Car accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries in the United States. The risk of serious car accidents is always present in Houston, with its bustling highways and heavy traffic. For victims who sustain spinal cord injuries, the impact can be life-changing. These injuries can lead to paralysis, loss of mobility, and a long road to recovery. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to a car accident in Houston, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options.
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we have extensive experience helping victims of car accidents in the legal system. We are dedicated to ensuring that our clients receive the compensation they deserve to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to their injury.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries from Car Accidents
The spinal cord is a vital part of the central nervous system that transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body. An injury to the spinal cord can cause significant damage, resulting in loss of sensation, movement, or function in different parts of the body.
Spinal cord injuries can vary in severity. Some of the most common types include:
- Paraplegia: Paralysis of the lower body, typically resulting from injuries to the thoracic (mid-back) spinal cord.
- Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia): Paralysis affecting both the arms and legs, caused by injuries to the cervical (neck) spinal cord.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury: The spinal cord is not entirely severed, and some movement or sensation may remain below the injury site.
- Complete spinal cord injury: The spinal cord is severed or severely damaged, leading to full loss of sensation and function below the injury.
Car accidents can cause spinal cord injuries through direct trauma to the spine, such as in rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, or side-impact accidents. Whiplash, sudden jolts, or the force of the impact can damage the spine or cause the vertebrae to fracture, compress, or dislocate.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Car Accidents
For various reasons, car accidents can happen in Houston, like many major cities. Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries in car accidents include:
- Speeding: High-speed crashes increase the likelihood of serious injuries, including spinal cord damage. The faster the car travels at the time of impact, the greater the force exerted on the body.
- Driver Negligence: Distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and failing to follow traffic signals can all lead to accidents that cause spinal cord injuries.
- Reckless Driving: Tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and running red lights or stop signs increase the risk of collisions.
- Defective Vehicles: Sometimes, mechanical failures such as brake failure or faulty airbags can lead to accidents that result in spinal cord injuries.
If you’ve sustained a spinal cord injury in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
How Spinal Cord Injuries Affect Your Life
A spinal cord injury is more than just a physical injury; it can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Victims often face significant challenges in their daily activities, including:
- Loss of mobility: Depending on the location and severity of the injury, victims may require a wheelchair or other mobility aids to get around.
- Chronic pain: Many spinal cord injury victims experience ongoing pain, including nerve pain, muscle spasms, and stiffness.
- Breathing difficulties: Injuries to the cervical spinal cord can impact respiratory function, making it difficult to breathe without assistance.
- Loss of independence: Those with severe spinal cord injuries often require assistance with basic daily tasks such as eating, bathing, and dressing.
- Emotional and psychological impact: Coping with a spinal cord injury can lead to depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Victims may struggle with adjusting to their new reality.
In addition to these challenges, victims of spinal cord injuries often face substantial medical expenses. Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term care can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
What Steps Should You Take After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury in a Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident, it’s essential to take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical care immediately. A spinal cord injury may not always be immediately apparent, and early intervention can prevent further damage.
- Document Everything: Take note of the accident details, including the location, time, weather conditions, and other contributing factors. Photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries can also be valuable.
- Report the Accident: Notify the Houston Police Department and file an official report. This documentation will be essential for your insurance claim and legal case.
- Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies often attempt to settle cases quickly for less than you deserve. Before speaking with an adjuster, consult with an attorney.
- Contact Hollingsworth Law Firm: Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit in Houston, TX?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including spinal cord injuries resulting from car accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file a lawsuit within two years, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
It’s essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure that you meet all deadlines and preserve your legal rights under Texas law.
Why Choose Hollingsworth Law Firm?
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized legal representation for victims of spinal cord injuries in Houston.
Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the complexities of personal injury law and the challenges that come with catastrophic injuries.. Here’s why you should trust us with your case:
- Experienced Legal Team: Our attorneys have successfully represented numerous clients in spinal cord injury cases, securing substantial settlements and verdicts.
- Personalized Attention: We understand that every case is unique. We take the time to get to know our clients and understand the full extent of their injuries and losses.
- Free Consultation: We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options.
Contact Hollingsworth Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has sustained a spinal cord injury due to a car accident in Houston, don’t hesitate to reach out to Hollingsworth Law Firm. Our experienced team is here to provide you with the legal guidance and support you need during this challenging time. We offer free consultations. Contact us today at 713-637-4560 to schedule your free consultation and start the path to justice and recovery.
