Car accidents are a leading cause of spinal injuries, which can have life-altering consequences.
Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a severe collision, the force of impact can do serious damage to the delicate structures of the spine, leading to a variety of injuries.
In Georgia, knowing the common types of spine injuries from car accidents and understanding your legal rights can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Here are seven common spinal injuries from car accidents that you should be aware of. Feel free to contact us online or call (770) 988-5252 today for a free consultation.
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common spine injuries from car accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. When the neck is suddenly jerked back and forth, it can strain the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the cervical spine.
Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. While many cases of whiplash resolve within weeks, some can lead to chronic pain and long-term complications.
2. Herniated Discs
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the more rigid exterior. This can happen due to the impact of a car accident, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs. In severe cases, a herniated disc can require surgery.
This type of car accident spinal cord injury is most often seen in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions of the spine.
3. Fractured Vertebrae
The bones that make up the spine, known as vertebrae, can fracture during the impact of a car accident. A fractured vertebra can cause intense pain and may require surgery to stabilize the spine.
Compression fractures, where the bone collapses due to pressure, are a common type of spinal fracture seen in car accidents. When left untreated, this injury can lead to long-term disability.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe spine injuries from car accidents. These injuries occur when the spinal cord is damaged, often resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States.
The severity of the injury depends on the location and extent of the damage, and recovery can be a long and challenging process.
5. Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, which can happen due to the impact of a car accident.
This injury can lead to pain, numbness, and difficulty walking. Sometimes, spondylolisthesis may require physical therapy or surgery to realign the spine and relieve symptoms.
6. Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the nerves. While spinal stenosis often develops gradually, it can be triggered or worsened by a car accident.
Symptoms of these types of spine injuries from car accidents may include pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. This condition is most commonly seen in the lumbar region and may require surgical intervention in severe cases.
7. Facet Joint Injuries
Facet joints are the small joints between each vertebra that allow for flexibility in the spine. A car accident can damage these joints and cause localized pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion in the affected area. Treatment may include physical therapy, medication, or injections to manage pain and inflammation.
Understanding Your Legal Rights in Georgia
If you’ve sustained spine injuries from a car accident in Georgia, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Georgia law follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your share of fault will reduce the damages you receive.
For instance, if a court finds you to be 25% at fault, your recovery is lessened by 25%. Navigating the legal process can be challenging, especially in the aftermath of spinal cord injury car accidents, but an experienced and knowledgeable attorney can help.
Contact Us
At MG Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a spinal injury can take on your life. Our team is here to help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a car accident spinal cord injury, or any other injury from a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us online or call (770) 988-5252 today for a free consultation. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Amer Ahmad is a trial lawyer at MG Law. He represents seriously injured clients who are going through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Amer’s practice includes representing families in wrongful death cases and individuals seriously injured by motor vehicle accidents, negligently maintained premises, and defective products. As a former insurance attorney who knows the insurance companies’ playbook, he helps MG Law clients even the playing field and avoid insurance tricks. Due to his experience and results, Amer has been named a Georgia Rising Star by Super Lawyers and Atlanta Magazine from 2019 until 2024. Only 2.5% of all lawyers in Georgia are selected as Rising Stars.