Head-on collisions, side impact crashes and rear-end motor vehicle accidents occur every day in Rhode Island, injuring victims with brain trauma, internal organ damage and herniated disc injuries. Many of these Barrington, Bristol and Warren accidents are caused by the reckless, negligent or careless actions of aggressive motorists or inattentive truck drivers. As a result, victims often file Providence Superior Court personal injury lawsuits and claims seeking compensation for their losses.

Herniated Disk Injury in Rhode Island auto accidents
Victims suffering herniated disc injuries in Warwick, Cranston and Woonsocket motor vehicle accidents often require immediate medical attention. Emergency room treating physicians might evaluate the injury through an MRI (magnetic resonance image) or CT scan. Serious cases involve damage to spinal discs that serve as round cushions positioned between vertebrae making up the spinal column. These shock absorbers cushion the vertebrae as the spinal column is contorted during movement, bending over or carrying the weight of the upper body, neck and head.
Pain tends to radiate throughout the body
Liquid substances protect the external shell of all 24 vertebrae. Severe impact can cause significant trauma and place great pressure on the spinal cord nerves, causing one or more discs to herniate. The pain tends to radiate throughout the body into the extremities, causing symptomatic pain in the legs, hips, joints, feet, lower back, shoulders and arms. In some cases, the pain from the herniated disc remains constant for the remainder of the victim’s life. Expensive pain medication treatments often include steroid injections, traction, surgery or physical and occupational therapies.
Filing a Claim for Compensation in Kent County
If the herniated disk injury occurs in a Rhode Island motor vehicle accident caused by another motorist, the victim typically has the right to sue for compensation. The compensation of a successful trial or out-of-court settlement can provide necessary funding to pay the victim’s ongoing medical expenses, the cost of hospitalization and surgery, recovery of lost wages and payment for the inability to continue working at the same job in the future. In addition, the victim can seek non-economic damages to pay for their pain, suffering, anguish and emotional stress of dealing with their temporary or permanent injury.
Serious back and spinal cord injuries
These types of lawsuits and claims for compensation are often complicated. Skilled RI personal injury lawyers working for the defendant’s insurance carrier will attempt to redirect blame or point fingers at any pre-existing degenerative issue suffered by the victim prior to the accident. Because of that, it is advisable to hire a skilled RI car accident lawyer or Rhode Island personal injury attorney who specializes in motor vehicle accidents involving serious back and spinal cord injuries.
Calculating a Settlement Amount
Your RI personal injury attorney will calculate the value of your claim for compensation to ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries. Understanding this amount helps determine whether it is more beneficial to accept a negotiated financial out-of-court settlement offer or take the case to trial. Simply breaking down the value of all damages cannot accurately determine the worth of the case. Instead, your Newport, Tiverton or Middletown injury lawyer will consider the full value of your case to include the pain, suffering and mental anguish component involved in your healing process.
Typically, the healing process will involve crash injury surgeries including minimally invasive medical procedures, physical therapy and months of rehabilitation. In addition to conventional treatments involving medication, the application of heat or ice along with bed rest, your doctors may prescribe chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage and other procedures to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
A Pawtucket, North Providence or Warwick motorcycle accident
Seasoned Pawtucket, North Providence or Cumberland personal injury attorneys who specialize in herniated disc injuries from motor vehicle accidents handle these cases on contingency. This means that if no money is recovered, you owe them know payment for their fees. In addition, the attorneys typically offer a no obligation, free initial consultation to discuss the injuries and the hold those legally responsible accountable for their neglect.
If the injuries were caused while working on the job, you may also be entitled to workers’ compensation, Social Security disability benefits, third party claims and other financial sources of recovery. Insurance companies usually take every effort possible to delay, deny or reduce compensation. However, having a Rhode Island car accident attorney on your side can ensure the successful outcome of your herniated disk injury case.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a collision and suffered injuries, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention and consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Broken Bones:
- Vehicle collisions can exert significant force on the body, leading to fractures or broken bones. Common areas for broken bones in a collision include the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone.
- The severity of a broken bone can vary, from simple fractures that may require a cast or splint to compound fractures that may require surgery to realign the bone and stabilize it with hardware like screws or plates.
- Herniated Disk:
- A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft interior of a spinal disc pushes through a crack or tear in the outer, tougher layer. Vehicle collisions, especially those with sudden impact, can lead to herniated discs.
- Symptoms may include pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, neck, or extremities, depending on the location of the herniated disc. Treatment options can include physical therapy, medications, or in some cases, surgery.
It’s essential to follow these general steps when dealing with injuries from a vehicle collision:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Even if you don’t initially feel severe pain, some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately. A healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and necessary treatment.
- Follow the prescribed treatment plan: Adherence to medical advice is crucial for recovery. This may include rest, physical therapy, medication, or surgical intervention, depending on the injury’s severity.
- Document the incident: If the collision was due to the fault of another party, it’s important to document the incident, gather witness statements, and report it to the appropriate authorities. You may also want to consult with a legal professional if you’re considering pursuing a personal injury claim.
- Consider rehabilitation: After the initial treatment, rehabilitation and physical therapy can help improve mobility and reduce long-term complications.
Remember that each case is unique, and it’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals and, if necessary, legal experts to address specific injuries and circumstances resulting from a vehicle collision.