Emergency symptoms of a spinal cord injury after a car accident may include
- Extreme back pain
- Pressure caused in the head, neck, or back
- Weakness or loss of control in different body parts
- Numbness or tingling sensation in fingers, feet, hands or toes
Spinal cord injuries may result from other accidents such as truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, and others. However, the leading cause is car collisions, and the severity of the injury will vary depending on the effects, which can range from minor to impairments and complete paralysis. A car accident lawyer may help to gather evidence, file a lawsuit, and represent you in court if you have been struggling with spinal cord injuries due to the negligence of someone else.
How Car Accidents Can Cause Spinal Cord Injuries?
A car accident can cause a sudden blow to the spinal cord and surrounding tissues such as discs, vertebrae, and ligaments. It may even cause vertebrae to break, and the tissues may get crushed. In some spinal cord injuries, bleeding may also be the outcome.
In extreme cases, if the injury to the spinal cord spreads downward, it can damage the nervous system, which may interfere with motor functioning. Furthermore, the impact of spinal cord injuries depends largely on the intensity and general health of the victim who is injured. You can pursue compensation by taking legal advice from an experienced attorney who may file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.
The Effects of Spinal Cord Injury
Some possible catastrophic effects of the spinal cord are as follows:
- Paralysis
- Difficulty with breathing
- Difficulty in coughing
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- Loss of feeling
- Spasms
- Pain
To avoid being in pain, it is often recommended to seek medical attention to ensure that there is no further damage. It may also happen that after sustaining spinal cord injuries, pain may surface after some days. Therefore, prompt medical attention is necessary to avoid permanent damage.
Common Types Of Spinal Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in a range of spinal injuries, often due to the sudden impact and force exerted on the body during a collision. Some of the most common types of spinal injuries from car accidents include:
- Whiplash: This is one of the most common spinal injuries, especially in rear-end collisions. It happens when the head is suddenly and forcefully thrown back and forth, causing injury to the neck’s soft tissues. It can result in neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and even cognitive issues.
- Herniated Discs: The discs in your spine act as cushions between the bones. In a car accident, the force can cause these discs to rupture or shift out of place, leading to a herniated disc. This condition can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg.
- Spinal Fractures: These are breaks in any part of the spinal bone. They can be compression fractures (where the bone is crushed), burst fractures (where the bone is shattered), or fracture-dislocations (where there is a combination of a fracture and dislocation).
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These are some of the most serious injuries that can occur in a car accident. They can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
- Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition where a bone in the spine slips out of place, often due to a stress fracture caused by the impact of a car accident. It can compress the nerves or spinal cord, leading to pain, numbness, or even difficulty walking.
- Spinal Stenosis: While this condition is usually caused by age-related wear and tear, a car accident can exacerbate it or accelerate its onset. It involves the narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine.
In any case of a car accident, immediate medical attention is required, even if the injuries seem minor at first. Some spinal injuries might not become apparent until a few hours, days, or even weeks after the accident.
What Is the Average Spinal Cord Injury Settlement?
The average spinal cord injury settlement can range over $1 million. However, the amount may vary depending on the severity of the injury and other factors, such as lifetime treatment, rehabilitation, and severity. The settlement amount will include both your current and future medical costs.
Avoid Spinal Cord Injuries in Car Accidents
Preventing a spinal cord injury in a car accident involves many factors, including safe driving practices, vehicle safety features, and correct use of seat belts and child car seats. Some measures you can take:
- Avoid Distracted Driving: Don’t use your phone while driving. Even hands-free conversations can distract you.
- Don’t Drink and Drive: Alcohol impairs your driving skills and reaction time. If you plan to drink, arrange for a designated driver, use a taxi, or use a ride-sharing service.
- Use Seat Belts Correctly: Wear the seat belt so that it fits snugly across your pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of your body. The shoulder belt should not be under your arm or behind your back.
- Use Appropriate Child Car Seats and Booster Seats: Children should be in a car seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their size and age, and the seat should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
While you can’t completely eliminate the risk of a spinal cord injury in a car accident, these measures can significantly reduce your risk. Remember, the best way to survive an accident is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Struggling with spinal cord injuries after a car crash? Talk to an attorney
If you have sustained a spinal cord injury due to a car accident that was another driver’s fault, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The amount of compensation you can receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical care, and the impact your injuries have had on your life. Contact an accident lawyer to learn more about your legal options and an estimate of your spinal cord settlement value.