It’s no surprise that driving a car is inherently risky. Car accidents can often lead to injuries, some of which can be quite severe. Some car accidents can leave you permanently disabled, changing your life forever. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, car and motorcycle accidents make up almost half of all new spinal cord injuries every year. Although many accidents can cause neck and back injuries more serious crashes can result in a spinal cord injury.
A spinal cord injury includes damage to any part of the spinal cord or to the nerves at the end of the spinal canal. When you are involved in a collision, a fractured disc or even a piece of debris can damage your spinal cord. When the spinal cord is damaged it can impact your motor function to the area where you were injured and down the rest of your body. You can end up losing all or part of your motor and sensory function, and become paralyzed.
Types of Paralysis
There are various levels of paralysis that car crashes may cause. The types of paralysis are paraplegia and tetraplegia. Paraplegia usually impacts your function from the waist down, affecting all or part of your legs, trunk, and pelvic organs. Tetraplegia, which is often referred to as quadriplegia, results from the neck down, commonly affecting not only all or part of your legs, trunk, and pelvic organs but also your hands and arms.
Collisions That Can Cause Paralysis
Crashes that often result in paralysis include the following:
Rear-end
When you are involved in a rear-end collision, the vehicle in the rear hits the back of the vehicle in the front. The impact of the collision can cause the occupants of the car to violently jolt back and forth potentially causing the spine to fracture and the spinal cord to become damaged.
High-speed
When a vehicle strikes the back of another vehicle while traveling at a high speed, it can greatly increase the likelihood of incurring a traumatic injury, such as paralysis.
Semi-truck
When a smaller vehicle is rear-ended by a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, it can crush it. The sheer size and force of the semi-truck can cause significant injuries, including paralysis.
Rollover
Rollover crashes generally crush the roof of the vehicle and cause the occupants to suffer much damage to the neck and back, including paralysis.
MPJ Law Firm Can Help Those Who Have Been Injured by Another
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to the negligence of another, it can feel overwhelming and can often result in long-lasting or even permanent damage. You should never have to pay the price for someone else’s mistakes.
At MPJ Law Firm, we have a deep understanding of personal injury accidents, such as neck and back injuries, and paralysis, as well as a long history of dealing with insurance companies. We will always act in your best interest. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
Posted in: Automobile Accidents