Iowa payouts for neck and back injuries can vary widely. Look for an injury like yours to get an idea of your potential compensation.

We’ve analyzed actual Iowa car accident cases with a focus on neck and back claims. The information is intended to help you estimate what your auto accident claim might be worth.

The average Iowa payout for car accident neck or back injury is $59,480.

The Iowa cases in this population range from minor sprains to disabling neck and back injuries. The cases arise from a variety of accident types, from fender benders to multi-vehicle collisions.

Average Iowa Neck and Back Injury Settlements

To get the average settlement amounts listed below, we analyzed a group of real Iowa car accident cases involving a range of neck and back injuries. You can read more about our methodology at the bottom of this page.

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Neck-Back Injury	$6,160
Moderate Neck-Back Injury	$33,150
Severe Neck-Back Injury	$203,700
Payout Range by Injury Severity
Minor Neck-Back Injury	$1,700 – $12,700
Moderate Neck-Back Injury	$13,600 – $65,000
Severe Neck-Back Injury	$92,300 – $440,000

Victims of serious auto accidents often sustain several injuries to different body parts. These cases represent victims who suffered back or neck injuries – or both – as well as other injuries. Settlements and jury awards are intended to compensate the victim for all their damages, not just one particular injury.

How Neck and Back Injury Settlements are Calculated

The compensation value of an injury claim largely depends on the severity of injuries, particularly the medical costs, related lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Treatment Costs for Neck or Back Injuries

Insurance companies will pay reasonable costs for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for neck and back injuries. Reasonable costs are medically necessary based on current standards for medical care.

Sprains and Strains

Minor soft tissue injuries to the neck (cervical), middle back (thoracic), and lower back (lumbar) might not be apparent until the day after the accident when you wake up with pain and stiffness. A few days of rest, hot and cold presses, and over-the-counter pain relievers should be all you need to feel better.

Treatment expenses may include an emergency room visit on the day of the crash, X-rays, and out-of-pocket costs for pain relievers and a heating pad, totaling less than $2,000.

Fractured Vertebrae

Vertebrae are the bones in your spine. They have a channel for the spinal cord to run through and are separated by soft cushions, called discs.

Simple fractures of the vertebrae in your neck or back can usually be treated without surgery by wearing a brace for a few months and limiting certain activities. You may be out of work until the fracture is completely healed.

Non-surgical treatment of a broken neck or back can easily cost from $5,000 to $15,000 or more. If fusion surgery is needed to stabilize the break, the medical cost can range from $50,000 to more than $150,000.

Disc Herniation

Your spine has gel-filled cushions between each vertebra, from your neck to your lower back. A herniated disc means one or more discs are protruding and may be pressing on important nerves in the area. Radiating pain from a herniated disc can keep you from many activities, including work.

Conservative treatment will include an ER or urgent care visit, an MRI or CT scan of the affected section of your neck or back, and follow-up visits with your orthopedist or neurologist. The total cost can run from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the need for more imaging studies or nerve conduction tests.

Surgical intervention for herniated discs can range from $20,000 to $50,000.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries from car accidents are caused by traumatic injuries to the neck or back, resulting in damage to the spinal cord, the bundles of nerves running from the brain through the length of the spine.

Spinal cord injuries are often catastrophic, paralyzing injuries. Paralysis may be complete (no movement or feeling) or incomplete (some motor or sensory function) below the damaged area.

Lifetime care and treatment costs will vary, depending on the age of the victim and the level of paralysis. Lifetime care for a 25-year-old who is paralyzed from the neck down will exceed $5 million, based on today’s costs.

Other Factors Affecting Neck and Back Injury Payouts

Your potential insurance settlement or court award can be influenced be several factors that may be out of your control.

