Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury from a car accident is damage to the nerves inside the spinal column that carry signals between the brain and body, often causing partial or complete loss of motor function, sensation, or autonomic control below the injury level. It is among the most severe accident injuries, with effects that may be permanent and require lifetime care.
Last updated: 2026-07-31
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.
On This Page
Some symptoms appear immediately; others develop hours or days after the accident. Seek medical evaluation promptly even if you feel okay.
- Loss of movement (partial or complete) below the injury level
- Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold, or touch
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Intense stinging or burning sensations
- Muscle spasms or exaggerated reflexes
- Pain or pressure in the neck, back, or head
- Difficulty breathing without assistance in high cervical injuries
- Sexual dysfunction
Serious injuries can have lasting effects on your health, work, and daily life. Understanding these possibilities matters for your recovery and legal options.
- Paraplegia (loss of function in lower body) in thoracic and lumbar injuries
- Quadriplegia/tetraplegia (loss of function in all four limbs) in cervical injuries
- Chronic pain syndromes - neuropathic pain is common
- Secondary complications including pressure sores, respiratory infections, and blood clots
- Spasticity and muscle contractures requiring ongoing management
- Psychological effects including depression, PTSD, and adjustment disorder
- Lifetime dependence on assistive equipment, personal care attendants, or medical devices
Treatment options vary based on severity. Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations and document all treatment - it is important evidence for your claim.
- Emergency immobilization and stabilization at the scene
- High-dose corticosteroids (methylprednisolone) in select acute cases
- Surgical decompression and spinal stabilization
- Intensive rehabilitation program (inpatient and outpatient)
- Physical therapy for preserved function and strength
- Occupational therapy for adaptive skills and equipment
- Respiratory therapy for high-level cervical injuries
- Pain management including medications, nerve blocks, and spinal cord stimulators
- Psychological counseling and peer support programs
Free guide
Get a Spinal Cord Injuries symptom & documentation guide
Know what to track, when to see a doctor, and what insurers look for.
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy.
These accident types are frequently associated with this injury. Select an accident type to learn what steps to take.
- High-speed car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Diving accidents and sports impacts
- Falls from height on construction sites and elsewhere
- Pedestrian accidents involving vehicle impact
- Acts of violence including gunshot wounds
- Medical or surgical complications
Frequently asked questions
A spinal cord injury can cause partial or complete loss of movement below the injury level, loss of sensation including the ability to feel heat, cold, or touch, and loss of bowel or bladder control. Other signs include intense stinging or burning sensations, muscle spasms or exaggerated reflexes, pain or pressure in the neck, back, or head, and difficulty breathing without assistance in high cervical injuries. Any suspected spinal injury needs immediate emergency evaluation.
Spinal cord injuries are most often caused by high-speed car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, falls from height on construction sites and elsewhere, and pedestrian accidents involving vehicle impact. Diving accidents, sports impacts, and acts of violence including gunshot wounds are also common causes.
Treatment starts with emergency immobilization and stabilization at the scene, sometimes followed by high-dose corticosteroids in select acute cases and surgical decompression or spinal stabilization. Recovery typically involves an intensive rehabilitation program with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and, for high-level cervical injuries, respiratory therapy and ongoing pain management.
Depending on the level and completeness of the injury, long-term effects can include paraplegia or quadriplegia, chronic neuropathic pain, spasticity, and secondary complications like pressure sores, respiratory infections, or blood clots. Many people also need lifetime assistance from personal care attendants, assistive equipment, or medical devices, along with psychological support for the emotional impact.
There is no set amount or average for spinal injury compensation, since the impact of a spinal cord injury varies enormously from person to person. Courts and insurers typically weigh factors such as the severity and completeness of the injury, current and future medical and rehabilitation costs, lost income and reduced future earning capacity, the need for lifetime care or assistive equipment, and how clearly liability can be shown. Because spinal cord injuries often require care for the rest of a person's life, published averages for other injury types are not a reliable guide here. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney.