Car accidents can lead to various types of injuries, and hand injuries are among the most common. Whether it’s from the impact of the collision, the deployment of airbags, or being thrown against hard surfaces, hands and wrists can suffer severe damage. If you’ve been in a car accident and sustained a hand or wrist injury, you may be entitled to compensation.
In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of hand injuries following a car accident, the types of plaintiff suffered injuries, treatment options, damages you can collect, factors affecting settlement amounts, and more.
Common Causes of Hand Injuries Following a Car Accident
Hand injuries in car accidents can occur due to various factors:
Impact: The force of impact can cause the hand to hit against hard surfaces, resulting in fractures, sprains, or crush injuries.
Airbag Deployment: While airbags are designed to save lives, they can cause injuries upon deployment, including hand and wrist injuries.
Steering Wheel Injuries: During a collision, hands gripping the steering wheel may be injured due to sudden jolts or forces.
Ejection from the Vehicle: In severe accidents, occupants may be ejected from the vehicle, leading to injuries, including hand and wrist injuries upon impact with the ground or other objects.
Types of Hand Injuries
Hand injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe fractures and nerve damage. Some common types of hand injuries include:
Fractures: Bones in the hand or wrist may break due to the impact of the accident.
Sprains and Strains: Ligaments and tendons can stretch or tear, causing pain and limited mobility.
Crush Injuries: Crushing of the hand or fingers can result in tissue damage, fractures, and nerve injuries.
Lacerations: Deep cuts or lacerations can occur from broken glass or sharp objects within the vehicle.
Nerve Damage: Impact or compression can damage nerves in the hand, leading to numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation.
Treatment of Hand Injuries Following a Traffic Accident
Prompt medical attention is essential for diagnosing and treating hand injuries sustained in a car accident. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may involve:
Immobilization: Splinting or casting may be necessary to stabilize fractures or dislocations and promote proper healing.
Surgical Intervention: Complex fractures or injuries involving soft tissues may require surgical repair to restore function and mobility.
Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises and therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the hands following injury.
Pain Management: Medications, injections, or other pain management techniques may be recommended to alleviate discomfort during the healing process.
What Damages Can I Collect for a Hand Injury Car Accident?
If you’ve suffered a hand injury in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to recover various damages, including:
Medical Expenses: Compensation for all past and future medical bills related to your hand injury.
Lost Wages: Reimbursement for wages lost due to missed work during recovery.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Disability and Disfigurement: Additional compensation for permanent impairments or scarring.
Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injury on your relationships with family members.
Factors That Affect the Hand Injury Car Accident Settlement Amount
Several factors can influence the settlement amount in hand injury car accident cases:
Severity of Injury: The extent of your injury, including the need for surgery or ongoing medical care, will impact the settlement.
Degree of Fault: Determining fault in the accident plays a crucial role. If the other party is entirely at fault, you may receive a higher settlement.
Lost Income: The amount of wages lost due to the injury and time off work will be factored into the settlement.
Insurance Coverage: The insurance policies of both parties involved will affect the available compensation.
Evidence: Strong evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness testimonies, can strengthen your case and lead to a higher settlement.
Calculating Settlement Amounts in Hand Injury Lawsuits
The settlement amount in a hand injury lawsuit is typically calculated based on:
Special Damages: Economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages are calculated based on actual costs incurred as a result of the injury.
General Damages: Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering are more subjective and may be calculated using formulas based on the severity of the injury and its long-term effects.
Future Damages: Anticipated future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and ongoing pain and suffering may also be factored into the settlement amount.
Insurance Coverage Limits: The available insurance coverage limits of the at-fault party’s policy may place a cap on the maximum amount of compensation that can be recovered through a settlement or verdict.
Precedent and Case Law: Reviewing similar cases and their settlement amounts can provide guidance in determining a fair settlement.
What Are Some Average Hand Injury Car Accident Settlement Amounts?
While every case is unique, the following are examples of average settlement amounts for hand injury car accident cases:
Minor Injuries: Settlements for minor hand injuries such as sprains, strains, and minor fractures may range from $5,000 to $20,000.
Moderate Injuries: Settlements for more moderate hand injuries requiring surgery or resulting in partial disability may range from $20,000 to $100,000.