• Insurance Limits – Iowa laws require drivers to carry a minimum insurance of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury liability coverage, and $15,000 for property damage. The minimum limits will not fully compensate victims of serious injuries.
• Optional Coverage – Iowa requires insurance companies to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to policyholders. If you declined the optional coverages, you may have no source of compensation for injuries caused by a hit and run or uninsured motorist.
• Multiple Claimants – While a commercial auto policy could have more than a million dollars in liability coverage, personal auto insurance policies may not have enough injury coverage to compensate multiple victims of a crash.
• Shared Fault – Iowa is a contributory fault state, meaning you can still make an injury claim unless you are more to blame than the other party. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
• Court Venue – Adjusters know the venues and jurisdictions in Iowa where juries are known to favor the injury victim in car accident cases. The insurance company might make a higher settlement offer to keep your case from being heard by a sympathetic jury.
• Punitive Damages – Juries in Iowa, or the Judge if there is no jury, can award punitive damages to the injured victim when there is sufficient evidence of the at-fault party’s “willful and wanton disregard for the rights or safety of another.“

Frequently Asked Questions

Minor Back and Neck Injury Case Examples

Minor neck and back injuries are soft-tissue bruises and sprains with a few days to a week of soreness, stiffness, and tenderness. Not much medical treatment will be needed after the initial emergency evaluation after the crash, and possibly one follow-up with your regular doctor. Most minor injury victims only miss a few days from work.

General Injuries to Neck, Shoulder, and Back

Type of Injury: General injuries to neck, shoulder, back and other parts of body
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $11,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling south. Defendant, previously traveling south, was stopped in the left-turn lane at an intersection. As plaintiff approached, defendant attempted to re-enter the southbound traffic lane. His vehicle then collided with plaintiff’s. Plaintiff filed a lawsuit against defendant contending that defendant was guilty of negligent failure to control his vehicle and maintain proper lookout, and/or improper lane change. She requested damages for injuries to her neck, shoulders and back, among others. Defendant admitted fault, contested the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries. The jury awarded $11,000 to the plaintiff for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Location: Polk County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Long v. Kelly, 92644

Neck and Back Injuries from Minor Accident

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,676.50
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed that defendant backed into his vehicle. Plaintiff sued defendant and her husband for injuries to his neck and back, blaming defendants for negligence. Defendant admitted that she was in a minor motor vehicle accident with the plaintiff and did not deny negligence. Defendants’ denied the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s injuries. The defendants argued that plaintiff’s failure to avoid injury, his comparative fault and his failure to mitigate damages barred his recovery. Based upon the defendants’ admitted negligence, jurors awarded plaintiff $1,176.50 for medical expenses and $500 for pain and suffering.
Location: Polk County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Redman v. Dorrian, CL 96614

Cervical and Lumbar Strain Injuries

Type of Injury: Lower back and neck injuries-cervical and lumbar strain
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,907.55
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was struck from behind by a vehicle being driven by defendant. Co-defendant owned the car defendant was driving. Plaintiff claimed defendant was negligent in following too closely, failing to control her vehicle, and failing to yield. Plaintiff claimed she sustained cervical and lumbar strain from the accident. The defendants admitted responsibility for the accident but denied the accident caused plaintiff’s damages. A jury awarded plaintiff damages totaling $2,907.55 for medical expenses and pain and suffering
Location: Linn County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Neuleib v. Miller, IACV041579

Herniated Cervical Disc and Aggravation of Prior Disc Damage

Type of Injury: Neck injury-cervical disc herniation and an aggravation of a preexisting disc herniation
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $8,013
Case Summary: Plaintiff drove north and was stopped at an intersection waiting to make a left turn. Defendant, who drove eastbound attempted to proceed through the intersection as the traffic light turned yellow. The two vehicles collided. Plaintiff claimed she sustained a cervical disc herniation and an aggravation of a preexisting disc herniation. Defendant admitted to the collision but denied fault. He stated that the plaintiff’s damages were caused by her own fault. A jury determined that both plaintiff and defendant were at fault and allotted fault at 10% and 90%, respectively. Jury awarded plaintiff $8013. In accordance with jury’s fault apportionment, Judge ordered that defendant pay $7211.70 in damages, plus court costs.
Location: Polk County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Cohenour v. Riecks, 96735

