Contact Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer Today
Blog Layout

Insurance Settlements for Car Accident Back and Neck Injuries in Missouri

On behalf of Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer

February 17, 2025

Insurance Settlements for Car Accident Back and Neck Injuries in Missouri

Car accidents are a leading cause of neck and back injuries in Missouri. Even low-speed collisions can result in serious trauma to the cervical spine, leading to chronic pain and significant medical expenses. If you've suffered a soft tissue back injury or required back surgery due to an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. But how much can you expect from a settlement? And what factors influence the final payout?
At Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer, we help accident victims understand their legal rights and fight for the compensation they deserve. Here’s what you need to know about insurance settlements for back and neck injuries in Missouri.

What Factors Are Considered in a Back and Neck Injury Settlement?
No two personal injury settlements are the same. Several factors influence the compensation amount, including:

1. Severity of the Injury
The extent of your injury plays a major role in determining settlement amounts. A minor soft tissue back injury, such as a strain or sprain, will generally result in a lower payout compared to a serious cervical spine injury requiring surgery.
  • Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and whiplash typically result in settlements between $10,000 and $50,000, depending on medical costs and recovery time.
  • Herniated discs or fractures: These injuries often lead to settlements ranging from $75,000 to $250,000, especially if they require long-term treatment.
  • Back surgery cases: If surgery is required, such as a spinal fusion or discectomy, settlements can range from $150,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on complications and rehabilitation needs.
2. Medical Expenses
Your past and future medical bills are a key component of your claim. This includes:

  • Emergency room visits
  • Hospital stays
  • Physical therapy
  • Chiropractic care
  • Surgery
  • Medication
Insurance companies will evaluate your total medical costs before offering a settlement. It’s critical to document all treatments and anticipated future expenses.

3. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your back or neck injury prevents you from working, you can claim lost wages. If the injury permanently affects your ability to earn income, your settlement could increase significantly. A Missouri worker earning $50,000 per year who can no longer work due to a spinal injury might receive a six-figure settlement to cover lost future earnings.

4. Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering compensation covers physical discomfort and emotional distress. A severe cervical spine injury causing chronic pain or reduced mobility will generally lead to higher settlements.

5. Liability and Insurance Policy Limits
Missouri follows a comparative fault system, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you're partially responsible for the accident. Additionally, insurance policy limits can impact how much you receive. If the at-fault driver carries only the Missouri minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person, your claim may be limited unless other policies apply.

Common Types of Back and Neck Injuries After Car Accidents
Car accidents cause a range of injuries, from minor sprains to life-altering spinal damage. Understanding the type of injury you’ve sustained helps estimate settlement potential.

1. Whiplash and Soft Tissue Back Injuries
Whiplash is the most common neck injury after a crash, especially in rear-end collisions. It affects the muscles and ligaments in the neck and can cause:
  • Stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Chronic pain
  • Reduced range of motion
Soft tissue injuries are harder to prove on medical scans, making legal representation crucial to maximizing your claim.

2. Herniated Discs
A car crash can cause the soft cushions between your vertebrae to rupture or bulge, pressing on nerves and causing intense pain. Symptoms include:
  • Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
  • Muscle weakness
  • Severe back pain
If surgery like a discectomy or spinal fusion is needed, settlement values increase significantly.

3. Spinal Cord Injuries
Serious spinal injuries can lead to permanent disability, paralysis, or lifelong pain. The average settlement for a severe spinal cord injury can exceed $1 million due to extensive medical care and lost earning potential.

4. Fractured Vertebrae
A vertebral fracture can lead to instability in the spine, requiring months of treatment. These cases often involve settlements between $100,000 and $400,000, depending on complications.

How Insurance Companies Calculate Settlements
Insurance companies use various formulas to calculate settlements. A common approach is the multiplier method, where total medical expenses are multiplied by a number (usually between 1.5 and 5) depending on injury severity.

For example:
  • A whiplash case with $10,000 in medical bills might receive a 1.5x multiplier, resulting in a $15,000 settlement.
  • A herniated disc requiring surgery with $100,000 in medical bills might receive a 4x multiplier, leading to a $400,000 payout.
Adjusters also consider liability, policy limits, and pre-existing conditions when determining offers.

Missouri Car Accident Settlement Statistics
While every case is unique, here are some recent Missouri settlement trends:
  • Soft tissue injuries: $10,000 - $50,000
  • Herniated disc cases: $75,000 - $250,000
  • Back surgery settlements: $150,000 - $500,000+
  • Spinal cord injury cases: $500,000 - $1,000,000+
Missouri courts consider long-term effects when awarding damages. Cases with lasting impairments often receive higher payouts.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident to Protect Your Settlement?
If you’ve suffered a back or neck injury, follow these steps to strengthen your claim:
  • Seek Medical Treatment Immediately – Delaying care can reduce your settlement value.
  • Follow Doctor’s Orders – Attend all appointments and complete recommended treatments.
  • Document Everything – Keep records of medical bills, lost wages, and pain symptoms.
  • Don’t Accept the First Offer – Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements.
  • Consult an Attorney – A lawyer can negotiate higher compensation and handle legal complexities.
Contact Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered a cervical spine injury, soft tissue back injury, or required back surgery after a Missouri car accident, you deserve fair compensation. Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your claim.
At Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer, we fight for injured Missourians. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will evaluate your case, negotiate aggressively with insurers, and, if necessary, take your case to court to secure the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation and let us help you maximize your settlement. Your recovery is our priority.
Share by:
Skip to main content