Columbus Junction Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Injuries and accidents can suddenly change lives. During these challenging moments, car accident injury lawyers become crucial allies. They fight for those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring just compensation. This article underscores the significant role these lawyers play in assisting individuals with their claims and recovery.

Cervical Fusion for a Neck Injury from a Car Accident

Neck injuries from car accidents are common, often requiring significant medical intervention. Among these, cervical fusion surgery is a critical procedure for severe neck injuries, particularly those involving vertebral damage. While whiplash is the most well-known neck injury resulting from car accidents, other severe injuries may necessitate surgical intervention.

Understanding Cervical Fusion Surgery

Cervical fusion is a surgical procedure designed to join two or more bones in the neck to increase stability and prevent further damage. This is often achieved by using bone from another part of the body, a bone graft, or metal plates to fuse the vertebrae. In some cases, a damaged disc is removed, and the adjacent vertebrae are fused. Occasionally, an entire vertebra is removed, followed by a fusion.

Indications for Cervical Fusion

Cervical fusion is typically recommended following severe neck injuries from car accidents to prevent spinal cord damage and correct misalignments. It is also a treatment for herniated discs, fractures, or other spinal injuries. If another party’s negligence caused the injuries necessitating this procedure, an Iowa personal injury lawyer could help recover the associated costs.

Post-Surgery Expectations

After cervical fusion surgery, patients may need a cane for mobility and can resume a normal diet after bowel function returns. If bone was harvested from another area, soreness in that region is common. A neck brace, either collar-type or halo, will be required for several weeks.

Physical therapy is often initiated soon after surgery. Patients must avoid driving and strenuous activities while wearing a neck brace. Light activities, such as short walks, are encouraged, but excessive exercise should be avoided.

Prognosis and Recovery

Cervical fusion surgery typically takes about three hours and requires an inpatient stay of a few days. While it can alleviate pain and other symptoms, it is not always a permanent solution. Complications may arise, necessitating further treatment. These potential future costs are important considerations in injury claims handled by an Iowa personal injury lawyer.

Risks and Complications

The inherent risks of cervical fusion include:
- Blood clots
- Neck stiffness
- Donor site pain
- Spinal cord or nerve injury
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Bone graft rejection
- Surgical site issues, such as implant failure

General anesthesia risks include aspiration, coughing, gagging, increased heart rate, and blood pressure fluctuations.

Five Car Insurance Claim Myths Iowa Drivers Should Know

Iowa law mandates drivers to demonstrate financial responsibility, typically through auto insurance. Despite its purpose, insurance claims are often complex and misunderstood. Here are five common myths:

1. Your Insurance Will Cover Costs if the Other Driver Can’t
   - Many drivers lack sufficient insurance. Without additional coverage options like uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) or medical payments coverage (MedPay), your insurance may not cover damages.

2. You’ll Get the Blue Book Value for Your Totaled Vehicle
   - Insurance companies pay for a vehicle’s actual pre-crash value, which may be less than its Blue Book value and insufficient to purchase a new vehicle.

3. The Insurance Adjuster is on Your Side
   - Insurance adjusters aim to minimize payouts. They may look for reasons to reduce your claim. Never sign documents or admit fault without consulting an attorney.

4. You’ll Always Get Your Full Settlement Amount
   - Initial settlement offers are often lower than deserved. Consulting an attorney ensures a fair evaluation of your claim.

5. You Can File a Claim on Your Own
   - While legal representation isn’t required, an attorney can significantly improve your compensation by proving fault, negotiating settlements, and exploring legal options.

Understanding Iowa's Fault System in Car Accidents

Iowa follows a modified comparative fault system. Fault determination is crucial, as it affects the compensation you can receive.

Proving Fault

To prove fault, you must show the other driver:
- Owed a legal duty of care
- Failed to fulfill that duty
- Caused the accident or your injuries
- Resulted in actual injuries

Modified Comparative Fault System

Iowa’s system follows the 51% rule. You can seek compensation if you are less than 51% at fault, but your settlement is reduced by your fault percentage. For instance, being 25% at fault reduces your settlement by 25%.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.

Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.

That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.