Neck and Shoulder Injuries in Side Impact Crash

Type of Injury: Neck and shoulder injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $3,012.98
Case Summary: According to plaintiff, defendant was emerging from the wrong end of a one-way alley, and failed to yield to plaintiff’s right-of-way, causing a collision. Defendant was ticketed for failure to yield. She pleaded guilty and paid a fine. Plaintiff claimed neck and shoulder injuries. Defendant admitted that an accident had occurred, but claimed that it was plaintiff’s fault. Defendant also challenged the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries. At trial, the jury returned a verdict for plaintiff and awarded damages of $4,017.31. Jury determined plaintiff was 25% at fault and the judge reduced the damage award to $3,012.98.
Location: Linn County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Prouty v. Martin, IACV041159

Soft-Tissue Neck and Back Injuries Causing Headaches

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries resulting in headaches
Type of Accident: Head-On
Award/Settlement Amount: $6,429
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving east. Defendant, a minor, was driving his father’s vehicle headed west. According to plaintiff, defendant lost control of his vehicle while going over a hill and sideswiped another vehicle before colliding with plaintiff’s vehicle head-on. Plaintiff said he suffered soft tissue neck and back injuries resulting in headaches. He sued defendant and his father, accusing the minor of speeding, reckless driving and failing to keep proper lookout. Defendants denied the allegations. According to court documents, defendant’s father later admitted his son was 15 at the time of the accident and only had a work/school drivers’ permit. At the time of the collision, though, defendant was not driving to work or school. Jurors found in favor of plaintiff and awarded him $6,429.
Location: Dubuque County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Beam v. C.K., IACV053384

Soft-Tissue Neck and Back Injuries from Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $4,606.81
Case Summary: As Plaintiff 1 drove her vehicle southbound in the inside lane of a Street, Plaintiff 2 rode as a passenger. At the same time, Defendant traveled behind plaintiffs’ vehicle. Traffic stopped for a red light and defendant rear-ended plaintiffs’ vehicle. Both plaintiffs claimed soft tissue neck and back injuries. Defendant admitted to the accident. He denied, however, being the cause of the plaintiffs’ alleged injuries and damages. Jury found in favor of plaintiff 1 and awarded her $4,606.81. Jury found in favor of the defendant in Plaintiff 2’s claim, as Plaintiff 2’s medical record showed he had significant neck and back problems from a previous accident which impacted the outcome.
Location: Scott County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Cooke v. Ruser, 103291

Bruising and Soft Tissue Injury to Cervical Region

Type of Injury: Left hand and arm injury; head injury; bruising & injuries to cervical region
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $6,104.24
Case Summary: Defendant was driving a truck owned by co-defendant. He attempted to make a U-turn at the intersection and head south. Plaintiff had the right of way at a green light, and proceeded through the intersection. The vehicles collided. Plaintiff 2, a minor, was a passenger in plaintiff1’s vehicle. Both sustained injuries upon impact, including injuries to plaintiff1’s left hand and arm, head and cervical region, and bruising and cervical injuries to the minor. Defendants admitted negligence and offered to confess judgment for $57,500 inclusive of interest and costs. Plaintiffs declined the offer and the case went before a jury. Jury found defendant and plaintiff each 50% at fault for the accident and awarded plaintiff1 damages of $4,894.97. The minor received $1,206.27. Plaintiff1’s award was reduced to $2,447.49 per fault apportionment.
Location: Polk County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Sinclair v. Sperry, CL 97650

Lower Back Injury with Lumbar Strain

Type of Injury: Lower back injury-lumbar strain
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $12,676
Case Summary: A motor vehicle accident occurred when defendant turned left and struck plaintiff’s vehicle. Before the accident, defendant’s right eye had been removed and he had had cataract surgery to his left eye. He was considered legally blind without correction, and admitted to problems with his peripheral vision. Plaintiff and her husband claimed that defendant’s operation of a motor vehicle constituted willful and wanton disregard of a known risk, and that defendant’s negligence was the proximate cause of plaintiff’s lumbar strain. Defendant admitted that an accident had occurred between the parties, and that he was responsible due to negligent failure to yield. He, however, denied that the accident was the proximate cause of Plaintiffs’ damages. Jury awarded plaintiff $11,676. Plaintiff’s husband received $1,000 in damages for past loss of consortium.
Location: Linn County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Danovski v. Sahl, IACV42059

