Commercial vehicles are big and heavy which means they generate a lot of momentum, especially on fast moving interstates like I-10, I-40, and I-25. This means a New Mexico 18 wheeler wreck is likely going to cause significant damage on impact. This damage is likely to cause catastrophic injuries such as paraplegia which is a type of spinal cord injury. With paraplegia, a victim’s lower extremities are affected with sensation, movement, or other functions. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a New Mexico 18 wheel wreck, ask our Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers for more information how we can help.
Understanding Paraplegia
Paraplegia is a spinal cord injury which affects the lower extremities and the torso. This includes the legs, feet, and toes. There are two types of paraplegia. The first type is incomplete paraplegia which is when the spinal cord suffers some damage but is not fully severed. The second type is complete paraplegia which is when the spinal cord has been completely severed.
The extent of disability and damages depends on how the spinal cord is injured. With incomplete or partial paraplegia, there may be some sensation, movement, and other function remaining. Sometimes surgery or physical therapy can help restore some of this function. With complete and total paraplegia, the spinal cord is completely severed and it is very unlikely for there to be any recovery to restore sensation, movement, or other function.
New Mexico 18 Wheeler Wrecks Causing Paraplegia
Any collision could cause paraplegia, but a big rig wreck is significantly more likely to cause paraplegia. There are some common ways that New Mexico 18 wheeler wrecks result in paraplegia, and all of them may due to the reckless, careless, or negligent conduct of a trucking company or truck driver. Some of the most common causes include the following:
- Rear end collisions;
- Head on collisions;
- Roll over crashes;
- Jackknifed trucks;
- Lane change errors;
- T-bone collisions; and many other causes.
Damages for Paraplegia Injuries in a New Mexico 18 Wheeler Wreck
Under New Mexico law, “damages” are a measure of relief that a litigant can receive in a lawsuit. In personal injury cases, “damages” are typically compensatory in nature. This means that damages are paid out in money figures. The most common damages that could be paid include the following:
- Pain and suffering;
- Lost wages;
- Lost future earning;
- Medical bills;
- Emotional distress;
- Future medical expenses;
- Loss of consortium with loved ones; and
- Many other common causes.
Paraplegia Victims Should Call our Albuquerque Trucking Accident Lawyers
Paraplegia is a catastrophic personal injury and very serious spinal cord injury. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a New Mexico 18 wheeler wreck, please call to schedule your FREE appointment with our lawyers at the Mark Caruso by dialing (505) 308-1556.
We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 308-1556 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.
