Norwalk Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can unexpectedly throw lives off track. During these tough times, car accident injury lawyers are essential allies. They specialize in representing individuals harmed by the negligence of others, ensuring fair compensation. This article delves into the critical role these lawyers play, guiding people through the complexities of their claims and aiding in their recovery.

 Legal Recourse after Suffering a Herniated Disc in a Norwalk Car Accident

When a driver in Norwalk suffers herniated discs from a car accident, they can seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. Injured drivers can claim both economic and non-economic damages but may face challenges in proving causation and the extent of their damages.

Herniated Discs Symptoms and Prognosis

The spine consists of vertebrae, soft discs, and the spinal cord. These discs cushion the vertebrae and aid flexibility. Made of a hard covering (capsule) and a softer inner jelly-like substance (nucleus), a herniated disc occurs when the inner portion protrudes through a weak or damaged spot in the outer covering, pressing on nerves in the spinal column.

Initial treatments for herniated discs often include pain medications and physical therapy. If these do not improve the condition, surgery might be necessary. Surgeons can remove the protruding part of the disc or the entire disc. If the entire disc is removed, the vertebrae need to be fused together, or a replacement disc may be inserted. Recovery from these procedures can take months.

Legal Recourse for Herniated Discs Caused By a Car Accident

To claim compensation, an injured driver must prove that the defendant was negligent, caused the accident, and that the accident directly resulted in the injury. Negligence broadly means failing to use reasonable care to prevent harm to others, so evidence of such behavior is crucial when pursuing a claim or lawsuit. Injured drivers may claim both economic and non-economic damages related to herniated discs.

Economic damages include:

- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Expenses traveling to and from medical appointments

Non-economic damages include:

- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress

Challenges to Proving a Case

Defendants may argue that the plaintiff’s herniated discs existed before the accident. Medical records from before and after the accident are essential to demonstrate causation. 

Iowa is a modified comparative fault state, meaning plaintiffs must be 50 percent or less at fault to recover damages. A plaintiff can only collect damages minus their proportion of fault. For instance, if a plaintiff is 20 percent at fault in a $10,000 case, they collect $8,000 from the defendant.

Drivers suffering from herniated discs caused by accidents not of their own fault should consult a lawyer. A lawyer can help establish the defendant’s fault and the extent of damages.

Are Your Driving Mistakes Deadly?

Driving mistakes can lead to accidents causing property damage, injury, or even fatalities. Walker, Billingsley & Bair promotes safe driving and aims to educate Iowans on how to avoid common driving mistakes.

Common Dangerous Driving Mistakes:

1. Swerving: Swerving is the leading fatal driving mistake. In 2007, around 15,574 people died in car accidents due to swerving. To avoid this, stay alert and avoid distractions.

2. Driving While Overtired: Driving while drowsy is dangerous. Ensure you get plenty of rest before long drives and avoid driving between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., when most accidents caused by sleepy drivers occur.

3. Drinking and Driving: Every 40 minutes, someone dies in a drunk driving accident. To avoid this, arrange for a sober ride, stay at your location, or call a ride service.

4. Speeding: Speeding leads to deadly crashes. About 30% of traffic fatalities occur at 55 mph or more. To prevent speeding-related accidents, give yourself ample time to reach your destination.

Trigger Point Injections for Pain Management after an Iowa Car Accident

A car accident can result in severe injuries causing significant pain. If other treatments like rest or physical therapy are ineffective, doctors may use trigger point injections for pain relief.

What are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are hyperirritable spots within a “taut band of skeletal muscle,” causing muscle spasms, inflammation, and pain. They commonly occur in the upper back, upper spine, and shoulder, though they can develop elsewhere. Trigger points are usually caused by muscle trauma, such as from a car accident.

Understanding Trigger Point Injections

During a trigger point injection, a numbing agent like lidocaine (or a similar agent) is injected into the trigger point, providing numbing and pain relief. These outpatient procedures use a very small needle, and sometimes a steroid is used instead of the anesthetic. Ideally, one injection suffices, but some cases require regular treatments.

Trigger point injections can be effective but carry risks. Minor side effects include pain at the injection site, and rare complications include infection, hematoma formation, or needle breakage.

Affording Trigger Point Injections

If you’ve been injured in an accident and need trigger point injections, you may worry about affordability. If another person’s negligence caused your accident, you might be able to file a claim to recover damages, including treatment costs. Other recoverable damages include lost wages and mental anguish. During the lawsuit, you must prove that your injuries resulted from the accident and that the other party was negligent.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.

Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.

That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.