A spinal cord injury from a car accident is a dangerous and possibly life-threatening event. Unfortunately, they’re also very common. Car accidents cause ⅓ of the 12,5000 spinal cord injuries that occur annually in the US.
This blog will discuss some of the most common spinal injuries caused by car accidents, what you need to know about each, and how to respond if you’ve been injured.
5 Common Types of Spinal Injuries After a Car Accident
Spinal injuries can cause paralysis, chronic pain, and more. Additionally, the medical care required to treat spinal injuries can have important implications for a person’s life. With that in mind, here are five of the most common spinal injuries that occur after car accidents:
1. Injuries to the Cervical Spine
The cervical spine encompasses a person’s neck and upper back. Cervical spine injuries are common after car accidents that involve sudden stopping or jostling. Whiplash and other injuries tend to affect the cervical spine and can cause pain for months after the initial event.
Additionally, some cervical spine injuries are challenging to detect at first. Because of this, it’s essential to see your doctor immediately after a car accident. Even if you think you’re okay, you may have a hidden spinal cord injury.
2. Injuries to the Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine is in the lower back. Common lumbar spine injuries include fractures and dislocations, which can arise after car accidents that occur at high speeds or involve massive impact.
3. Thoracic Spine Injuries
The thoracic spine is in the mid-back, near the same level as your lungs. Injuries sustained to the thoracic spine during a car accident tend to be severe. High-velocity auto accidents can cause sprains and fractures in the thoracic spine, leading to permanent nerve damage.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a group of nerves that runs through an opening in the middle of the vertebrae. It delivers critical impulses to all parts of the body and controls your central nervous system. Spinal cord injuries can happen when any part of the spine is injured.
Spinal cord injuries are classified as complete or incomplete. Complete spinal cord injuries cause permanent damage to the affected area of the spinal cord, while incomplete injuries cause only partial damage.
5. Vertebrae Injuries
The vertebrae are the small bones that run through the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine and house the spinal cord. Slips or compressions of the vertebrae, which are common after car accidents, may impact walking, movement, and comfort.
Vertebrae injuries can occur even after a minor car accident and may cause discomfort or pain for months or years after the event. Most also require ongoing care and treatment and attention from many different medical professionals, including doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors.
If You’ve Been in a Car Accident, Visit Your Doctor Immediately
Some spinal injuries don’t display immediate symptoms. Because of this, you can walk around for weeks or even months with a hidden fracture, dislocation, or another issue.
See your doctor immediately after any car accident, even a minor one. Your doctor will conduct a complete spine evaluation to check for slips, dislocations, fractures, and nerve damage
If you have been injured, your doctor will recommend treatment to help restore your mobility and comfort and promote healing. The doctor will also be able to help you document your injuries, which will be vital as you work to obtain an insurance payout.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney After a Spinal Injury?
In short, the answer is yes. Firstly, an experienced lawyer will help you navigate the legal requirements, timelines, and insurance to ensure you receive a fair settlement. While you may believe that you can deal with insurance companies alone, here are just a few of the reasons having an attorney on your side is a good idea:
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You need to focus on healing. After a spinal injury, the last thing you want to worry about is a legal case. Car accident cases in Pensacola, Florida, can drag on for months or even years. When you hire a personal injury attorney to handle your case, you can stop worrying about the legal proceedings and focus on rest and healing instead.
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An attorney will cover your bases. Court cases involve masses of paperwork, legal documents, and forms. Unless you have an experienced team on your side, it’s easy to miss something that could delay or sidetrack your case.
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An attorney will get you the settlement you deserve. Some spinal cord injuries require lifelong care. Others cause paralysis or pain that requires the help of multiple skilled medical specialists. Treating a spinal cord injury is expensive, and you need a settlement that supports and enables your care. When you hire a personal injury attorney to represent you, you can trust that you’ll get the compensation you deserve and a payout that considers all your current and future factors.
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You deserve someone on your side. While insurance companies are supposed to protect us, many will do anything possible to get out of paying – even going so far as to make the accident seem like it was your fault. Facing that alone can feel overwhelming and hopeless. Hiring a personal injury attorney means you have a seasoned expert on your side, representing you. Your attorney will advocate for your rights, see your case to court (if need be), and make sure your best interests are always at the forefront.
You Deserve Representation
Whether your car accident was minor or severe, you deserve representation. Hiring a personal injury attorney is a way to care for yourself and your family after the trauma of a car accident and make sure your best interests are protected. You don’t have to struggle alone – help is just around the corner.
Ward & Barnes, PA: Your Personal Injury Resource in Pensacola, Florida
In conclusion, don’t struggle with the aftermath of a car accident alone. Contact our team of experienced personal injury attorneys and get the representation you deserve today. Ready to learn more about our team and our services? Contact us now.