Cervical radiculopathy after a car accident

• Michael Burry
• Jun 19, 2025

After facing car accidents, victims may experience minor injuries such as severe pain in the neck. Accident victims often face challenges in seeking financial compensation for injuries to the human body, especially the human spine, after a car accident. However, you must not ignore neck injuries. If they are left untreated, the neck pain may result in severe conditions such as cervical radiculopathy.

Cervical radiculopathy may result from a bulging or herniated disk or a pinched nerve in the neck. It is one of the most common injuries you may experience after a car crash. Even a minor car collision may result in permanent neck injuries.

What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy is a pinched nerve in the neck that causes pain by compressing or irritating the nerve roots. Cervical radiculopathy is sometimes referred to as a pinched nerve. Inflammation or nerve compression is causing pain and other symptoms, including changes in reflexes, strength, or sensation. It will cause pain in the back, arms, neck, and hands.

Common Causes of Cervical Radiculopathy

The fundamental causes of radiculopathy are osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease. Some of the injuries that can increase the risk of radiculopathy are

• Herniated discs
• Arthritis
• Compression fractures
• Scoliosis
• Diabetes
• Spinal stenosis
• Bone spurs
• Spinal tumors
• Spondylolisthesis

Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy

The cervical radiculopathy symptoms may vary, as it will depend on the severity of the injuries caused by the car crash. Common symptoms may include the following:

• Burning sensation
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Loss of motion
• Stiffness
• Muscle weakness
• Aching

Nerve damage may cause victims to experience these symptoms on one side of the body or in the neck. Some may experience a tingling sensation in their fingers and not in the neck after the crash, leading to cervical radiculopathy. 

Lasting Effects of Cervical Radiculopathy in Car Accident Victims

In a few cases of cervical radiculopathy, nerve roots sustain actual damage. When that happens, you may experience pain that spreads outward, numbness in certain areas, or weakness in your arm muscles. Those signs can leave you with

• a permanent pain-care routine
• a disability if one or both arms are hit hard
• trouble getting back to work because the disability is affecting you

Knowing how these lasting changes impact your daily life helps you pick a fair value for any settlement.

How Do You Prove a Car Accident Caused Your Cervical Spine Injury?

To prove that your cervical spine injury was caused by a car accident, you need to show relevant evidence such as expert testimony and medical records. However, medical records are essential to prove your back and neck injury. It is important because these records document the injuries caused by the car crash and the treatment you are receiving for them.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Cervical Radiculopathy Car Accident?

The cervical radiculopathy settlements may range from thousands of dollars to millions of dollars, depending on the circumstances in which the accident took place. Factors that may impact the settlements are medical treatment expenses, insurance coverage, the severity of the injuries, and the loss of wages. 

If the accident victim requires long-term medical care, the settlement amount may be higher in comparison to those who require short-term medical treatment. 

What Is Cervical Radiculopathy C6-C7?

C6-C7 is located between the 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae in the upper neck region. Victims of car accidents who experience cervical sprain at C6-C7 may experience excessive weakness, pain, and paralysis. A herniated disk at this level is a common cause of nerve compression, which can irritate nerve roots and lead to symptoms like radiating neck and arm pain. It may also affect an individual’s ability to control arm and hand muscles. 

The C6-C7 pinched nerve is one of the most common levels of neck injury that can result from a car crash. Moreover, it may lead to trouble breathing and affect bladder and bowel functionality. The settlement may also be high in such cases due to the injury’s severity.

How Much Time Does a Cervical Radiculopathy Car Accident Settlement Take?

There is no precise time that a car accident settlement for cervical radiculopathy may take. Some cases may resolve in a few months, whereas others may take a longer time to settle. This variation in the severity and impact of cervical radiculopathy will also affect the recovery time. Some factors that may impact the settlement time are:

• Number of parties involved in the accident
• The victim is responding to treatment
• The compensation you need to recover

Insurance Adjusters Bearing Quick Settlement Offers

Some car insurance companies may provide you with a quick settlement in a few days or weeks after the collision. The settlement is far lower than what you need. You don't know how bad your injuries are or what treatment you need after the crash. You can't collect future costs due to uncertainty. 

However, a legal representative may help you if you are unsure about the settlement. They might, therefore, give you the best legal counsel before you sign the settlement. 

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help You in Your Cervical Radiculopathy Case?

Working with a car accident attorney may help you determine the appropriate course of action by understanding the nature of your injury and what to expect from your injury lawsuit. They can also help to pursue fair compensation for your pain and suffering after the accident.

FAQs on cervical radiculopathy after car accident

• How is the Victim Responding to Treatment?  

Suppose a victim recovers quickly after their injury; the case will resolve in less time. However, if the injury has long-term consequences, the recovery time may be extended. It is because it takes time to understand the nature of the injury, as some may even require surgery.  

• How much Compensation Do you Need to Recover?

If your cervical radiculopathy is more severe or permanent, the medical care and expenses may be higher. The time taken to recover the compensation may also be longer, as other parties may try to provide you with a lower settlement. 

• How many Parties are Involved in Your Case? 

Some cases are more complex as they may involve multiple injuries or vehicles. These accident cases may require more time to settle than those where two parties are involved. 

• Does the Case Go into litigation?

If you can't settle, your case will go to court, which takes longer. It will take further time.