Understanding a Spinal Cord Injury After an Albuquerque Trucking Accident
Your back is vulnerable in any type of motor vehicle accident, particularly an Albuquerque trucking accident with a large commercial truck like a semi tractor trailer, 18 wheeler, double trailer, big rig, or other large box truck. This is particularly true on fast-moving highways such as I-40, I-25, and I-10, where the size and weight of the large truck is multiplied. This means that occupants of a smaller passenger vehicle may sustain a serious spinal cord injury as a result of a big rig wreck. Not only does this cause intense pain and suffering, but this can also result in significant medical bills, lost wages, lost earning, and other damages.
If you have been injured in an Albuquerque trucking accident and sustained a spinal cord injury, please call the NM Truck Accident Attorneys to learn how we can protect your rights to compensation. We have fought some of the largest trucking companies in the country, including FedEx, J.B. Hunt, Schneider National, and many others. Our experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyer will review your case, your medical record, and fight for the compensation you may be entitled to. Call to schedule your free appointment by dialing (505) 308-1556.
Anatomy of the Spinal Cord
The spinal cord originates at the base of your skull at the bottom of your brain, and continues down your back. It is protected by the vertebrae of your back, which are very strong bones that form your spine. The spine is divided into five main sections. The first 8 vertebrae are the cervical spine, which is your neck. The next 12 are the thoracic spine, which is the top/mid of your shoulders down to the curve of your back. Next are the five largest vertebrae which is the lumbar spine, which is where the spinal cord ends. The bottom is made up of the sacrum, which is a series of fused vertebrae. Finally is the coccyx, or tailbone, which is also fused.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries from an Albuquerque Trucking Accident
Victims of a serious box truck crash may sustained catastrophic, debilitating, and often permanent back injuries and spinal cord injuries. This may result in thousands of dollars of medical bills, and months if not years of lost wages. Some of the most common spinal cord injuries due to an Albuquerque trucking accident include the following:
- Piercing injuries – when there has been a catastrophic collision, piercing injuries to the spinal cord could result in damage when shattered bone is pushed inwards and into the spinal cord, or when twisted metal or other debris from the crash penetrates deep into the spine.
- Complete spinal cord injuries – this is where the spinal cord has been completely severed and produces the loss of all motor and sensory function from that level of vertebra down. The severity and symptoms depend on the level that was injured.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury – this is where the spinal cord has sustained some damage, but is still intact thus some function and sensation remains. But there may be some limitations and sensation issues, including loss of strength, which may be present.
- Anterior cord syndrome – this is damage to the front of the spinal cord which results in some movement and fine sensation loss, but some larger sensation and function may still be present from the non-damage posterior side of the spinal cord.
- Central cord syndrome – damage to the large nerve fibers in the spinal cord due to serious trauma like a trucking accident, which interfere with the brain’s ability to send messages up and down the spine and relay messages from the extremities to the brain.
Did You Suffer a Spinal Cord Injury Due to an Albuquerque Trucking Accident? We Can Help You
Victims of a New Mexico big rig crash resulting in a spinal cord injury will suffering extreme pain and suffering, high medical bills, significant lost wages, and possibly lost future earnings. When this is caused due to the preventable errors of a truck driver or trucking company, victims have rights and should call our experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyer to learn what rights to compensation he or she may have against the negligent defendants. We handle cases throughout New Mexico, including in Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Roswell, Farmington, Hobbs, Lordsburg, or anywhere else in the state, including Albuquerque where our law office is located. Call the NM Truck Accident Attorneys by dialing (505) 308-1556 to learn how we can help. You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
