Despite advancements in vehicle safety and public awareness efforts, car accidents continue to occur frequently across the U.S., leading to a high number of injuries. Spinal injuries are particularly common, with around 869,000 cases reported annually, according to Accident Analysis & Prevention. Here is what you need to know about the most common spinal injuries, their symptoms, and how an experienced car accident attorney can help if you or someone you love sustained a spinal injury in a crash.
How common are spinal injuries from car accidents?
Spinal injuries are among the most frequent injuries sustained in car accidents. They affect thousands of people every year. Due to the spine’s vulnerability, even minor car accidents can exert tremendous force on the back and neck. The impact can range from mild strains to life-threatening damage.
What are the most common spinal injuries from car accidents?
Car accidents can cause a variety of spinal injuries, each with its own symptoms and risks. Some of the most common spinal injuries include:
- Whiplash: This injury affects the neck, causing damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments when the head is suddenly jolted backward and forward. Common signs include neck pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion.
- Herniated or ruptured spinal discs: The force of a collision can cause spinal discs to tear, pushing the gel-like material inside the disc outward. Pain that radiates down the limbs, shooting pain around the spine, weakness, and numbness are typical symptoms.
- Broken vertebrae: The spine’s vertebrae can fracture during an accident, potentially damaging nearby nerves or tissues. Intense pain, swelling, difficulty moving, and tingling or numbness in the limbs may occur.
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI): When the spinal cord itself is damaged, it can result in partial or complete loss of function below the injury site. Severe cases can cause muscle weakness, loss of voluntary movement, lower blood pressure, and difficulty breathing.
- Facet joint injuries: These joints connect the vertebrae and can be damaged in a collision, causing significant pain. Symptoms include extreme discomfort and reduced mobility, which often affect daily activities.
- Spinal stenosis: Car accidents can aggravate existing spinal stenosis or trigger it by causing the spinal canal to narrow and compress nerves. Pain, weakness, numbness, and difficulty walking are common signs.
How severe can spinal injuries be?
The severity of spinal injuries varies widely. For example, whiplash may resolve with treatment in a matter of weeks. On the other hand, spinal cord injuries can lead to long-term disabilities. Medical professionals categorize spinal cord injuries as “complete” (where no sensory or motor function remains below the injury) or “incomplete” (where some function is preserved). The consequences of severe injuries can be life-altering, making early intervention and treatment important for improving outcomes.
What are the treatment options for spinal injuries?
Treatment for spinal injuries depends on the specific injury and its severity. Options may include:
- Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants may be used for symptom management.
- Physical therapy: This is often recommended to restore strength and mobility.
- Epidural injections: These can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain around the spine.
- Chiropractic care: This may be beneficial for certain injuries, such as whiplash.
- Surgery: For severe cases, such as spinal cord damage or herniated discs that don’t respond to other treatments, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Seeking compensation for a crash-related spinal injury
If you were injured in a car accident in Palm Beach County, don’t face the insurance companies alone. The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. has decades of experience helping crash victims recover compensation for their injuries and losses.
We understand how life-changing a car accident can be, and we’re here to help you fight for the justice and financial compensation you deserve. Our case results speak for themselves, including:
- $1,000,000 – Compensation for a car crash that led to spinal cord damage and necessitated surgical procedures.
- $1,000,000 – Settlement for a vehicle accident resulting in spinal surgeries.
- $950,000 – Award for a motor vehicle accident requiring spinal surgeries.
- $685,000 – Compensation for a motor vehicle accident causing spinal cord injuries and requiring surgery.
- $450,000 – Settlement for a car accident that resulted in spinal injuries.
- $425,000 – Award for a vehicle crash leading to spinal injuries.
- $400,000 – Compensation for a motor vehicle accident that caused spinal injuries.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any legal fees unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront costs. We will handle every aspect of your claim, from negotiating with the insurance company to preparing your case for court if necessary. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.