wages, a hospital visit, and some physical therapy visits.
Personal injury protection (PIP) covers most cases and can cover between $10,000 and $15,000. They also consider pain and suffering when it is time to calculate damages.
Herniated or Ruptured Discs
Our spines are made of many different vertebrae. A jelly-filled disc between each keeps them from rubbing against each other. An auto accident can cause the discs in our spine to shift or rupture.
When this happens, a person can experience numbness and pain that radiates throughout specific areas of the body, including the limbs. Chiropractic care can remedy some of the problem, but surgery may be required for more serious cases.
Payout for Herniated Disc
In Florida, there is no average settlement payment recorded for this type of injury because each accident and injury is different. Some settlements may range between being modest or substantial, usually based on the economic and non-economic damages.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries to the spinal cord can be devastating. The spine may be able to be repaired, but the nerves may sustain significant damage. Those suffering from spinal injuries following an accident often require extensive treatment, care, and support.
Payout for Spinal Cord Injuries
The injury's seriousness will determine how much a settlement will be. Major spinal cord injuries could result in a $300,000 payment in Florida, while minor injuries may only receive $2,000.
Settlements in Florida
Again, the average car accident settlement in Florida is around $15,000. However, the more severe the injuries, the higher the settlement will be. Some factors affecting a settlement include the negligence of the at-fault party, comparative negligence of the injured party, the extent of the impact and property damage, and the severity of the injuries, among other factors.
To help determine proper compensation following an auto accident, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can calculate the possible settlement and fight for you to get the amount you deserve.