What Are the Signs of a Spinal Injury After a Florida Car Accident?
One of the most serious injuries that people suffer in car accidents is a spinal injury. While sometimes spinal injuries are immediately apparent, sometimes these injuries develop or worsen over time. If you were involved in a Florida car accident, it is crucial that you are able to recognize the signs of a potential spinal injury so you can seek the appropriate treatment and protect your legal rights.
Common Signs of a Spinal Injury After a Car Accident
After a car accident causes a spinal injury, the injury may or may not be immediately apparent. However, even if a spinal injury is not immediately apparent, it can have lasting consequences. It is crucial to watch out for the signs of a spinal injury after a car accident.
The following are some of the symptoms that may indicate a spinal injury;
- Numbness or Tingling
One of the earliest signs of a spinal injury is a change in sensation, which usually feels like numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs. You might even stop feeling anything in these areas of the body. A persistent “pins and needles” feeling, difficulty sensing temperature, or a weird sensation of detachment or heaviness in your limbs might be signs of nerve compression or spinal cord damage.
- Neck or Back Pain
Worsening neck or back pain or pain that does not go away is another common sign of a spinal injury. Even a seemingly minor car crash can cause damage to the vertebrae, disc herniation, soft tissue injuries, and other types of spinal injury that result in pain.
- Limited Range of Motion
If you feel stiff or can’t move your head, bend, or twist, it might be a sign of an injury in the spinal structures.
- Weakness or Paralysis
If your limbs feel weak, especially if only one side of your body is affected, it may indicate nerve or spinal trauma. Injuries to the cervical spine (neck) can even cause the arms and legs to become paralyzed. In contrast, injuries to the thoracic or lumbar spine can cause the lower body to become paralyzed.
- Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control
If you suddenly cannot start or stop urinating or bowel movements, it could be a sign of a spinal injury. While these changes are highly personal and can be distressing, you should know you are not alone. Help is available. Seek help as soon as possible.
Why Is Seeking Prompt Medical Attention Crucial?
Seeking prompt medical attention can help prevent a spinal injury from worsening or causing permanent damage. Even if your symptoms seem minor, don’t delay treatment, as doing so can cause long-term complications or irreversible harm.
Secondly, seeking immediate medical attention creates a clear medical record linking your injury to the car accident. These records also help establish the severity of your injury. This is essential if you later pursue an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. It can help you establish liability and prove damages.
Legal Help Is Available
Our Fort Myers car accident attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve after sustaining a spinal injury in a car accident. Contact us today at 844-200-0000 to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Naples, and Melbourne areas.