General Back Injuries from Rear-End Crash

Type of Injury: General Back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $6,360.76
Case Summary: Defendant’s vehicle struck the rear of another vehicle, which in turn struck the rear of plaintiff’s vehicle, which was stopped in traffic. Plaintiff said she suffered back injuries and property damage upon impact. Defendant responded by admitting negligence but disputing that his negligence caused the plaintiff’s damages. Defendant asserted that plaintiff failed to mitigate her damages by not wearing a seat belt and not getting medical attention soon enough after the accident. Jurors put all of the blame for the chain reaction crash on Defendant. The jurors awarded plaintiff $1,590.76 for medical expenses, and $4,770 for pain and suffering.
Location: Dubuque County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Van Cleve v. Jansen, 01311-IACV052806

Injuries to Cervical and Lumbar Spine

Type of Injury: Back and neck injuries-cervical and lumbar spine
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,236
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling east. She approached a stop sign and came to a complete stop as she waited to turn onto another Street. At the same time, defendant, in a vehicle owned by co-defendant, traveled east. Defendant failed to come to a complete stop and ran into the rear end of plaintiff’s vehicle. As a result of the accident, plaintiff said she suffered cervical and lumbar spine injuries. Defendant and his company denied all allegations, but offered a confession/settlement that was declined. The jury awarded plaintiff $10,263 in damages. Judge ordered that the plaintiff pay any costs assessed after the confession date.
Location: Polk County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Beck v. Nelson, CL 94781

Soft-Tissue Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $8,000
Case Summary: As the traffic in front of plaintiff got heavy, he slowed down. Another driver, who was in the vehicle behind plaintiff, did the same. At the same time, the non-party’s vehicle was rear-ended by defendant, causing the non-party driver to rear-end plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed soft tissue neck and back injuries. Defendant admitted he caused the collision and was liable for plaintiff’s injuries but questioned the extent of plaintiff’s damages. A jury found in plaintiff’s favor, awarding $5,000 for past physical pain and suffering, $1,500 for future physical pain and suffering and $1,500 for medical expenses, totaling $8,000 in damages.
Location: Woodbury County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Conrad v. Flanagan, IACV130821

General Lower Back  and Hip Injuries

Type of Injury: General injuries to upper extremities, lower back and left hip/leg
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed she passed another car by utilizing the left-hand traffic lane. At the same time, defendant attempted to pass plaintiff’s vehicle by using the Interstate’s inside shoulder. Defendant broadsided plaintiff and caused her vehicle to pass over both lanes of southbound traffic. Her vehicle rolled over and ended up top and nose down in a creek. Plaintiff claimed the impact aggravated pre-existing injuries to her upper extremities, lower back and left leg. Defendant admitted that the two vehicles collided and that the plaintiff ended up in a ditch. He denied, however, attempting to pass on the shoulder. He claimed that any injuries or damages were caused by plaintiff’s fault. Jury unanimously determined that defendant was a proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries and awarded her $5,000
Location: Johnson County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Lovetinsky v. Sheehy, IACV 063528

Soft-Tissue Neck and Lower Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and lower back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,024.75
Case Summary: According to Plaintiff, Defendant failed to maintain a safe distance from her vehicle and crashed into the rear of plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed she sustained injuries to her neck and lower back from the accident. The defendant initially denied all allegations and asked the court to dismiss plaintiff’s petition. He later made two offers to confess judgment – the first for $2,200 and the second for $2,500, that Defendant declined. He continued to deny, however, the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s alleged damages. A jury determined defendant owed plaintiff $2,024.75 for past medical expenses and past pain and suffering.
Location: Johnson County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Smull v. Wheeler, IACV065473

Moderate Back and Neck Injury Case Examples

Moderate neck and back injuries from a traffic accident might include a whiplash-type neck injury, more extensive and painful sprains to the neck and back, and some moderate disc damage. Imaging studies may reveal pre-existing spinal conditions that never caused you pain before the crash.

Your recovery may take several weeks or months, and you may be left with some residual aches and stiffness. You’ll be out of work longer with moderate neck and back injuries, especially if your work duties include standing, lifting, or other duties that cause pain.

