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How Common Are Spine Injuries from Car Accidents?
Car accidents are a leading cause of spinal injuries. Learn how common they are and when to call a spine injury lawyer for help.
How Common Are Spine Injuries from Car Accidents?
A spinal injury can change your life in an instant. One moment you’re on your daily commute or running errands, and the next, a collision leaves you with damage to one of the most important structures in the human body—the spine. Because the spine houses the central nervous system, an injury can affect not just movement, but sensation, bodily function, and overall independence.
September is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact of spinal injuries and to remind drivers how common these injuries are after car accidents. For many victims in Michigan, a spine injury from a car accident means not only immediate medical concerns but also long-term changes in work, family life, and financial security.
At Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys, our team has seen first-hand how devastating these injuries can be, and we fight to make sure victims get the care and compensation they need.
Understanding Spine Injuries After Car Accidents
The spinal cord is a delicate bundle of nerves protected by vertebrae that carries messages between the brain and the body. When this system is disrupted by trauma in a crash, the results can range from mild to life-altering.
Spine injuries are often classified into two categories:
- Complete Injury – No motor or sensory function remains below the level of the injury.
- Incomplete Injury – Some movement or sensation remains below the injury site.
Outcomes vary, but car accident victims can experience:
- Herniated or slipped discs
- Fractured vertebrae
- Whiplash or cervical injuries
- Paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body)
- Quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs)
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Chronic nerve pain or altered sensation
Even less severe spinal injuries may require surgeries, therapy, and long-term care. That’s why early diagnosis and treatment are critical—not only for health but also for protecting your legal rights.
How Common Are Spine Injuries from Car Accidents?
According to national statistics, car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for nearly half of all cases each year. The sudden impact in a collision can violently compress, twist, or fracture the spine. According to Accident Analysis & Prevention there are approximately 869,000 spinal injuries annually due to traffic accidents in the U.S.
Spinal injuries are particularly common in:
- Rear-End Collisions – Whiplash or compression injuries from sudden force.
- Side-Impact Crashes – Severe trauma when the body is jolted laterally.
- Head-On Collisions – Violent jerking or compression of the spinal column.
- Rollover Accidents – Roof collapse or ejection from the vehicle increases risk.
What surprises many people is that spinal injuries can occur even at relatively low speeds. A “minor” fender-bender can still result in lasting back or neck pain if the force impacts the body in the wrong way.
What to Do If You Suspect a Spine Injury
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, taking immediate action can make all the difference:
- Seek medical care right away. Spinal injuries don’t always show symptoms immediately, and adrenaline can mask pain.
- Document everything. Keep records of the crash, medical evaluations, and any new or worsening symptoms.
- Avoid quick settlements. Insurance companies may minimize or deny claims to protect their bottom line.
- Consult a spine injury lawyer. A lawyer can investigate the accident, work with medical professionals, and build a strong case for compensation while you focus on recovery.
What are Your Legal Rights After a Spine Injury Accident in Michigan?
A spine injury from a car accident doesn’t just cause physical suffering—it often brings financial and emotional stress. Under Michigan law, victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (surgery, rehabilitation, therapy, medications, medical equipment)
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term care or home modifications
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In the most severe cases, spinal cord injuries can result in permanent disability, requiring lifelong medical care that can cost hundreds of thousands—or even millions—over a lifetime.
A knowledgeable spine injury lawyer works with medical experts, vocational specialists, and life care planners to calculate the full impact of an injury. That way, you understand the true value of your case—not just what the insurance company says it’s worth.
Why Legal Help Matters
Spinal injury cases are complex. They often require:
- Gathering and interpreting medical records
- Consulting with neurologists and spinal specialists
- Negotiating with reluctant insurance carriers
- Calculating long-term needs
- Preparing for trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered
Trying to manage this while recovering physically and emotionally is more than most families can handle. That’s where having an experienced trial team matters. At Giroux Pappas, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—because insurance companies know we won’t back down when our clients’ futures are on the line.
We Are Here to Help
This National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, we’re reminded how important it is to support victims and their families. A spinal injury after a car accident is not just a medical crisis—it is a life-altering event.
If you or a loved one suffered a spine injury from a car accident, you don’t have to face the road ahead alone. Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys are here to stand by your side, fight for your rights, and help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation. You don’t pay until we recover compensation for you. 248-531-8665.