Some of the most common adverse outcomes resulting from car accidents are back and neck injuries caused by trauma inflicted on the back, neck or spinal cord. Unfortunately, studies have indicated that even car accidents involving speeds as low as five miles per hour can cause serious neck and back injuries for both drivers and passengers. These types of injuries typically occur as a result of driver negligence, and can have life-altering consequences for affected individuals. In fact, back and neck injuries like whiplash caused by Tennessee car accidents can cause debilitating side effects like joint pain, ligament damage and muscle spams in the neck and upper back. More severe back injuries can even result in temporary or permanent paralysis. Due to the serious nature of back and neck injuries, Tennessee car accident victims suffering from these injuries should seek help from a qualified personal injury attorney to discuss their legal options.
Besides causing significant and immediate pain, back and neck injuries sustained in car accidents can also have long-term consequences for car accident victims in Nashville, Tennessee. Serious back and neck injuries typically require considerable medical care, which can result in substantial medical expenses for the injured victim. In addition, back and neck injuries can lead to chronic and debilitating pain, which may prevent car accident victims from returning to work for a period of time, and may also require lifetime treatment. In fact, studies show that approximately 25% of whiplash injuries will become recurring conditions requiring long-term medical care. This combination of unfortunate factors is likely to take a significant financial toll on car accident victims, especially for those who are unable to collect financial compensation for their injuries and medical expenses.
One of the most important components involved in recovering damages for back and neck injuries sustained in a Tennessee can accident is determining driver liability. In Tennessee, the “50% Rule” is in effect, which means that a plaintiff cannot recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit unless he or she is 49% at fault or less. If both the plaintiff and defendant are deemed to be 50% at fault, no damages can be recovered. This can be especially devastating for car accident victims who sustain incapacitating back or neck injuries in a Tennessee car accident, exposing them to a significant financial burden resulting from loss of income and overwhelming medical bills.
It is important for Tennessee car accident victims to remember that not all neck and back injuries are immediately evident at the time of the accident. In fact, many injuries of this kind can become significantly worse before the victim is even aware that he or she is injured. Because of this fact, it is important that car accident victims seek medical attention immediately after being involved in a car accident in Tennessee, as injuries that develop later on may be difficult to link to the accident without having medical records on file. With the help of an experienced Tennessee personal injury attorney, victims of back and neck injuries in Tennessee can collect the financial compensation they deserve for their injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