Claim for Permanent Back Injuries

Type of Injury: General back injury
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $13,628.50
Case Summary: Defendant was driving north when she overcorrected to avoid a van in the lane to her right. In doing so, she entered the southbound lane occupied by plaintiff and sideswiped the plaintiff’s car, causing damage to the front left area of both cars. A police officer issued a ticket to defendant for failure to control her vehicle. She pled guilty and was fined. Plaintiff claimed permanent back injury. Her husband claimed loss of consortium. Defendant admitted fault, but denied that the accident caused plaintiff’s injuries, based on medical evidence that plaintiff was involved in two previous motor vehicle accidents. Defendant contended that plaintiff’s chiropractic treatments related to prior incidents. Plaintiff’s received $13,628.50 in damages in a bench trial.
Location: Linn County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Albert v. Hampton, IACV040365

Cervical Strain and Headaches from Rear-End Crash

Type of Injury: Neck injury-headaches and a cervical strain
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $20,154.50
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving west and came to a stop in the left lane, in order to make a left turn. As plaintiff yielded to oncoming traffic, defendant rear-ended the vehicle directly ahead of him, who then rear-ended another vehicle directly behind plaintiff’s car, who finally rear-ended plaintiff. Plaintiff claimed he sustained a cervical strain with headaches. Defendant admitted to negligence but denied the plaintiff’s specific allegations as to the reasons for negligence. He asserted the plaintiff failed to mitigate his damages, failed to wear his seat belt and submitted excessive medical expenses. A jury found plaintiff sustained damages as a result of the accident and awarded him $20,154.50 for past medical expenses and past and future pain and suffering.
Location: Dubuque County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Kruser v. Kotz, 90670

Cervical and Lumbar Injuries from side-Impact Crash

Type of Injury: Neck and lower back injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $56,520
Case Summary: According to plaintiff, a motor vehicle accident occurred between her vehicle and defendant’s vehicle driven by its employee, co-defendant. Plaintiff claimed co-defendant failed to yield the right-of-way and collided into her car. Plaintiff sustained cervical and lumbar injuries. Defendants initially denied liability. According to the defendants, plaintiff was the sole proximate cause of her own damages. Later, the defendants admitted co-defendant’s negligence, but continued to deny his negligence was the cause of all plaintiff’s damages. Finding in favor of plaintiff, a jury awarded plaintiff $56,520 for past medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of function and lost wages. The jury decided not to award any damages for future expenses.
Location: Story County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Krebs v. Federal Express Corp., IACV 041723

Partial Disability from Lumbosacral Strain Injury

Type of Injury: Soft tissue lumbosacral strain-lumbar spine in back
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $36,513
Case Summary: According to Plaintiff, Defendant driver failed to maintain control and crashed into plaintiff’s vehicle from the rear. Plaintiff said she suffered soft tissue lumbosacral strain resulting in 5% permanent partial disability to lumbar spine in back. Both defendants argued that Plaintiff negligently operated her vehicle by failing to maintain a proper lookout and failing to operate her vehicle in a manner indicative of the traffic conditions. Defendant driver later admitted to negligence but continued to deny the extent and cause of the plaintiff’s injuries. A jury unanimously determined defendant driver’s negligence was a proximate cause of plaintiff’s damages. The jury awarded plaintiff $36,513.
Location: Scott County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Rangel v. Walker, 103175

Partial Disability of Neck and Back

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $40,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped at a stop sign when Defendant struck her car from behind. Defendant was under the influence of alcohol, eventually pleading guilty to a violation of State law. Plaintiff claimed soft tissue neck and back injuries resulting in 5% permanent partial disability of neck and 5% permanent partial disability of low back. She sought compensatory damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, disability and punitive damages. At trial, defendant acknowledged negligence but still denied liability. A jury returned a verdict, awarding plaintiff $24,247 for medical expenses, disability, and pain and suffering, and $15,753 for punitive damages.
Location: Dubuque County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Gibbs v. Sanders, IACV 052811

