Car accidents are a frighteningly common reality in California. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), there were over 180,000 injury crashes reported in the state in 2022 alone, with neck injuries being among the most prevalent.
At Kuzyk Law, our Bakersfield neck injury lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take.
We’re dedicated to helping victims navigate the legal process and recover the compensation they deserve
Why Are Neck Injuries So Serious?
Neck injuries can significantly impact your daily life, affecting your ability to work, perform household tasks, and enjoy activities.
Chronic pain, reduced mobility, and the need for ongoing medical treatment can also affect your overall well-being.
Understanding Neck Injuries
Car accidents are a leading cause of neck injuries in California. At Kuzyk Law, our Bakersfield neck injury lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take.
Common Neck Injuries
Neck injuries from car accidents can vary in severity. Some of the most common include:
Whiplash:
This occurs when the neck is forcefully jerked back and forth, leading to soft tissue damage.
Herniated Discs:
Discs in the neck can become displaced or ruptured, causing pain and nerve damage.
Cervical Fractures:
These are breaks in the neck’s vertebrae and can be very serious.
Spinal Cord Injuries:
Damage to the spinal cord can lead to loss of function and sensation below the injury site.
Neck Strains and Sprains:
These involve the muscles and ligaments of the neck and can cause significant discomfort.
How the Neck Injury Lawyers at the Kuzyk Law Can Help
Expertise in personal injury law
Kuzyk Law has a team of experienced personal injury attorneys specializing in neck and spine injury cases. We understand the complexities of these injuries and the legal processes involved in securing fair compensation for our clients.
Track record of success in handling neck and spine injury cases
We have a proven track record of successfully handling neck and spine injury cases. Our attorneys have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, ensuring they receive the compensation needed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Free consultations and case evaluations for potential clients
We offer free consultations and case evaluations for potential clients. During this initial meeting, we will review the details of your case, answer your questions, and outline the next steps.
Testimonials & Reviews
Our client’s satisfaction is a testament to our commitment and success. Here are some testimonials from those who have benefited from our services:
- “The team at Kuzyk Law was compassionate and supportive throughout the process. They fought hard for my rights and got me the compensation I deserved.”
Common Neck and Spine Injuries in Car Accidents
| Injury | Definition and Explanation | Causes and Symptoms | Long-Term Implications |
| Whiplash | A soft tissue injury of the neck caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the head. | Caused by rear-end collisions, sudden stops, or forceful impacts. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. It may not appear immediately after the accident. | Long-term complications can include chronic pain, headaches, and limited mobility. |
| Cervical Fractures | Breaks in one or more bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae). | High-impact crashes, rollovers, or forceful blows to the head. Severe pain, swelling, bruising, numbness, tingling, or paralysis. It can be life-threatening. | Potential complications include permanent paralysis, loss of sensation, breathing difficulties, and spinal cord damage. |
| Herniated Discs | When the soft inner disc material bulges or ruptures through a weakness in the outer wall. | Trauma from car accidents can compress or tear the discs—pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling radiating down the arms or legs. | Treatment options include pain medication, physical therapy, or surgery. Recovery time varies depending on the severity. |
| Spinal Cord Injuries | Damage to the spinal cord can cause permanent loss of mobility and sensation. | Severe car accidents often cause the most serious neck injury. Vary greatly depending on the location and severity of the damage. It can include paralysis, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing. | Extensive rehabilitation is often required, and some impairments may be permanent. |
| Neck Strains and Sprains | Overstretched or torn muscles and ligaments in the neck. | Sudden movements, forceful impacts, or awkward positions cause it. Pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and tenderness in the neck. | Treatment typically involves rest, pain medication, ice therapy, and physical therapy. Recovery time can range from a few days to several weeks. |
Legal Aspects of Neck and Spine Injuries in California
Understanding the legal aspects of a neck injury claim is crucial. Here, we’ll cover the essential steps to take after a neck injury:
Establishing Liability
Determining fault in car accidents is crucial for your case. Collecting evidence to support your claim, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, is essential.
Collecting evidence to support a claim
Gathering medical records, accident reports, and other documentation to support your claim. Evidence includes police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
Seeking Medical Attention
Timely medical care is vital for your health and for legally documenting injuries. Proper documentation can significantly strengthen your claim.
