What Kinds Of Spinal Cord Injuries Are Caused By Car Accidents?

Spinal cord injuries are caused by damage to the lower back, mid-back, or to the neck. Severe damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or chronic pain. After an auto accident, an accident victim must pay close attention to any signs or symptoms they experience. A minor injury may advance to a debilitating condition, without proper prompt medical attention. If you sustained a spinal cord injury in a car crash, during this challenging time, it’s important to take legal action. A car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation that will cover the cost of ongoing medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Types Of Spinal Injuries Sustained in Motor Vehicle Collisions 

A spinal cord injury from a car crash can damage any part of the spinal column.

Below, you’ll find the most common types of injuries to the spine sustained in auto accidents:

Whiplash

This type of neck injury occurs when the cervical spine is overextended. A whiplash injury is common after a car crash and is due to the impact force that causes the upper back, neck, and head to rapidly move forward and backward.

Herniated Disc

Herniated discs occur when the soft gel-like interior of an intervertebral disc leaks out of a crack in its exterior. The soft gel-like material can press on spinal nerves, creating pain, tingling, and numbness.

Spinal Fractures

Spinal fractures can involve a complete or partial break of one of the spinal vertebrae. The blunt force sustained in an auto accident can cause small hairline fractures or shatter bone.

Spondylolisthesis

This type of common injury affects the lower back and occurs when the vertebra slips out of place, pushing on the bone below.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury is damage that directly affects the spinal cord. When an accident victim suffers an incomplete spinal cord injury, they will still have some mobility or sensation below the affected area.

When an accident victim suffers a complete spinal cord injury, it can cause paralysis of both arms and legs or both legs. Severe complete spinal cord injuries can also lead to brain injuries after an auto accident since damage to the spinal cord can degrade brain function.

A complete spinal cord injury occurs when a victim loses all feeling below the affected area.

What Are the Symptoms Of a Spinal Injury?

Common symptoms include:

• Numbness in the feet, legs, hands, or arms
• Pain that radiates down the buttocks and legs
• Limited or loss of neck movement
• Muscle spasms
• Stiffness in the shoulders and neck
• Headache
• Increased fatigue
• Dizziness
• Neck pain
• Trouble walking or standing
• Paralysis or weakness in the back, neck, or head
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

Spinal Cord Injury Treatment 

A spinal injury from an auto accident must be diagnosed properly before treatment can begin. A physician will begin with a physical exam to check the range of motion, swelling, tenderness, and muscle strength. Next, they will order diagnostic tests, such as an MRI, CT scan, or X-rays.

Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury.

Options can include:

• Bed rest
• Surgery
• Medication
• Physical therapy
• Injections

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?

Spinal cord injuries can result in ongoing medical expenses, especially if the accident victim sustained a complete spinal cord injury. A car accident lawyer can fight for the accident victim’s right to fair compensation. During this time, they will collect evidence to prove the other driver is responsible for the auto accident and the subsequent injuries. A car accident lawyer will also gather medical bills, vehicle repair estimates, and other proof of out-of-pocket expenses, to support the accident victim’s demand for damages. If the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer, a car accident lawyer can file a lawsuit on the accident victim’s behalf and help them fight for fair compensation in court.

Contact Us Today 

A spinal cord injury from an auto accident can turn your life upside-down in an instant. If you sustained a spinal cord injury in an auto accident that was caused by a negligent driver, contact a car accident lawyer at MVP Accident Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. We can meet with you to discuss your options and legal rights and help you pursue compensation that will cover the cost of your accident-related damages. Contact us today to learn more.