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 neck. Unfortunately, spinal cord injuries commonly occur in serious auto accidents, resulting in steep ongoing medical bills, extensive medical treatment, and a long recovery. If you were involved in a serious auto accident that resulted in spinal cord injuries, a car accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit to pursue compensation for an accident that resulted in a catastrophic injury.
How Can An Auto Accident Result in Spinal Cord Injuries?
The average passenger vehicle can weigh 2,000 to 3,000 pounds. During a collision, the sheer force of impact and the trauma from being thrown against other structures in a vehicle can result in severe spinal cord injuries.
To reduce your risk of suffering a spinal cord injury in an auto accident, follow these tips:
- Always wear your seat belt
- Follow the posted speed limit
- Never text while driving
Common Types Of Spinal Cord Injuries
The spine extends from the skull’s base to the hips and is made up of thirty-three small bones known as vertebrae. Between each of the vertebrae is an intervertebral disc, which is a shock-absorbing cushion. These structures form a column around the spinal cord. The spinal cord is responsible for sending nerve signals from the brain to the other parts of the body. Trauma to the spine can damage any part of the spinal cord or spinal column.
The most common types of spinal cord injuries caused by auto accidents include:
Whiplash
A type of neck injury that can occur when the cervical spine structures are overextended, whiplash is one of the most common types of auto accident injuries.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc involves the gel-like interior leaking out of an intervertebral disc. The gel-like material can press on the spinal column and spinal nerves, causing shooting pain, tingling, or numbness.
Spinal Fracture
The force of a traumatic accident can cause small cracks in or shatter one of the thirty-three spinal vertebrae. Any bone fragments from a spinal fracture can damage or pinch the spinal cord or spinal nerves.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition that involves the narrowing of the spinal canal. Spinal injuries can cause damage to the discs and vertebrae that protect the spinal canal, resulting in inflammation that minimizes the space for the spinal cord. Reduced space can place pressure on the spinal cord, causing numbness, weakness, and pain.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis affects the lower back and is a common injury that occurs when vertebrae slip out of place, pushing on the bone below. This can place pressure on the spinal nerves, resulting in chronic pain.
Incomplete and Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
A complete spinal cord injury occurs when the injured party loses all mobility and feeling below the affected area. Complete spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis in both legs, while tetraplegia causes paralysis in both legs or both arms.
An incomplete spinal cord injury occurs when the injured party has some mobility or sensation below the affected area.
A severe spinal cord injury can also result in brain damage after a motor vehicle collision. Over time, a damaged spinal cord can result in the degradation of brain function.
Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me With My Case?
If you were involved in an auto accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury or another type of serious injury, a car accident lawyer at Friedland Law can help you file a lawsuit and represent you in court. They will work tirelessly to build the strongest case possible to hold the negligent party financially responsible for the harm you have suffered.
Contact Us Today
If you were involved in an auto accident and sustained a spinal cord injury, contact Friedland Law today. A car accident lawyer on our legal team can meet with you to discuss your case, explain your legal options and rights, and go over how they can help you pursue compensation for all accident-related damages. Contact us today to learn more.
