According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Texas roadways have experienced an increase in traffic accidents and fatalities. In 2012, the number of deaths increased by 10 percent compared to 2011 and nearly half of the people killed were reportedly not wearing seat belts.
One of the most common and traumatic injuries that occur in serious car crashes is damage to the spinal cord. The strong impact of a collision can cause the spine to bend, fracture, and dislocate, particularly around the head and neck, where the spinal column is the most vulnerable.
Since the spinal cord is responsible for relaying messages from the brain to the rest of the body, even the slightest damage can interfere with a person’s physical abilities. Depending on the severity of the accident, survivors may experience chronic pain, loss of muscle function, paralysis, and emotional suffering.
Motorists are particularly at a high risk for suffering spinal cord injuries in rollover accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 70 percent of all fatal or catastrophic injuries are caused by rollovers. When a car suddenly and violently rolls, the occupants are thrown around inside the vehicle or ejected when not wearing a seat belt. In some cases, the vehicle’s roof can also collapse, causing severe trauma to the spine.
Recovering from damage to the spinal cord can take years, or even a lifetime, of physical and emotional therapy, extensive surgeries, and rehabilitative care. If you or a loved one was involved in an auto accident that was caused by negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to receive significant compensation for your losses.
The Waco injury attorneys at Brown Trial Firm, PLLC understand the devastating impact that a spinal cord injury can have on the surviving victim as well as the victim’s family. Call us at (866) 393-2611 for a free consultation and case evaluation. Our experienced team will be able to investigate the cause of the accident and build a strong case to ensure that you or your loved one obtains justice and rightful compensation.