Severe Injuries: Settlements for severe hand injuries involving permanent impairment, nerve damage, or amputation may exceed $100,000 and can reach into the millions, depending on the circumstances of the personal injury case.
Hand Injury Verdicts & Settlements Examples
Examples of hand injury verdicts and settlements include:
$250,000 Settlement: A plaintiff suffered multiple fractures and nerve damage to their dominant hand in an auto accident, resulting in permanent disability and loss of earning capacity.
$750,000 Verdict: A jury awarded substantial damages to a plaintiff who sustained severe hand injuries, including fractures and nerve damage, in a head-on collision caused by a negligent driver.
$1.5 Million Settlement: A plaintiff received significant compensation for permanent hand injuries and scarring resulting from a rollover accident caused by a defective vehicle component.
How to Maximize Your Settlement Amount
To maximize your settlement amount in a hand injury car accident case:
Seek Medical Attention: Promptly seek medical treatment for your hand injuries and follow your doctor’s recommendations for care and rehabilitation.
Document Your Injuries: Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and medical bills, to support your claim for compensation.
Consult with an Attorney: A skilled personal injury attorney can assess the strength of your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Avoid Early Settlement Offers: Be cautious of accepting early settlement offers from insurance companies, as they may be inadequate to cover your long-term medical expenses and other damages.
Consider Long-Term Effects: Take into account the potential long-term effects of your hand injuries on your ability to work, engage in daily activities, and enjoy life when evaluating settlement offers.
Legal Considerations for Hand Injury Car Accident Claims
When pursuing a hand injury car accident claim, it’s essential to consider:
Statute of Limitations: There’s a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In Nevada, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including car accidents, is two years from the date of the accident.
Comparative Negligence: Nevada follows a comparative negligence system, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the accident.
Insurance Negotiations: Dealing with insurance companies can be complex. Having legal representation ensures you’re not taken advantage of during negotiations.
Legal Representation: Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney with knowledge of Nevada’s laws and court procedures can greatly improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your hand injury car accident case.
How an Attorney Can Help You in Your Hand Injury Car Accident Case
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a hand injury from a car accident, seeking the assistance of a qualified attorney can be crucial. Here’s how an attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your case and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation:
Legal Expertise and Guidance: An attorney offers expert advice tailored to your case, explaining your rights and legal options so you can make informed decisions.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Attorneys conduct thorough investigations, gathering evidence like medical records and witness testimonies to build a strong case.
Determining Liability: Your attorney investigates to determine fault, holding the responsible party accountable for your hand injury car accident.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Attorneys handle communications with insurers, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation without pressure.
Assessing Damages: Your attorney calculates all your damages, including medical expenses and lost wages, to ensure you receive full compensation.
Handling Legal Procedures: Attorneys manage all legal paperwork and court proceedings, allowing you to focus on recovery while they handle the legalities.
Advocating for Your Best Interests: Your attorney fights for your rights and best interests, negotiating aggressively for fair settlements or representing you in court.
Maximizing Your Settlement: With an attorney’s help, you have a better chance of receiving maximum compensation, including future medical expenses and long-term care.
Pursue Your Hand Injury Settlement with BLG
Suffering a hand injury in a car accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. However, understanding your rights and options for compensation can help alleviate some of the burdens. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance. A skilled personal injury attorney can navigate the legal process on your behalf, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your hand injury car accident settlement.
Are you ready to take the first step towards securing the compensation you deserve for your hand injury car accident settlement? BLG is here to guide you through every step of the legal process. With our experienced team by your side, you can rest assured that your rights will be fiercely protected.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
FAQs
How much can you claim for a hand injury?
The amount you can claim for a hand injury varies depending on factors such as severity, impact on your daily life, and liability. It’s best to consult with a personal injury lawyer for a more accurate assessment.
How much are most personal injury settlements?
Most personal injury settlements range from a few thousand to several million dollars, again depending on the specifics of the case.
How much should I settle for a wrist injury?
The hand and wrist injury settlement amounts depends on various factors including the extent of the injury, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Consulting with a personal injury attorney familiar with your case details is advisable for a precise estimate.
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