woman fixing rear view mirror in her car spinal cord injury from a car accident

At J&Y Law, we regularly represent car accident victims who have suffered spinal cord injuries. Knowing that such an injury can be life-altering, we believe negligent and reckless drivers must be held accountable. We have a well-deserved reputation as dedicated advocates who fight to protect our clients’ rights. 

Our experienced car accident attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and jury awards on behalf of injury victims. When you become our client, we will offer you compassionate representation and help you obtain just compensation. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation. 

How Car Accidents Result in Spinal Cord Injuries

The sudden impact of a vehicular collision can cause a violent blow to the spine, which can damage the spinal cord, nerves in the spinal canal, vertebrae, ligaments, or disks. A high-impact collision can even sever the spinal cord, causing bleeding, swelling and fluid buildup, and damage to the nerve fibers. Depending on the severity of the injury, symptoms of spinal cord injuries may include:

  • Loss of movement/sensation 
  • Intense stinging sensations
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of bladder/bowel control
  • Extreme back pain 
  • Pressure in the neck, head or back
  • Weakness 
  • Lack of coordination
  • Difficulty balancing/walking
  • Sexual dysfunction

While a severe injury can result in paralysis (e.g. paraplegia, quadriplegia), less severe injuries can result in partial loss of movement and sensation in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. 

Any type of motor vehicle mishap (e.g. bus accident, car accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident, pedestrian accident) can result in a spinal cord injury; however, the leading causes of car accidents are driver errors, such as:

  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Failing to obey traffic signals
  • Speeding
  • Improper turns/lane changes
  • Tailgating
  • Reckless driving

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury that was caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you have a right to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. Our experienced car accident attorneys have the skills and experience to help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve. 

What Our Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Will Do for You

When you consult with J&Y Law, we will determine whether you have a viable car accident claim and help you recover damages for your spinal cord injury. Our legal team will:

  • Investigate the accident site 
  • Obtain and review police reports
  • Identify and interview witnesses
  • Compile medical evidence
  • Handle all communications with opposing attorneys, insurance companies 
  • Arrange for testimony of medical and vocational experts about the severity of your injury

We will work to hold the other driver liable for the accident that caused your spinal cord injury. Toward that end, we will investigate his or her driving record for prior traffic violations and accidents. Ultimately, we must be able to demonstrate the following elements of negligence:

  • The other driver owed you a duty of care 
  • The other driver breached  his or her duty
  • The other driver’s action caused the accident
  • The accident was the direct cause of your spinal cord injury

You should know that all motorists in California have a duty to operate their vehicles in a safe manner and avoid causing injuries to others. A driver who texts while driving, speeds, drives under the influence, or disobeys traffic signals has breached his or her duty of care and can be held liable for causing a car accident. 

In addition, if the accident was caused by road defects or a faulty traffic signal, we may be able to file a municipal liability claim against the responsible government agency. Finally, if the accident was caused by a mechanical defect, it may be possible to pursue a product liability claim against the automaker or distributor. 

Trust the team at J&Y to determine the cause of your accident, identify the responsible party and fight for the compensation you deserve. Because we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges facing you, we will not accept any attorneys’ fees until we recover for you.

Damages You May Be Awarded for Your Spinal Cord Injury

Our spinal cord injury lawyers will work strategically to help you recover damages such as:

  • Lost wages
  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Permanent disability
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Long-term care
  • Rehabilitation
  • Assistive devices (e.g. braces, crutches, wheelchairs)
  • Required modifications to your residence  

If the other driver’s conduct was particularly egregious (e.g. drunk or drugged driving) you may also be awarded punitive damages, which are intended to punish the other driver’s misconduct and deter another driver from similar misconduct. 

It is worth noting that California is a comparative negligence state for purposes of car accidents. This means that you can still recover damages even if you contributed to the accident, however, the amount of your award will be reduced by the percentage of blame assigned to you by an insurance adjuster or court. 

As an example, if the amount of your damages was assessed at $100,000, but you were found to be 20 percent at fault, the amount of your damages will be $80,000. By working with our experienced attorneys, you will have comfort knowing that we will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.  

Contact Our Experienced California Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident, don’t go it alone. Turn to J&Y Law. We have the skills, experience, and resources to help you obtain the medical care you need to recover and the resources to secure your financial future. Contact our office today so we can start working on your spinal cord injury claim.