A spinal cord injury after a car accident can result in paralysis and permanently impact a person’s quality of life. Spinal cord injuries can affect the victim emotionally and physically as well as create challenging financial issues. If you suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident, contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal right and possible compensation. 
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
During a car crash, spinal cord injuries occur due to the force of the collision and the impact on a person’s body. Depending on the specific location of the injury, paralysis can result in varying degrees. Some injuries to the spinal cord do not cause complete paralysis while others may.
High
A high spinal cord injury affects the trunk, arms, and legs. It can cause various degrees of paralysis and can also affect the chest area and pelvic organs. A high spinal cord injury that affects both arms and legs is known as quadriplegia.
Low
A low spinal cord injury can result in the loss of function and sensation in the legs and pelvic organs and is known as paraplegia.
Incomplete
With an incomplete spinal cord injury, there is some function of the limbs and organs.
Complete
With a complete injury, there is no function or sensation at or below the area of the spinal cord that was injured.
In addition, vertebrae injuries such as herniated or ruptured disks can irritate the spinal cord and result in arm or leg pain as well as weakness and numbness. This type of injury can make it difficult to do many activities and can affect a person’s ability to work.
Spinal cord injuries of all types are serious, and many require long-term, continuous care. Since a person with a spinal cord injury may no longer be able to work, their life is severely impacted. The emotional stress caused by an injury to the spinal cord can be devasting.
Car Accidents That Cause Spinal Cord Injuries
Any car accident has the potential to result in a spinal cord injury. The location of the impact, the person’s placement in the car, and the amount of force placed on the body during the crash are all factors that determine the severity of the collision and the type of injury that results.
Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions can put extreme force on a person’s body. This type of crash can cause a person’s body to move violently backward and injure the spinal cord.
Rear-end Collisions
When a car is hit from the rear, the force of impact can cause the person’s body to move forward with great force and cause damage and compression to the spine.
T-bone Collisions
T-bone collisions occur when a car is hit on the side by another vehicle. This type of crash can cause the person’s body to move in an awkward position and result in a spinal cord injury.
Many car accidents that lead to spinal cord injuries with paralysis are due to negligent drivers. The at-fault driver may have been distracted or under the influence, ran a red light or stop sign, or ignored the speed limit. If the other driver is responsible for the accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim and recover compensation for your injuries and loss.
How a Rhode Island Attorney Can Help
Consulting with a car accident attorney after your accident can help protect your legal rights and possible compensation. An attorney will investigate your case, determine who is at fault, and work to get your case settled fairly. It’s important to work with an attorney to ensure all expenses related to the injury are covered because the financial costs of a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming. The patient may need treatment, long-term care, and rehabilitation for years to come.
Damages an Attorney Can Help Recover
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket costs
Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident?
If you've been hurt in a car accident you need to speak to an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Warwick office directly at 401.946.3200 to schedule your free consultation. We help accident victims in Providence, Warwick, and all areas of Rhode Island.
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