Cervical and Lumbar Spine Injuries, Aggravation of Stenosis

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries-Multiple contusions, cervical and lumbar spine injuries , headaches and aggravation of preexisting spinal stenosis and reflex sympathetic dystrophy; right shoulder injury
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $22,835.66
Case Summary: Plaintiff was operating a semi-truck tractor trailer, while defendant drove her own car. According to Plaintiff, defendant attempted to make a U-turn across the median when a second semi-truck, hit defendant’s vehicle from the rear. Plaintiff’s truck then struck the second semi. Plaintiff claimed multiple contusions, cervical and lumbar spine injuries with radiating pain, headaches, right shoulder problems and aggravation of preexisting spinal stenosis and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Defendant admitted an accident occurred, but counterclaimed against plaintiff. Plaintiff denied negligence. The jury found defendant at fault and the proximate cause of plaintiff’s damages and awarded plaintiff $22,835.66.
Location: Polk County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Heiter v. Hildebrand, CL 97040

Cervical Disc Herniation Requiring Surgery

Type of Injury: Neck injury-cervical disc herniation
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $17,896.01
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling south and defendant was traveling north. Defendant struck plaintiff’s vehicle on the passenger side while attempting a left turn, and was subsequently cited for failure to yield. Plaintiff suffered cervical disc herniation that required surgery. Her husband joined the suit, claiming loss of spousal consortium. Plaintiffs also sued for loss of parental consortium on behalf of their two minor children. Defendant admitted negligence but denied liability for the plaintiff’s damages. A jury found for plaintiffs and awarded plaintiff driver $12,896.01 for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of body function. They also awarded a total of $5,000 for loss of consortium to plaintiff’s husband and the two children.
Location: Warren County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Hill v. Kuiper, IA26344

Neck and Back Injuries Result in Underinsurance Claim

Type of Injury: Injuries to neck, back and left knee.
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $65,000
Case Summary: As plaintiff stopped at an intersection for a stop sign and as he proceeded through, defendant ran the stop sign and “T-boned” his vehicle. Plaintiff sustained injuries to his neck, back and left knee in the accident. The parties settled their claims in exchange for $25,000 in compensation from defendant’s insurance company. Plaintiff’s underinsured motorist claims against his own insurance company went before a jury. The jury members determined plaintiff suffered damages as a result of the accident and awarded him $65,000 in past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering and loss of function. Judge reduced plaintiff’s award by $25,000 per the previously paid credit and awarded plaintiff a total of $42,502.20, inclusive of interest.
Location: Polk County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Beyer v. Pogyo, 96417

Neck and Back Injuries from Two Car Accidents

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $23,805
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in two motor vehicle accidents. In the first, plaintiff said he stopped his vehicle at an intersection, when Defendant Driver 1 rear-ended him. The impact caused plaintiff’s vehicle to strike the preceding vehicle, which resulted in significant damage and totaled his vehicle. The second accident took place approximately seven days later. At this time, plaintiff stopped for a red light. While he waited for the light to turn, Defendant Driver 2 rear ended him. Plaintiff suffered neck and back injuries and held the defendants jointly responsible for his damages. Defendants admitted they rear-ended plaintiff but denied the extent of his injuries. Defendants offered $4,413.33 plus court costs. Plaintiff did not accept the offer, and the case proceeded before a jury. Jury awarded plaintiff $14,445 from Defendant Driver 1 and $9,630 from Defendant Driver 2.
Location: Scott County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Phelps v. Wilhite, 103460

Neck Injuries with Permanent Impairment

Type of Injury: Neck injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $51,058.78
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle. According to plaintiff, defendant collided with plaintiff’s vehicle as he entered the highway. Plaintiff claimed she suffered injuries to her neck resulting in permanent impairment. Defendant admitted to negligence in the accident but denied plaintiff’s injuries and damages. The jury determined that defendant was a proximate cause of plaintiff’s damages and awarded her $51,058.78. Plaintiff filed a motion for new trial based upon the jury’s allegedly insufficient future medical payments award. According to plaintiff, her future medical expenses amounted to $33,067 for a predetermined neck surgery. Judge determined that there was sufficient evidence to support the jury’s original award and denied the plaintiff’s motion for new trial.
Location: Polk County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Austin v. Murphy, CL 93262

