Ames Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Unexpected accidents and injuries can throw lives off course. In these difficult moments, car accident injury lawyers become essential allies. They specialize in representing those injured due to others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This article examines the vital role these lawyers play, guiding individuals through their claims and aiding their recovery.

Broken Back After a Car Accident

Car accidents are a common cause of injury, and in 2022, there were 2,383,000 people injured in car accidents in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. One of the most severe types of injuries a person can sustain from a car crash is a broken back. If you suffered fractured vertebrae in a car crash someone else caused, seek help from an attorney.

What is a Broken Back?

A broken back refers to the vertebrae in the spinal column of the back becoming fractured as the result of trauma. In a car accident, the two areas of the back most commonly affected are the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. However, any area of the back may become fractured or dislocated. There are three major types of fracture patterns that a car accident victim may experience: flexion fracture, extension fracture, and rotation fracture. Within each pattern, different types of fractures might occur, such as compression fractures, fracture-dislocations, axial burst fractures, and more.

The Dangers of a Broken Back

When the vertebrae in the spinal column are disturbed – either as result of a fracture or a dislocation – serious consequences are likely. The vertebrae in the spinal column are responsible for protecting the spinal cord. Broken vertebrae may damage the spinal cord. If the spinal cord itself is damaged, paralysis or other neurological problems may result. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a traumatic injury to the spinal cord can result in long-term neurological injuries that may affect nerves, the respiratory system, the urinary system, the gastrointestinal system, and mental health via depression or anxiety. 

While paralysis and loss of function are typically the biggest concerns of a spinal cord injury, changes in mood and personality are also worrisome. Even if no harm to the spinal cord occurs, fractured vertebrae may still require medical care and surgery, involve painful and lengthy healing times, and affect a person’s ability to return to the same active lifestyle. Additionally, a car accident that results in a broken back can also cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Protecting Yourself While Driving

The CDC reports that car accidents are responsible for 46 percent of spinal cord injuries in the United States. By wearing a seat belt while driving, you can reduce your odds of sustaining a spinal cord injury by 60 percent. Using a seat belt and airbag together reduces your odds by 80 percent. Always buckle up and ensure your airbags are functional to protect yourself in the event of a car accident.

What to Do If You Were the Victim of a Hit and Run

The first thing to do after a car accident hit and run is to tend to your medical needs and alert the proper authorities. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that approximately 11 percent of car accidents involve a hit-and-run driver. If you were struck by someone who fled the scene of the accident, follow these steps:

Avoid the Temptation to Chase the Driver

Anger and adrenaline may cause you to want to chase down the other driver, but authorities highly warn against this. The driver could be fleeing for various reasons and may react unpredictably. Stay calm, collect information, and rely on the authorities to track down the other driver.

Collect as Much Information as Possible

If your immediate medical needs are tended to, try collecting and writing down as much information as possible, including the make and model of the car, the license plate number, a description of the driver, and witness names and contact numbers. This information will help the police locate and identify the suspect and facilitate your case when pursuing compensation with the insurance company.

Contact the Police

After a hit and run, contact the police and provide them with all pertinent information. They will fill out a police report, which you will need to support your car accident claim. Take photos or videos of the accident location and the damages, as they may help with the investigation and your insurance claim.

Can Uninsured Motorist Coverage Help If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

Uninsured motorist coverage can help if you were injured by another driver who doesn’t have insurance. For help exercising or understanding your rights when filing a car insurance claim, contact auto accident attorneys.

How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Can Help

If you have uninsured motorist coverage and are injured by a driver without insurance, your medical costs and other damages may be covered. If passengers in your vehicle also suffered injuries, they are protected as well. Although this type of coverage isn’t required in Iowa, it’s recommended. It not only provides protection when involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist but also covers injuries in a hit-and-run. 

Uninsured motorist coverage is fairly inexpensive, and the more coverage you have, the better protected you will be. Damages for a car insurance claim will be covered up to the limits of your policy, with common amounts being $100,000 for one person and $300,000 per accident.

We Are Here To Help

Remember, you are not alone in recovering from your injuries. We have helped thousands of Iowans through their physical, emotional, and financial recoveries. If you have questions about what you are going through, feel free to call our office for your confidential injury conference. We will take the time to listen to you and give you our advice concerning your injury matter at no cost or risk to you.

Free Book at No Cost 

If you are not ready to speak with an attorney yet but would like to learn more about Iowa injury cases including tips about how you can avoid making common costly mistakes request a copy of our Iowa Personal Injury book which includes 14 myths about Iowa injury cases and 5 things to know before hiring an attorney.

If you have specific questions about your injury matter feel free to call our office to speak with our Injury team at 641-792-3595 or use our Chat feature by clicking here 24 hours a day/7 days per week. Your information will remain confidential and there is no cost or obligation.