Spine Injuries in Car Accidents

The violence of car accidents can lead to many different types of injuries – some of which carry more serious long-term consequences than others. The spine is a crucial component of our body’s structural framework and is particularly vulnerable to the forces of a vehicle collision. The permanence of a spinal cord injury makes it stand out as one of the more severe categories of car accident injuries.

For decades, Kanner & Pintaluga have been helping clients pursue compensation for all types of personal injuries, including spine injuries caused by car accidents. If you were involved in a car crash, our auto accident lawyers are ready to serve you.

Types of Spine Injuries Common in Auto Accidents

Whiplash

The neck is one of the vulnerable parts of the spine, and a compelling argument can be made that injuries affecting the cervical spine (neck region) can have some of the most debilitating consequences of all auto accident injuries. Whiplash is a common spine injury that occurs when the head is forcefully jerked back and forth at rapid speed. It’s commonly associated with rear-end collisions but can potentially happen in all types of crashes. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness and headaches.

Herniated Discs

The impact of a car accident can lead to the displacement of discs in the spine. This causes pain, numbness and weakness. Herniated discs commonly affect the cervical or lumbar regions and can significantly impact an individual’s mobility and daily life.

Treatments of herniated discs are far from perfect, and it’s not uncommon for even skilled orthopedists to struggle to develop truly effective long-term treatment plans. These injuries can potentially leave people with permanent back pain.

Spinal Fractures

The force of a collision may result in fractures to the vertebrae, causing significant pain and potentially damaging or severing the spinal cord itself. Fractures always necessitate immediate medical attention and may even require invasive and expensive emergency surgeries or a series of surgical procedures.

The long-term impacts of spinal fractures depend on the severity and location of the fracture, but can lead to long-term or permanent disabilities.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Among the most severe spine injuries, damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or loss of sensation below the injury site. These injuries demand immediate medical attention as they could be fatal. Spinal cord injuries can have a huge impact on an individual’s independence and long-term quality of life.

If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury after a car accident, it’s likely in your best interest to consult with an accident lawyer who has litigated these types of cases in the past and has experience working with medical experts and financial professionals to build a comprehensive case that maximizes your chance at a full and fair recovery.

If you are facing any of these spine injuries as a result of the car crash, rest assured that you are not alone. The car crash attorneys at Kanner & Pintaluga have decades of experience dealing with these types of injuries and will help you increase your chances of winning your case with compassion and empathy.