Average Settlement Amounts for Car Accident Back and Neck Injuries in 2025
We analyzed accident data to determine what the average settlement amounts are for people who have suffered from back and neck injuries as a result of a car accident in the United States.
The average settlement amount for these types of injuries typically ranges from $45,000 to $550,000, but can ultimately be $1,000,000+ depending on the specifics. The factors that influence settlement amounts for back and neck injuries caused in a car accident are the specific injuries sustained, the kind of medical treatment needed, and the part of the country you live in. Â
To provide clear insight, we’ve broken down the average settlement amounts based on:
- Average Settlement Amounts by Injuries SustainedÂ
- Average Settlement Amounts by Medical Treatments Required Â
- Average Car Accident Settlement Amounts by RegionÂ
Disclosure: The settlement ranges and case outcome information provided on this website are for general informational purposes only. All data has been compiled from publicly available sources, industry research, and third-party reporting. This information is not based on the outcomes of cases handled by our firm and should not be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of any specific result in your case. Please call our office in order to discuss your particular matter. We can explain the timing and the process involved for your case.
Average Settlement Amounts by Injuries Sustained
The factor that is most impactful on the amount of car accident settlement that resulted in a back or neck injury is the nature of the injuries sustained (whether you just have soreness, a slipped disc, or broken bones).Â
The following table breaks down some of the most common neck and back injuries that can happen during car accidents and what the average settlement amount is for each:
Neck Injuries
| Nature of the Injuries | Severity of Injuries | Average Settlement Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Tissue Injuries | Mild | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Bulging or Herniated Discs | Moderate | $12,500 – $95,000 |
| Facet Joint Injuries | High | $30,000 – $245,000 |
| Cervical Bone Fractures | Very High | $100,000 – $500,000 |
Back Injuries
| Nature of the Injuries | Severity of Injuries | Average Settlement Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Back Pain & Strains | Moderate | $15,000 – $75,000 |
| Herniated Discs | High | $50,000 – $320,000 |
| Spinal Fractures | Very High | $50,000 – $320,000 |
| Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) | High to Very High | $200,000 – $1,000,000+ |
Based on the data collected and reported above, the higher the severity of the injuries sustained, the higher you can expect the average settlement amount to be.Â
In addition to the specific injuries caused in the car accident, what kind of medical treatment was required to treat them influences settlement ranges, which we’ve broken down below.
Average Settlement Amounts by Medical Treatments Required
The following table breaks down the most common medical treatments that follow these back and neck injuries caused by car accidents, and what their impact is on the average settlement amount someone may be able to expect:
| Medical Treatment | Impact on Settlement Amount | Average Settlement Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Room or Doctor Visit for an Assessment Only | Low | $5,000 – $30,000 |
| Physical Therapy Needed | Moderate | $35,000 – $200,000 |
| Surgery Required | High | $100,000 – $500,000 |
| Ongoing Medical Treatment | Very High | $200,000 – $1,000,000+ |
Average Car Accident Settlement Amounts by Region
Finally, we conducted an analysis of regional differences in car accident settlement amounts for neck and back injuries across the US. The results of our nationwide analysis are as follows:
| Region | Average Settlement Amounts |
|---|---|
| Southwest (Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona) |
$400,000 – $750,000 |
| Southeast (Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas) |
$200,000 – $950,000 |
| Midwest (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas) |
$300,000 – $800,000 |
| Pacific (Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, Hawaii) |
$250,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Mountain West (Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Nevada) |
$175,000 – $750,000 |
| Northeast (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania) |
$175,000 – $1,000,000+ |
Trusted Legal Representation for Car Accident Victims
We know first-hand how difficult it can be dealing with back and neck injuries as a result of a car accident, and how overwhelming seeking legal counsel can feel. With over 20 years of experience helping car accident victims, attorney Eric Richman is ready to help.
Call us at (800) 801-9655 or request a free consultation online.