Car accidents can cause more than visible vehicle damage. Many crash victims walk away feeling “fine,” only to discover days later that they’re suffering from serious internal injuries. One of the most common and painful conditions is a herniated disc.
If you’re researching a herniated disc car accident settlement, you likely have questions about case value, insurance adjusters, and what steps to take next. Understanding your rights is critical to protecting your health, and your financial future.
What Is a Herniated Disc After a Car Accident?
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher outer layer. This often happens due to the forceful impact of a collision, even at moderate speeds.
Symptoms may include:
- Persistent neck or back pain
- Radiating pain into arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Limited mobility
Because these are considered internal injuries after a crash, they may not be immediately visible but can significantly impact your daily life.
Herniated Disc Car Accident Settlement: What Factors Affect Value?
There is no universal settlement amount. The herniated disc car accident value depends on several key factors, including:
1. Severity of the Injury
Is the disc bulging or fully herniated? Does it require physical therapy, injections, or surgery? Cases involving spinal surgery or long-term disability typically result in higher settlements.
2. Medical Expenses
Compensation often includes:
- Emergency care
- Diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT scans)
- Specialist visits
- Physical therapy
- Pain management
- Future medical treatment
3. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If your injury prevents you from working, or limits your ability to return to the same job, this can significantly affect your settlement.
4. Pain and Suffering
Spinal injuries often cause chronic pain and reduced quality of life. Non-economic damages may account for long-term discomfort and lifestyle limitations.
5. Insurance Coverage and Liability
Clear liability and available insurance coverage also influence the overall value of a herniated disc car accident settlement.
Why Herniated Disc Injuries Are Often Undervalued
Insurance companies frequently argue that:
- The injury was pre-existing
- The disc damage is age-related
- The pain is exaggerated
- Conservative treatment is sufficient
Without proper legal representation, victims may receive offers far below the true value of their claim.
An experienced injury attorney can gather medical documentation, expert opinions, and evidence linking the accident directly to your spinal injury.
Internal Injuries After a Crash: Why Immediate Evaluation Matters
Many internal injuries after a crash, including spinal trauma, do not present symptoms immediately. Delayed medical care can:
- Worsen your condition
- Complicate recovery
- Give insurers grounds to dispute your claim
Seeking prompt medical evaluation creates a documented record that connects your injuries to the accident, which is crucial for settlement negotiations.
Should You Talk to the Insurance Adjuster?
One of the most common questions accident victims ask is: Should you talk to the insurance adjuster?
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize payouts. They may:
- Ask leading questions
- Request recorded statements
- Downplay your injuries
- Offer quick, low settlements
- Attempt to get you to admit partial fault
Before speaking in detail or accepting any offer, it’s wise to consult with a personal injury attorney. Even a simple recorded statement can be used against you later.
How Legal Representation Can Strengthen Your Claim
When pursuing a herniated disc car accident settlement, legal representation can help:
- Calculate full and future medical costs
- Prove the injury resulted from the accident
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
- Prevent unfair blame tactics
- Maximize compensation for pain and suffering
Spinal injuries can have lifelong consequences. Settling too quickly may leave you responsible for ongoing treatment expenses.
Signs You May Have a Herniated Disc After a Crash
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Persistent back or neck pain
- Shooting pain down the arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling
- Difficulty standing, walking, or sitting
- Worsening pain over time
Even seemingly minor collisions can cause serious spinal trauma.
Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident in Pinellas County
If you’re dealing with a spinal injury, understanding the true herniated disc car accident value of your claim is essential. Insurance companies move quickly, but you deserve time to understand the full extent of your injuries before accepting any settlement.
At Merricks Law Group, our legal team helps accident victims in Pinellas County pursue fair compensation for serious internal injuries after a crash.
Before speaking further with an insurance adjuster or accepting any offer, consider seeking experienced legal guidance.
Contact Merricks Law Group today for a consultation and protect your right to full compensation.