Neck and Shoulder Injuries, Lumbosacral Sprain

Type of Injury: Neck and right shoulder injuries; lumbosacral sprain in the back
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $33,324.44
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving westbound in a truck owned by her employer. At the same time, Defendant, who was attempting a left turn from a driveway turned in front of plaintiff and the trucks collided. Plaintiff claimed neck and right shoulder injuries with pain radiating into right upper extremity and lumbosacral sprain in her back. Defendant admitted negligence. The jury awarded a total of $33,324.44 for past damages: medical expenses, loss of body function, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Location: Scott County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Mathias v. Clark, 99054

Neck and Back Injuries from Rollover Crash

Type of Injury: General injuries to head, neck, back, chest, legs, and left knee
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $17,031.93
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving north, as defendant driving in the same direction tried to pass her. Defendant passed plaintiff’s vehicle and pulled into her lane, forcing plaintiff against the curb and causing the car to flip over. Plaintiff claimed she sustained injuries to her head, neck, back, chest, legs, and left knee as a result of the collision. The defendant denied any negligence and countered that plaintiff was the one driving negligently. The defendant also disputed the severity of plaintiff’s claimed injuries and damages. The case was presented to a jury, who found the defendant 60% negligent and the plaintiff 40% comparatively negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $17,031.93 for medical expenses, lost wages and pain suffering.
Location: Polk County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Gomez v. Aldrich, CL93708

Severe Back and Neck Injury Case Examples

Severe traumatic neck and back injuries can be painful and incapacitating. Victims may be left with permanent disabilities that affect every aspect of their life.

Severe neck and back injuries should be handled by an experienced car accident attorney to ensure the best financial outcome for the victim.

Cervical Disc Herniation with Loss of Function

Type of Injury: Neck injury-Herniated disc at C4-C6
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $118,500
Case Summary: As Plaintiff stopped to turn left, Defendant rear-ended her vehicle. Plaintiff claimed she sustained herniated disc at C4-6 requiring fusion surgery as a result of the collision. Defendant admitted he was negligent but denied the majority of the other claims made against him. He also denied being the cause of the damages claimed by plaintiff. A jury found for plaintiff, awarding her $18,100 for past medical expenses, $46,800 for future medical expenses, $5,000 for loss of earning capacity, $2,000 for past loss of function, $14,000 for future loss of function, $3,600 for past physical and mental pain and suffering, $28,500 for future physical and mental pain and suffering. It also awarded $500 to for loss of spousal consortium.
Location: Linn County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Steil v. Albrecht, IACV044033

Herniated Lumbar Discs and Severe Back Sprain

Type of Injury: Injury to right knee with partial synovectomy; herniated disc at L4-L5; injury to hip with aseptic necrosis and severe back sprain
Type of Accident: Pedestrian
Award/Settlement Amount: $214,067.52
Case Summary: Plaintiff was in a store parking lot getting ready to help her husband from their van into his wheelchair. While she did so, defendant struck the plaintiff’s van, backed up, and came forward along the side of the van striking plaintiff, ripping her jacket off and throwing her approximately twenty feet from impact. Plaintiff said she suffered injury to right knee with partial synovectomy; herniated disc at L4-L5; injury to hip with aseptic necrosis; and severe back sprain. Plaintiff’s husband claimed loss of consortium, and because he witnessed the injury to his wife, for bystander emotional distress. Defendant admitted that the accident occurred but denied all other claims. A jury found in favor of plaintiffs and awarded them damages totaling to $214,067.52.
Location: Linn County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Hotz v. Ferguson, IACV049815

Bulging Lumbar Disc and Soft-Tissue Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue back injuries and bulging disc at L4-L5
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $128,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed that Defendant failed to maintain a proper lookout, followed too closely, and drove at an excessive rate of speed when defendant rear-ended plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff sought damages for soft tissue back injuries and bulging disc at L4-L5 resulting in 2% permanent partial disability to lumbar spine, health care expenses, loss of wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, loss of function and loss of enjoyment of life. Defendant failed to respond. The Judge entered judgment against defendant and in favor of plaintiff for $125,000 plus interest from the date of filing.
Location: Dubuque County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Mansch v. Miller, IACV 054119

