How Car Accidents Cause Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries occur when crash forces fracture, dislocate, or compress the vertebrae protecting the spinal cord. In Texas, these injuries commonly result from high-speed highway collisions, rollover crashes, and severe rear-end impacts.
Even when airbags deploy and seatbelts function properly, the spine may still absorb violent force. When the spinal cord is bruised, compressed, or severed, the consequences can be life-altering.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries Seen After Car Crashes
Car accidents can cause both complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries.
Common forms include:
- Cervical spine injuries affecting the neck and upper body
- Thoracic injuries impacting the chest and trunk
- Lumbar injuries affecting legs and lower body
- Paralysis, including paraplegia and quadriplegia
Some victims experience partial function loss, while others suffer permanent paralysis.
Symptoms May Not Be Immediately Obvious
Not all spinal cord injuries present instantly. Swelling and inflammation can worsen nerve damage hours or days after a crash. Early symptoms may include:
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness in arms or legs
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe back or neck pain
Delayed diagnosis can significantly affect both medical outcomes and legal claims.
Why Texas Insurance Companies Fight These Claims
Spinal cord injury claims carry high financial exposure. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize liability by arguing:
- The injury was pre-existing
- The damage is less severe than claimed
- Symptoms are exaggerated
- Long-term care projections are inflated
Texas insurers aggressively scrutinize catastrophic injury cases, making thorough documentation critical.
Medical Evidence That Strengthens a Texas Spinal Cord Injury Claim
Strong claims rely on detailed medical proof, including:
- Emergency room records
- MRI and CT imaging
- Neurological evaluations
- Surgical reports
- Rehabilitation and life-care plans
- Physician opinions linking injury to crash mechanics
Consistency in treatment and documentation is essential under Texas personal injury standards.
Long-Term Costs and Life Impact
Spinal cord injuries often require lifelong care. Costs may include:
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Physical therapy
- Mobility devices
- Home modifications
- Lost earning capacity
- Reduced quality of life
Texas law allows recovery for both economic and non-economic damages, but future costs must be carefully calculated and supported.
Why Legal Guidance Matters in Texas
Texas personal injury law requires proving negligence, causation, and damages. In spinal cord injury cases, this often involves expert testimony, accident reconstruction, and long-term medical projections.
Legal guidance helps protect injured victims from early settlement pressure and ensures compensation reflects the full scope of the injury.
FAQ’s
Q: Can a car accident cause a spinal cord injury without paralysis?
A: Yes. Many spinal cord injuries result in partial loss of function or chronic pain rather than full paralysis.
Q: Are spinal cord injury claims different in Texas?
A: Texas law requires clear proof of causation and damages, especially for catastrophic injuries.
Q: Can symptoms worsen after the accident?
A: Yes. Swelling and inflammation can increase nerve damage over time.
Q: Are future medical costs recoverable in Texas?
A: Yes. Texas law allows recovery for future care when supported by medical evidence.