Back and Neck Injuries After Car Accidents
According to the Department of Transportation, thousands of people suffer serious injuries in auto accidents each year. In Massachusetts alone, nearly 2,700 serious injuries were reported in a single recent year. Among the most common — and most disruptive — are back and neck injuries.
Whether your injury was caused by a car accident, a fall, or another negligent act, damage to the neck or spine should never be ignored. Even injuries that seem minor at first can worsen over time. Seeking prompt medical attention is critical, both for your health and for protecting your legal rights.
When back or neck injuries lead to ongoing pain, treatment costs can quickly exceed the limits of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and long-term impact on your life. An experienced back and neck injury attorney can help you understand your options.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Back or Neck Injury
Recovering compensation usually means dealing with insurance companies — and that process is rarely straightforward. Insurers are profit-driven businesses, and their goal is often to minimize what they pay out on claims.
After you file a claim, an insurance adjuster will review the evidence and determine a settlement amount. In many cases, that offer does not reflect the true value of your injuries. Claims may be delayed, denied, or undervalued for reasons such as:
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Allegations that your injuries were not caused by the accident
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Claims that your condition is not supported by medical evidence
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Arguments that another party is responsible
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Attempts to assign you partial fault
Massachusetts follows a comparative negligence rule, allowing injured parties to recover damages as long as they are less than 50% at fault. Without legal representation, insurers may try to unfairly increase your percentage of fault to reduce what they owe. A back and neck injury lawyer can handle all communication with insurers and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who May Be Liable for Back and Neck Injuries?
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of back and neck injuries, making negligent drivers common liable parties. However, responsibility may also fall on others, including property owners or employers, depending on how the injury occurred.
Back and neck injuries often arise from:
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Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
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Slip and fall accidents
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Workplace injuries
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Bicycle or pedestrian accidents
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Boating accidents
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Medical malpractice
Identifying all responsible parties is a critical step in maximizing your recovery. An experienced injury lawyer can investigate your case and determine who should be held accountable.
Why Medical Treatment Matters
Always seek medical care after a back or neck injury — even if pain is minimal or symptoms are delayed. A medical evaluation helps ensure proper treatment and creates essential documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
Delaying care may allow insurance companies to argue that your condition was pre-existing or unrelated. Medical records play a key role in proving damages and protecting your claim.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Massachusetts
Massachusetts law generally gives injured individuals three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
Insurance companies are well aware of this deadline and may attempt to delay claims until time runs out. Having an attorney involved early helps prevent unnecessary delays and ensures your case stays on track.
A lawsuit may become necessary when:
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The at-fault party is uninsured but has assets
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The insurer refuses to negotiate in good faith
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Settlement offers are unreasonably low
No Upfront Legal Fees
Hiring a personal injury lawyer should not add to your financial stress. At Applebaum Accident Group, cases are handled on a contingency fee basis — meaning there are no upfront costs, and legal fees are only collected if compensation is recovered.
Depending on your injuries, recoverable damages may include:
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Past and future medical expenses
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Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Loss of quality of life
Speak With a Back and Neck Injury Lawyer Today
Back and neck injuries can have lasting consequences for you and your family. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to pursue full and fair compensation.
An experienced back and neck injury lawyer can investigate your case, identify all liable parties, and handle insurance negotiations while you focus on healing. Contact Applebaum Accident Group(855-Call-Paul)
today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your future.
