Compensation for Car Accident Injuries

[Rylos76]

I was riding to work with my co-worker, and some young unexperienced driver hit us from the back. At refused to get paramedics because I wasn't in any pain. But then after couple of hours at work I couldn't sit straight and experienced pain in my lower back. I went to see my doctor the next day. As the result of my xrays I was told that it was nothing serious, but some muscle spazm. I was prescribed some muscle relaxer. I had to stay home for a week, then I went back to the doctor to get the note as excuse of absence from work due to my back pain. After a week I feel much better, however I cannot be in sitting position as long I used to be before the accident. Every 1 or 2 I feel discomfort in my back and have to walk around and stretch. I called the insurance company to start a claim and was told that they will pay my medical bills, lost wages and some compensations for my inconvenience. What percentage of compensation am I entitle to? The insurance agent also faxed me a release form to sign. Do I absolutley have to sign it? What if in 5 years my back pain will come back? What should I do?

[deadlock]

I think you should check with a personal injury attorney in addition to any advice you receive on this forum. A consultation is usually a free consult and is often very informative.

Do not sign anything before you consult an attorney.

If the x-rays done showed no fracture, then you probably are not looking for anything long term. The type of accident you describe is the forward thrust and slamming backward against the seat. Typical whiplash where the spinal fluid surrounding the brain is temporarily under forced pressure. Spinal nerves respond as do all the muscles those nerves innervate.

Your doctor may prescribe PT where you can learn some exercises to gently stretch those muscles and relieve some of the spasms.