Aggravation of Pre-Existing Lower Back Condition

Type of Injury: Aggravation of pre-existing lower back condition
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $92,250
Case Summary: Plaintiff traveled east in a van and stopped to make a left turn into a convenience store parking lot. At the same time, defendant drove a car east. According to plaintiff, defendant failed to keep a proper lookout and collided into the rear of his van. Plaintiff claimed the accident resulted in aggravation of her pre-existing lower back condition. Defendant admitted liability but denied other allegations. Jurors found Plaintiff 10% at fault for the accident and defendant 90% at fault. After an initial award of $102,500 to plaintiff, Judge reduced the award to $92,250 based on fault apportionment.
Location: Dubuque County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Eilers v. Polfer, IACV053805

Aggravation of Pre-Existing Back and Leg Condition

Type of Injury: Aggravation to pre-existing lower back, buttock and leg condition
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $208,200
Case Summary: Over a period of seven months, Plaintiff was involved in three separate motor vehicle accidents. In the first, Defendant Driver 1 crashed into the rear of her vehicle. In the second, her husband drove a vehicle in which she rode as a passenger. At that time, Defendnat Driver 2 drove out of a parking lot and struck plaintiff’s vehicle. In the third, two vehicles traveled behind her. Defendant Driver 3 rear-ended another driver, who in turn rear-ended plaintiff. Plaintiff stated the three accidents caused aggravation of a pre-existing lower back, buttock and leg condition. Defendant Driver 1 acknowledged responsibility for rear-ending plaintiff’s vehicle but denied all other allegations. Defendant Driver 2 admitted striking plaintiff’s vehicle but denied all other allegations. Defendant Driver 3 simply denied all allegations. Jurors found in favor of plaintiff and awarded her a total of $208,200 in damages.
Location: Scott County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Leedham v. Plowman, 104441

Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Disc Protrusions, Cord Compression

Type of Injury: Back injuries-cervical strain, disc protrusions at C4-C5, C5-C6 and C6-C7 superimposed on spondylosis at C4; mid thoracic disc protrusions at T5-T6 and T8-T9 and cord compression
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $225,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped in traffic when his vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by Defendant and leased from co-defendant, forcing it into another vehicle. Plaintiff had been involved in another collision three days prior to this collision. Plaintiff alleged that he suffered cervical and thoracic disc protrusions as a direct result of the accident, resulting in sexual dysfunction, incontinence, 25% disability of cervical spine, 20% disability of thoracic spine and 5% disability of lumbar spine; and he was unable to engage in his career as a violin maker due to his injuries. Defendants admitted liability, but contended that plaintiff’s injuries were psychological in origin and not proximately related to the collision. The jury entered a verdict in favor of Plainitff, awarding $225,000.
Location: Polk County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Ross v. RFT Corp., 1070539

Disabling Cervical Spine Injuries to Passenger

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck injuries and bruised knee
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $439,630.50
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle operated by her friend, Defendant. The parties were traveling northbound. As their car approached the intersection, plaintiff shouted at defendant to stop because the traffic light was red. Defendant, who was driving approximately 35 m.p.h., was unable to stop and rear-ended the vehicle in front of her. The impact was so severe that defendant’s car ricocheted off the vehicle it had struck and rolled to the side of the road. Plaintiff suffered soft tissue neck injuries and bruised knee requiring physical therapy and resulting in 40% permanent partial disability of cervical spine. Defendant contended that plaintiff was exaggerating the extent of her injuries. Jury found for plaintiff and awarded her $439,630.50.
Location: Linn County, Iowa
Case Name and Docket Number: Parrott v. Meinecke, IACV039835

Methodology

Payout averages and ranges are drawn from actual car accident lawsuits filed in Iowa courts. Here we broke out the cases involving neck and back injuries for analysis.

Averages are calculated by adding the settlements and court awards for each group, then dividing by the number of cases in the group. An unusually high award in a group can skew the average higher for that group.

All cases in our group received a payout, either a settlement or a court award. We did not consider cases that were denied by the insurance company or lost at trial.

In cases with more than one injured party, we used the highest settlement or award issued to one victim, so as not to overstate what an individual might get for compensation in similar circumstances.