A car crash can be over in a single second.
However, the injury to your spine? That could affect you for the rest of your life. So many individuals walk away from an accident thinking they are “okay” — only to discover weeks later that something is seriously wrong.
Here’s the problem:
Most people don’t realize how delicate the spine really is. Most people aren’t aware how insurance companies view these injuries either. And that could cost you BIG TIME.
Let’s take a closer look…
What’s inside this guide:
- Why Sudden Impact Is So Dangerous For Your Spine
- The Hidden Injuries You Can’t See
- How Insurance Claim Negotiation Actually Works
- Protecting Your Spine (And Your Rights)
Why Sudden Impact Is So Dangerous For Your Spine
Your spine wasn’t built to handle the forces of a car crash.
In a car accident your body is thrown around violently in ways it’s never meant to go. Your neck jerks forward, then back. Your spine twists and bends. It all happens in an instant. The force doesn’t have to be traumatic to cause serious damage. In fact, per the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, motor vehicle crashes are responsible for 37.5% of new spinal cord injuries nationwide. That’s more than any other cause.
That’s a huge number. And it shows just how common these injuries are.
That’s where insurance claim negotiation comes into play. If your spine was injured due to someone else’s mistakes, you’re allowed to pursue compensation from the negligent driver’s insurance company. Unfortunately, it’s never that easy. Having an experienced Indiana car accident lawyer fighting for you can greatly impact your claim’s value. The insurance company wants to pay you as little as they can. You want to receive what you deserve. Those two motives don’t match up.
And that’s exactly why so many people get shortchanged.
The Hidden Injuries You Can’t See
This is the part that catches so many people off guard…
Not all spinal injuries are immediately apparent. Some of the most severe injuries can be masked for hours, days, or weeks. When you are in a wreck, your body releases adrenaline. This adrenaline numbs the pain. You feel fine at the time.
Then the swelling sets in. And the pain follows.
Whiplash is a prime example. Symptoms can develop within 24-48 hours… even sometimes longer. This lag time can be detrimental. You think you’re not injured, so you don’t go to the doctor. Then you have no medical documentation to support your injury claim.
Think about it:
If you fail to get examined, there will be no documentation connecting your injury to the accident. This will make negotiating your insurance claim difficult later.
The types of hidden spine damage you should watch out for include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage — neck strain that gets worse over time
- Herniated or bulging discs — which press on nerves and cause pain
- Compression fractures of the spine: Small breaks in your vertebrae. These fractures may be painless initially.
- Nerve damage — tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms and legs
NOTE: These injuries can occur even in a low-speed collision. Don’t be fooled by a “minor” bumper-car accident. Without crumple zones, the energy transfers directly into your body.
How Insurance Claim Negotiation Actually Works
Here’s what happens behind the scenes…
When you file a claim, you are assigned an insurance adjuster. They have a helpful title. But don’t be fooled…. they work for the insurance company. Their goal is to lower payouts. They want to pay you as little as possible.
Here’s how the game usually plays out:
- You file your claim after the accident.
- The adjuster reviews your records and the crash details.
- They make a first offer — almost always a lowball one.
- You (or your attorney) negotiate for a fair amount.
That first offer will almost never be worth close to what your claim is actually worth. They hope you’ll settle for less. And soft tissue injuries are difficult because the full cost is incurred over years, not days.
Why does this matter so much?
Since spine injuries can lead to permanent or long-term care, physical therapy, and missed time from work. As many as 25% of patients who suffer from whiplash will continue to experience symptoms one year after their injury. Some individuals never completely recover. Settling too early can leave you footing the bill for medical treatment.
Three keys to successful insurance claim negotiation. Evidence. Patience. Fight back. Adjusters rely on you giving up and settling for whatever they throw at you. Don’t do it.
A few things that strengthen your claim:
- Detailed medical records from the very start
- Notes on how the injury affects your daily life
- Photos of the crash scene and your vehicle
- A clear record of your lost wages and expenses
With all of that in hand, you are in a MUCH better position. The insurance company KNOWS you mean business. And that changes the conversation completely.
Protecting Your Spine (And Your Rights)
So what should you do to protect yourself?
The good news is that several simple measures can have a huge impact. And most are free except for time and effort.
FIRST — ALWAYS SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. Even if you think you feel ok. A visit to your doctor will establish that all-important paper trail connecting your injuries to the accident. It will also help identify any underlying injuries before they become worse.
SECOND — MOVE CAREFULLY AFTER A WRECK.
If you think you may have a spine injury, DO NOT make sudden movements. Movement in the wrong direction can make a temporary injury become a lifetime injury.
Third — Document, document, document. Journal your symptoms. Save every receipt. Take pictures. This paper trail you create will be the foundation of negotiating your insurance claim.
Fourth — don’t settle too quickly. The insurance company wants you to sign on the dotted line before you know the extent of your injuries. Slow down. Spinal injuries take time to manifest themselves.
Following these steps protects both your health and your wallet.
Bringing It All Together
Your spine is not something to gamble with.
Unexpected damage can lurk unseen for weeks. By the time it appears you may have already accepted pennies on the dollar. That’s why so many crash victims get caught up in this trap. Let’s review quickly:
- Sudden impact is a leading cause of spine injuries
- Many spine injuries stay hidden for hours or days
- Adjusters aim to pay you as little as possible
- Strong documentation is the key to fair insurance claim negotiation
- Getting checked out early protects your health and your case
The reality is that spinal cord injuries are no joke. They can alter your life forever in mere seconds and take forever to recover from. Not to mention that they’re costly. However, if you take care of yourself, compile your evidence, and deny any low offer, you’re looking at your best chance for justice.
Take it seriously today — your future self will thank you.