Nobody expects to suffer a spinal injury in an auto accident, but these events are more common than many people assume – especially for those who do not wear seatbelts. According to Mayo Clinic, car crashes are responsible for more than 35 percent of all spinal cord injuries in the United States. If you notice the symptoms of a spinal injury after a collision, such as weakness, numbness or tingling, then it is critical that you do not move until an ambulance arrives.
If you were injured in a car wreck in Georgia, contact the Crosson Law Group, LLC. Ken Crosson is a personal-injury attorney in Marietta who can evaluate your accident, gather evidence, structure your claim and handle settlement negotiations. He also has the litigation experience to represent your interests if your case goes to trial.
Call 678-909-0770 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also learn more about auto accident claims in Georgia by visiting the USAttorneys website.
Here is a brief overview of four common spinal cord injuries in car crashes:
- Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is the medical term for a stress fracture. A stress fracture of the spine can push the vertebra out of position.
The misplaced bones can pinch nerves and cause immense pain, as well as a narrowing of the spinal column. Victims may have difficulty walking and lack sensation.
- Compression Fractures
Compression fractures are common injuries in car wrecks, as Disabled World explains. They usually affect the middle and lower regions of the spine. People who use lap belts exclusively are at a high risk of suffering a compression fracture because the impact of a crash could force the upper body forward, pulling apart vertebrae and stretching or severing the spinal column.
You should never move someone with a spine fracture. This could worsen the injury. Symptoms of a compression fracture include:
- Weakness;
- Numbness;
- Tingling;
- And voiding of the bladder or bowel.
- Whiplash
Whiplash is common in rear-end collisions. The headrest usually prevents whiplash in front-end crashes.
Whiplash can cause immense pain. Although most cases resolve without treatment, you should visit a physician for a medical evaluation if you notice any of these symptoms after an accident:
- Blurred vision;
- Dizziness;
- Loss of memory;
- Trouble concentrating;
- Problems sleeping;
- Irritability;
- Tinnitus;
- Fatigue;
- Skull-based headaches;
- And stiff or sore neck.
- Disc Hernia
Spinal discs act as shock absorbers, and they can herniate in serious accidents. If a disc cracks, the soft tissue inside the disc may leak out. This irritates surrounding nerves and can cause symptoms that are similar to a fracture. Leg or arm pain is common, but many victims experience even worse symptoms including weakness, numbness, tingling and even loss of movement or feeling.
If you suffered a spinal injury due to a negligent driver, contact the Crosson Law Group, LLC. Mr. Crosson is a Marietta accident lawyer who can evaluate your claim, talk to witnesses, gather evidence and aggressively represent your interests. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills and other damages.
Our office is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 678-909-0770 to schedule a free initial consultation.