Car accidents can cause a number of injuries ranging from mild to fatal. Among these numerous types of injuries, spinal cord injuries are common.
The discs between the spinal vertebrae are called discs, and they are like pillows between the vertebrae that absorb shock and protect the spine. A bulging disc occurs when damage to the disc causes it to bulge and press into the spinal canal. This often occurs to either the right or left of the spine.
A car accident can cause a bulging disc, and if you were in an accident that caused your disc to bulge, you may be able to file an accident claim in Georgia.
Bulging Disc vs. Herniated Disc
A herniated disc may be a more commonly referred to condition, but is it the same thing as a bulging disc? These two injuries are very similar. They both involve damage to the spine’s discs. They both cause similar symptoms, including pain, tingling, and weakness in the back and legs.
However, a bulging disc forces the inner layer of a disc against the spinal canal, and a herniated disc causes the inside of the disc to spill or leak out. Another key difference is that a bulging disc does not involve the disc’s outer layer, and a herniated disc does. With a herniated disc, the outer layer of the disc is ruptured or torn. A bulging disc’s outer layer is still intact while pushing the inner layer outward and causing the entire disc to bulge under the pressure.
Car accidents can cause a bulging disc or a herniated disc, but the injuries are not the same.
Georgia Bulging Disc Accident Claim
Georgia uses modified comparative fault to determine liability for car accidents. This means that the at-fault party is responsible for the damages caused by the accident. It also means that more than one person can be found liable, and any damages awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault.
For example, if Jenny was injured in a car accident and awarded $50,000 in damages, that amount may be decreased if she was at all to blame for the accident. Suppose a judge determines Jenny was 15% at fault for the collision. Then, the total she would receive in damages would decrease by 15%, bringing the total to $42,500.
Recovery after an accident is about more than a dollar amount. While the monetary recovery helps address the many losses an accident victim experiences after a collision, the accident claim process is also about justice and closure. Most injured parties decide that accepting a settlement offer is the best way for them to move forward.
Bulging Disc Car Accident Settlement
One option for getting the justice you deserve is to accept a settlement offer from the at-fault party’s insurance company. It is your choice to accept an offer from an insurer or not, but there are impactful factors you may want to consider before making a final decision.
- Settlements are almost always faster than litigation.
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a reasonable offer is usually necessary.
- Legal guidance makes it easier to determine the value of your accident claim.
Atlanta’s Trusted Car Accident Attorneys
At Flanagan Law, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality legal services to clients in and around Atlanta. Our unique combination of expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication make us perfectly suited to represent you in your bulging disc car accident case. If you have a single or multiple bulging discs from a car accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
