While on the decline, automobile accidents still account for the majority of spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States, at an estimated 36% of all cases. SCI can affect other parts of the body with relatively no pain in the actual spine, making spinal cord injuries difficult to diagnose. A spinal cord injury can be devastating for the individual and his family and can cost the victim money, time, and quality of life.

Most SCI From Auto Accidents

While the automobile industry has made great strides in safety technology, automobile accidents still account for most spinal cord injuries. Seat belts, while certainly a protective measure, aren't always a reliable measure to prevent spinal cord injuries. Seat belt failures happen in accidents more often than most drivers realize. Seat back failure is also a cause of spinal injuries in automobile accidents.

Treating SCI After an Auto Accident

Medically, someone with a spinal injury will need to undergo spinal cord rehabilitation, which includes therapy to relearn certain activities. Spinal cord injury victims often times have lengthy hospital stays and may need continuing care for the rest of their lives.

Mentally and emotionally, an automobile accident that causes a spinal cord injury can take a toll on the victim's health. Often times, victims of such accidents develop depression, either acute or chronic, and can also suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, in which the victim relives the accident and the associated pain over and over. Automobile accidents are unique in that they are just that: accidents. Legally, someone with a spinal cord injury as the result of an automobile accident should always seek out the services of a qualified and experienced spinal cord injury lawyer. A spinal cord lawyer will be able to notify the victim of their options and give information regarding seeking compensation. The spinal cord injury lawyer will also be able to walk the victim through the court process and what they can expect from the legal system.

Costs of SCI

Financially, an automobile accident that causes spinal cord injury can end up costing the victim millions of dollars over the course of their lifetime, both in medical costs, as well as collateral costs, such as hiring a driver to simply run errands or in-home care. While technology has taken major steps forward, such as motorized wheelchairs, the sad truth is that victims of automobile accidents who have sustained spinal cord injury are still very limited in society. The victim has the right to seek legal counsel and should exercise that right in order to recover the costs associated with a spinal cord injury.

Needless to say, the cost of a spinal cord injury due to an automobile accident is massive. Medically, emotionally, mentally, financially, and legally, these accidents can ruin lives and severally decline quality of life. As mentioned, victims of such accidents should always seek out a qualified spinal cord injury attorney. A spinal cord lawyer specializes in the very complicated world of spinal cord injuries due to accidents and combines medical and legal knowledge to bring justice for the victim.