Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe outcomes of vehicle accidents, often leading to life-altering consequences for victims and their families. These injuries can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens, particularly when long-term care or permanent disability is involved. Understanding your legal rights and the steps to take after sustaining a spinal cord injury in a car crash is crucial for protecting your future.
This blog outlines what victims need to know about spinal cord injuries in vehicle accidents, including the causes, legal options, and steps to pursue compensation in Washington.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. The force of a collision can cause damage to the vertebrae, discs, or spinal cord itself, leading to partial or complete loss of motor function. Common accident scenarios that result in spinal cord injuries include:
- Rear-End Collisions: Sudden impacts can cause hyperextension or compression of the spinal column.
- Head-On Collisions: The force of impact can lead to fractures or dislocations in the spine.
- Rollovers: Occupants in rollover accidents are at risk of severe spinal cord trauma, especially if they are ejected from the vehicle.
- Side-Impact Crashes: T-bone collisions often involve lateral forces that can compress the spine.
- Pedestrian or Cyclist Accidents: Vehicle collisions with pedestrians or cyclists can result in catastrophic spinal injuries due to the lack of protection for these individuals.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
The severity of spinal cord injuries can vary, but even minor damage can have long-lasting effects. Common types of spinal cord injuries include:
1. Complete Spinal Cord Injury
A complete injury results in a total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury site. This can lead to paraplegia or quadriplegia, depending on the location of the injury.
2. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
With an incomplete injury, some motor or sensory function remains below the injury site. Victims may experience varying degrees of mobility or sensation.
3. Herniated or Ruptured Discs
The force of a car accident can cause the discs between the vertebrae to shift, rupture, or compress nerves, leading to pain and mobility issues.
4. Fractured Vertebrae
Fractures can destabilize the spinal column and, if severe, may require surgical intervention to prevent further damage.
Long-Term Impacts of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries often have significant and permanent effects on victims, including:
- Physical Challenges: Paralysis, chronic pain, or limited mobility.
- Emotional Effects: Depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation are common after such life-altering injuries.
- Financial Burden: Ongoing medical treatments, rehabilitation, and assistive devices like wheelchairs can lead to substantial expenses.
- Loss of Independence: Many victims require long-term caregiving or modifications to their living environments.
Pursuing a Spinal Cord Injury Claim in Washington
If your spinal cord injury was caused by a vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. Washington law allows victims to recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses.
Key Steps to Filing a Claim:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prompt treatment not only safeguards your health but also creates a detailed record of your injury, which is crucial for your case.
- Gather Evidence: Collect photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Obtain police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage.
- Consult a Spinal Injury Lawyer in Washington: An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, identify liable parties, and guide you through the legal process.
- Determine Damages: Work with your attorney to calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
- File Within the Statute of Limitations: In Washington, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Acting quickly ensures your case is not barred by the statute of limitations.
Compensation Available for Spinal Cord Injury Claims
A successful spinal cord injury claim can provide compensation for the following:
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if the injury prevents you from returning to work.
- Home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps or specialized equipment.
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering caused by the physical and emotional toll of the injury.
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to reduced independence and mobility.
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma.
Punitive Damages:
In cases involving egregious negligence, such as drunk driving, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party.
Common Challenges in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Spinal cord injury claims can be complex, and victims often face challenges such as:
- Proving Liability: Determining fault in a vehicle accident may require extensive investigation, especially in multi-vehicle collisions or cases involving disputed accounts.
- Calculating Long-Term Costs: Accurately estimating future medical expenses, lost income, and care needs requires input from medical and financial experts.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or dispute the severity of injuries. Having legal representation can help counter these tactics.
How a Spinal Injury Lawyer in Washington Can Help
Navigating a spinal cord injury claim requires skill and experience. A spinal injury lawyer in Washington can:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence to build a strong case.
- Work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
How Ron Meyers and Associates Can Help
At Ron Meyers and Associates, we understand the devastating impact that spinal cord injuries have on victims and their families. Our compassionate and experienced attorneys in Olympia are dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
From investigating the accident to advocating for your rights in court, we’ll guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us provide the car crash legal advice you need to move forward after a spinal cord injury.