MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS: A LEADING CAUSE OF SPINAL CORD INJURIES
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for nearly 40% every year. These catastrophic, irreversible injuries result in significant lifestyle changes, chronic pain, and long-term treatments and therapies to manage.
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Although the risks associated with driving and car crashes are commonly discussed, there could be a better understanding of how they contribute to spinal cord damage. Read on to learn about how car accidents increase the risk of spinal cord injuries (SCI).
How Car Accidents Can Cause SCI
There are a number of ways that car accidents can cause SCI. The most common is when the driver or passenger is thrown from the vehicle and lands in a position that hyperextends or compresses the spine. This type of injury often happens in rollover accidents.
Another way SCI can occur is when the head or neck comes into contact with a hard object inside the car, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. This can damage the spinal cord by fracturing, dislocating, or crushing vertebrae.
A third mechanism for SCI following a car accident is deceleration injuries. These happen when there is a sudden change in velocity, such as when a car comes to a sudden stop or is hit by another vehicle. The force of deceleration can cause the brain to collide with the skull and damage the spinal cord.
Reducing Incidents Of SCI
These mechanisms for SCI in car accidents highlight the importance of wearing seatbelts, which can prevent occupants from being ejected from the vehicle or thrown around inside it. Airbags are also important for driver and passenger safety, as they can help to cushion the head and neck in a collision.
In addition to seatbelts and airbags, there are other technological advances that have been shown to reduce SCI in car accidents. For example, electronic stability control (ESC) systems can help drivers maintain control of their vehicles on slippery roads and side-impact airbags can protect occupants from the force of a collision.
Queens Car Accident Attorneys
When you’ve been catastrophically injured in a collision caused by another driver, you deserve to seek compensation for damages. Our New York attorneys at Davidoff Law can help advocate for your rights and obtain the compensation necessary to treat your injuries.
