Spinal Cord Injuries from Truck Accidents

A spinal cord injury can devastate a person’s life. An accident with a large commercial truck is one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries in the U.S. The massive size of 18-wheelers in proportion to much smaller passenger vehicles creates a huge hazard in the event of a crash. Those who survive an accident with a semi-truck usually have far more significant injuries than if they had collided with another passenger vehicle. Neck and back injuries are common injuries in those who survive a collision with a commercial truck. Often those who sustain spinal cord injuries are left with permanent disabilities and the requirement for ongoing medical treatment.

Spinal cord injuries after truck crashes

The National Spinal Cord Injury Association reports that there are about 32 spinal cord injuries (SCI) per million population in the U.S., or about 7800 injuries each year, not counting those who die in an accident or immediately following the injury (about 4800 people die before reaching the hospital each year). Motor vehicle accidents account for about 44% of SCI, acts of violence 24%, falls 22%, sports 8% and other causes 2%. Falls overtake motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of SCI after age 45, and acts of violence and sports cause fewer injuries as age increases.

About 45% of SCI are complete and 55% incomplete. Complete injures result in total loss of sensation and function below the level of injury while incomplete injuries result in partial loss.

What are the consequences of spinal cord injuries?

Spinal cord injuries can have serious consequences in a person’s life. The level and severity of the injury determines how the injury affects the body. Some of the potential consequences of a spinal cord injury include:

• Loss of sensation
• Paralysis
• Loss of motor function
• Bladder, bowel and digestive problems
• Sexual dysfunction
• Muscle spasms
• Respiratory problems
• Chronic pain

An injury after a collision with a tractor trailer can cause temporary or permanent health problems making it difficult or impossible for a person to work, care for themselves and do the recreational activities they once enjoyed.

How can I recover compensation for a spinal cord injury from a truck accident?

If the collision with the commercial truck was caused by the negligence of the truck driver, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and other losses. When any driver’s negligence causes a crash with another vehicle, that driver may be liable for the losses that the injured party suffers in the accident. To be sure that you can recover as much compensation as possible, it makes sense to work with a skilled truck accident lawyer who will investigate the accident, find out who is responsible for causing the crash and hold them accountable for your damages.

If you’ve sustained a spinal cord injury in a truck crash, you may be facing a long recovery from your injuries as well as high medical bills. An experienced South Carolina truck accident attorney from our team at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC can help you recover the damages to which you are entitled. To set up a free consultation, call us today at 803-327-7800or complete our contact form.