Spinal injuries are serious and life-changing injuries that can be experienced following a motorcycle accident. They have long-term impacts on your life, affecting your mobility, ability to take care of yourself, and ability to work. In Savannah, Georgia, cases that involve spinal injuries can be particularly complex because of the factors that must be taken into account. If you have sustained a spinal injury after being involved in a motorcycle accident, familiarize yourself with the basic elements of your case and the steps you can take to protect your legal rights. At lawbike.com, you can find the necessary resources to pursue a strong injury claim against the party responsible for the accident that left you injured. A motorcycle accident attorney can guide you through each step of the legal process and navigate the intricacies of your specific case.
How Spinal Injuries Occur
Spinal injuries can take place in a lot of ways; however, they usually result from accidents that involve sudden impact or force. These injuries can occur because of a motorcycle accident. When your motorcycle gets hit by another vehicle, the force can be so powerful that it severely damages your spinal cord, resulting in serious injuries. As a rider, you are more exposed to injuries once you get thrown from your motorcycle.
In a lot of cases, spinal injuries take place due to another party’s negligence. For instance, a speeding driver or a drunk motorist can cause a collision, resulting in spinal injuries. Understanding why and how your injuries took place is a significant part of pursuing a motorcycle accident claim to get the compensation you deserve.
Kinds of Spinal Injuries
A motorcycle accident can lead to different kinds of spinal injuries. Usually, such injuries are categorized based on the affected part of the spine and the seriousness of the damage. They include the following:
- Herniated disc. This spinal injury develops when a disc that cushions your spine’s vertebrae becomes damaged, leading to pain, weakness, and numbness.
- Spinal fracture. This takes place if a spinal bone breaks or cracks. This injury can lead to serious pain and may require surgical intervention to repair.
- Spinal cord injury. The spinal cord runs through your spine and transmits signals between your brain and other body parts. Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Usually, injuries to the spinal cord are permanent, and sufferers may require lifelong medical care.
Spinal Injury Symptoms
A spinal cord injury can have varying symptoms based on the seriousness of the damage and the injury’s location. In a lot of cases, the symptoms of this injury may not appear right away after a collision. You may feel okay after the crash, only to experience symptoms hours or days later. Spinal injuries can manifest in symptoms such as serious neck, shoulder, and back pain as well as tingling and numbness in the limbs. In severe cases, you may have a problem moving or walking, deal with loss of bowel or bladder control, or experience paralysis.
After a motorcycle accident, seek immediate medical attention even if you do not experience any symptoms. A doctor can carry out tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to know if your spine has been damaged. With early diagnosis and medical treatment, your chances of recovery will improve. Also, this will let you avoid further complications.
What are Your Legal Options after a Spine Injury
If your spinal injury resulted from the negligent actions of another party, you may be eligible for compensation for this injury and related losses. The damages that you may be able to recover include lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.