Documenting Injuries for Legal Purposes
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We can help you navigate communication with them and avoid common pitfalls during negotiations. Accurate medical records are vital for proving the extent of your injuries.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Communicating with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts. Communicating carefully and avoiding common pitfalls during negotiations is crucial.
At Kuzyk Law, we handle these negotiations to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Statute of Limitations and Filing a Claim in California
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including neck injuries from car accidents, is generally two years from the date of the injury.
This means you have a limited time to take legal action and seek compensation for your injuries. Please file within this timeframe to avoid losing your right to pursue a claim.
At Kuzyk Law, we understand the importance of timely filing. We are dedicated to guiding you through the claims process efficiently.
Our experienced team will conduct a thorough case evaluation, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will take your case to trial to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Compensation for Neck and Spine Injuries
Neck and spine injuries can have far-reaching consequences on your health, well-being, and financial stability. When you suffer such injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation to help cover various costs and losses.
Understanding the types of compensation available and the factors influencing these amounts is crucial for ensuring you receive a fair settlement.
Types of Compensation Available
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are one of the most significant components of a personal injury claim. This compensation covers a range of costs, including:
- Hospital Bills: Emergency room visits, surgeries, and overnight stays expenses.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Costs associated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative services needed to recover from your injury.
- Ongoing Medical Care: Future medical expenses, such as follow-up visits, prescription medications, and any necessary medical equipment or modifications to your home.
Lost Wages
You can claim compensation for lost wages if your neck or spine injury prevents you from working. This includes:
Immediate Lost Income:
Wages lost due to time off work immediately following the accident.
Future Lost Earnings:
Compensation for diminished earning capacity if your injury results in long-term or permanent disability affecting your ability to work in the future.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury. This type of compensation is less tangible than medical expenses or lost wages but is equally important. It encompasses:
- Physical Pain: Chronic pain or discomfort resulting from the injury.
- Emotional Distress: Psychological impact, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from the accident and its aftermath.
Factors Influencing Compensation
Severity of the Injury
The severity of your neck or spine injury significantly determines the compensation you can receive. Factors include:
- The extent of the Injury: More severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis, typically warrant higher compensation compared to less severe injuries like minor strains or sprains.
- Treatment Required: The need for extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing care, can increase the compensation amount.
Impact on Daily Life and Future Earning Capacity
The extent to which your injury affects your daily life and future earning capacity also influences your compensation:
- Daily Life: If your injury severely restricts your ability to perform daily activities, you may be entitled to higher compensation. This includes difficulties in personal care, household chores, and enjoying hobbies or activities you previously engaged in.
- Future Earning Capacity: If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job or requires you to take a lower-paying position, compensation for lost future earning capacity will be factored into your settlement. This includes consideration of your age, occupation, skills, and potential for retraining.
Why Choose Kuzyk Law for Your Neck Injury Case?
At Kuzyk Law, we’re dedicated to helping neck injury victims navigate the legal process and recover the compensation they deserve. Here’s what sets us apart:
Expertise in Personal Injury Law: Our experienced Bakersfield neck injury attorneys have a proven track record of successfully handling complex neck and spine injury cases.
Free Consultations and Case Evaluations: We offer free consultations to discuss your unique situation and determine the best course of action.
Client-Centered Representation: We work closely with our clients to ensure they understand their rights and are informed throughout the legal process.
Remember to call us to speak with a Bakersfield neck injury lawyer.
If you’ve suffered a neck injury in an accident, seeking legal representation to protect your rights is essential. Kuzyk Law is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation today, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Visit our contact page or call us directly to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Neck Injury Questions in Bakersfield
What are the common causes of neck injuries that you handle?
We handle neck injuries from car accidents, slips and falls, workplace accidents, and more.
Will I have to go to court for my neck injury case?
Not necessarily. Many neck injury cases are settled out of court. However, we are prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
How do you determine the value of a neck injury claim?
We consider factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the long-term impact of the injury.
Can I still file a claim if the neck injury was partly my fault?
Yes, California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault.
What are the costs associated with hiring a neck injury lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case. Our fees will be a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount.
