Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Chris Thayer
Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Chris Thayer
Handling Personal Injury Claims in the Seattle Area and Throughout Washington Since 1995

My name is Chris Thayer and I am a personal injury attorney practicing in downtown Seattle. I handle personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death claims throughout the greater Seattle area, including Issaquah, Mercer Island and Kirkland.

I am here to help you.

Call for a free consultation (206) 340-2008

Watch out for these Spinal Cord Injuries After a Car Crash

Posted Friday, April 2, 2021 by Chris Thayer

Car accidents can be devastating to your body, physically and emotionally. Hitting another car, even at a low speed, is essentially like running into a wall at that speed. In head-on collisions, the force is doubled, leading to even more serious injuries. Spinal cord injuries, while not always obvious at the scene of the crash, can be life-altering and very serious. Understanding the kinds of spinal cord injury that are common in an accident, may help you to be on the lookout for similar symptoms so that you can seek appropriate treatment.

It is critical to go to a hospital for medical treatment as soon as possible following an accident, even if you do not have symptoms. Sometimes the adrenaline that a crash triggers can block our ability to fully feel pain, so we decline medical treatment only to wake up the next day unable to sit up. The more time that passes between the accident and medical treatment, the more of an opportunity it presents the defense to claim that something other than the crash caused your injuries, so it is always better to get a physical evaluation sooner rather than later.

*Common Spinal Cord Injuries Caused by Vehicle Collisions* - Whiplash. Whiplash is one of the most common spinal cord injuries related to vehicle collisions, and is particularly prevalent in rear-end accidents. Whiplash is a cervical spine injury, caused when the neck is forced to suddenly snap back and forth like a whip. Whiplash may seem like a common phrase, but it triggers a broaden condition, known as Whiplash-Associated Disorder. This disorder can cause depression, dizziness, fatigue, irritation, headaches at the base of the skull, limited neck movement, numbness in the arms, problems focusing, ringing in the ears, and more. - Herniated Discs. A herniated disc occurs when a spinal disc is placed under too much pressure, causing the disk’s soft center to ooze out, and place pressure on the surrounding nerves. In some cases, herniated discs can also be caused by repetitive movements, or old age, which decreases the cushioning between the discs. A herniated disc can be an incredibly uncomfortable and debilitating experience, causing muscle weakness around the affected area, pain, tingling, and other nerve-sensations, limited range of motion, and other symptoms which can affect a person’s ability to complete day-to-day tasks. - Vertebrae Fractures. Like all bones, vertebrae are susceptible to fracture. Minor factors can heal on their own over time, provided the person takes ample rest and does not place the vertebrae under additional stress. Even minor fractures can cause severe pain when moving. Depending on the area where the fracture occurred, it may also cause weakness or tingling in the extremities, limited movement, or loss of bladder and/or bowel function. More serious fractures can cause paralysis or even death.

If you have been injured in an accident and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

**Talk to a Seattle Personal Injury Lawyer

**If you have been injured in an accident, you do not have to bear the burden alone. Pivotal Law Group is prepared to zealously advocate on your behalf and ensure that you get the settlement to which you are legally entitled. Call today to schedule your free consultation.