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If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, most likely a neck or back injury is involved. Understanding the severity of your injury, the treatments involved, and the length of time it will take to get back to “normal” are all important considerations as you try to determine a settlement number that will ensure your bills and expenses are covered, as well as any future needs. Whether you need a Carlsbad pedestrian accident attorney or help with a car accident case, our team of expert car accident lawyers can help wade through insurance company red tape, negotiate with attorneys for involved parties and insurance companies, all as we work as your advocate and protect your best interests.
The stress of understanding what settlement may be required to cover expenses, as well as determining how your bills will get paid as you’re off work, can be immense. Let us help protect you through the process.
Average Back and Neck Injury Settlement Amounts in California
While no case is typical, nor is there a national average settlement for car accidents in California, our depth of experience allows us to review internal data and share some average settlement numbers. The amount of compensation you receive for a car accident settlement in California varies based on the unique circumstances of each situation and the severity of your injuries. Based on our settlement data shared on this page, the average car accident settlement can range from $250,000 to $1,250,000.
Example Cases of Back and Neck Injuries from Accidents
The following are real cases, taken from the books of the Levinson Law Group over the last few years. Information and locations have been generalized to protect the victims in each case. Please bear in mind, no settlement amount is “typical” or “guaranteed” – but rest assured, our team will work hard to ensure you’re compensated for injuries sustained, treatments needed, lost work, and more.
In March 2024, our client was rear-ended on the freeway while sitting in traffic near San Diego. The wreck caused in a neck injury that then led to chronic pain and migraines. Part of their treatment was rehab and Botox injections. The initial offer from the insurance company was $23,400.00. The case proceeded to trial, where our client received a final settlement of $380,000.00.
In a T-bone collision in Escondido in November 2024, our client had injuries to their head, neck, and back. This case serves as a strong example of a T-bone accident settlement amount, ending with a final settlement of $250,000.00 after an initial offer of $17,500.00.
When trying to enter the freeway in Anaheim, our client was rear-ended by a truck in October 2023. The crash caused a concussion, along with injuries to their neck, back, and shoulder. Medical treatment included chiropractic rehab and injections. The first offer of $75,000.00 was rejected, and the case ended up settling for $750,000.00.
Our client sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury after a T-bone collision in Encinitas in May of 2023. This crash was caused by another driver making an illegal left turn in front of our client. Medical care for their injuries included PT, rehabilitation, and injections. The case had a great outcome for our client with a $1,250,000.00 final settlement, significantly higher than the insurance company’s initial offer of $27,618.16.
In August of 2023, after another driver made a left turn in front of our client near Escondido, they were sideswiped and their car was totaled. Our client sustained Traumatic Brain Injuries that required injections and rehabilitation. The case resulted in a final settlement of $500,000.00.
What Car Accident Back and Neck Injuries Get the Highest Settlements in Southern California?
When looking at car accident back and neck injury settlements in the San Diego area, the type and severity of injuries are significant factors in determining the overall value of a claim. Minor sprains and whiplash from slow-speed, low-impact car accidents are the most common; higher settlements are generally associated with injuries that result in long-term medical needs, permanent disability, and a substantial impact on the victim’s life.
Injuries like a herniated disc might require surgery to help with pain management or to stabilize the area. You may also need ongoing injections or extensive rehab. All of this intensive, long-term care can drive up the settlement amount. Conditions like these often cause chronic pain and nerve damage, which can make it hard to work or just get through your typical day. And then there are spinal fractures, which are extremely serious. They often require surgery to stabilize the spinal cord, and that kind of damage can lead to paralysis or even loss of some bodily functions. When you add up the costs of surgery, rehab, and all the pain and disruption to your life, that’s what really increases the value of a settlement.
The biggest settlements are almost always for catastrophic injuries, like a spinal cord injury (SCI). An SCI can lead to permanent paralysis, which means a person needs lifelong medical care, extensive rehab, and a complete change in how they live their life. The money from these settlements is meant to cover not just medical bills—both current and future—but also things like lost income, emotional distress, and the challenges of managing daily life for the rest of their lives.
Pure Comparative Negligence and Neck and Back Injury Settlements In California
In California, the legal principle of “pure comparative negligence” directly impacts car accident settlements. This rule allows an injured person to seek compensation even if they’re partially at fault for the accident.
Unlike some states where being just a little bit at fault can completely disqualify a claim, California lets you get a settlement, but it’s reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but are found to be 25% responsible, your final payout would be $75,000. This system means a detailed investigation of each person’s actions is crucial in the negotiation process.
At Levinson Law Group, we know that insurance companies often use California’s pure comparative negligence laws to try and reduce what they pay out. Our job is to look into every detail of your case and build a strong argument to show you had minimal fault. We fight for our clients to make sure their percentage of fault is accurately and fairly represented, helping them get as much of their settlement as possible to cover their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A Quick Note on Your Neck or Back Injury Car Accident Settlement
Dealing with a neck or back injury from a car accident can be a lot to handle, and you don’t have to do it all on your own. It’s important to understand what goes into a settlement—from the seriousness of your injuries and the need for long-term care to how California’s unique comparative negligence laws might affect your case. At Levinson Law Group, our goal is to help you through this, fight off low-ball offers from insurance companies, and work to get you a settlement that truly covers all your damages so you can focus on your recovery.
Call Levinson Law Group at (619) 626-2724 today to learn more about your legal options and find out how much your case might be worth. If you’re looking for a pedestrian accident attorney near you, don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized support.