Spinal Cord Injury in a Rollover Accident
Car collisions can cause permanent injuries and even claim lives. There are many reasons why auto accidents occur. Some of the common reasons include speeding, inclement weather, and distracted driving. Many of these factors like distracted driving are preventable. According to statistics by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- In 2016, distracted driving (such as texting and driving) resulted in the deaths of more than 3,500 people.
- Close to half a million cars were driven by individuals who were also using a handheld cellphone at the time.
- Nearly 400,000 people were hurt in an accident involving distracted driving.
When people are distracted behind the wheel, this can lead to a serious motor vehicle accident. There are many different types of motor vehicle collisions, and one of these is a rollover accident.
Distracted Driving can Lead to a Rollover Accident
Distracted driving can take many forms and using a phone while operating a motor vehicle is only one example. Texting while driving leads to safety concerns because:
- It removes the focus from the road.
- The hands leave the steering wheel to send a text message.
- The eyes leave the road to look at the screen.
When this happens, people often miss a curve or changing traffic conditions. To avoid an accident, people often overcorrect. Turning the wheel too quickly can knock the car off balance and lead to a rollover accident. This has the potential to lead to severe injuries, including spinal cord trauma.
A Rollover Accident can Cause a Spinal Cord Injury
In a rollover accident, the car’s wheels leave the ground and the vehicle rotates. In some cases, the vehicle may only complete a quarter revolution, landing on its side. In other cases, the car could land on its roof or even complete multiple revolutions. When this happens, people may strike their head or neck on the roof of the car. At high speeds, this can cause severe damage to the spinal cord. Like traumatic brain injuries, damage to the neurons of the spinal cord is often permanent. This can lead to serious quality of life issues.
Watch YouTube Video: How to Survive a Vehicle Rollover. The video below takes us through a rollover accident and what you can do to survive it.
Injuries of the Spine can Cause Permanent Complications
Unfortunately, thousands of people sustain spinal cord injuries every year. These injuries are often permanent. Some of the complications of spinal cord injuries include:
- Chronic pain that shoots down the arms and legs
- Loss of the ability to walk
- Trouble sensing temperature, pressure, or pain
- The development of ulcers on various parts of the body
- Difficulty sleeping related to all of the above complications
While there are some treatment options available, there are very few spinal cord injuries that have an actual cure. Seeking medical care as quickly as possible can help some people restore some of their lost function through medication, surgery, and rehabilitation.
Contacting an Injury Attorney
If a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, this can lead to permanent complications. These include chronic pain, loss of motor function, and trouble sleeping. Under these circumstances, it is a good idea to meet with an experienced car accident lawyer. An injury lawyer can provide unique expertise that can be helpful.
Stockton Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. Spinal cord injuries can lead to serious and permanent complications. If you or a family member has developed severe complications after a motor vehicle accident, contact me at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
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Spinal Cord Injury in a Rollover Accident: AutoAccident.com
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