Spinal Cord Injury after a Truck Accident

Whenever you get into a traffic accident with a truck, the resulting damages and injuries are likely to be catastrophic. Trucks are huge vehicles, and they can crush a small passenger car. One of the worst injuries from such a crash is an injury to your spinal cord. Seek medical attention immediately, but then don’t forget to call an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer like those at New Jersey’s best spinal cord injury law firm: RAM Law. Talk to a lawyer about holding those at fault accountable and paying a fair compensation for your pain and suffering. Call a spinal cord injury attorney to handle your case while you focus on recovering.

What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury refers to any type of damage to your spinal cord that results in a loss of function or sensation. Your spinal cord is a long, tubular bundle of nerve fibers that extends from your brainstem down to your lower back inside your spinal column, a flexible structure of bones and discs. The spinal cord transmits signals between your brain and the rest of your body.

Spinal cord injuries can occur as a result of trauma, such as a car or truck accident, or due to disease or degeneration. The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the extent and location of the damage. If you suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of a truck accident in New Jersey, contact a spinal cord injury lawyer like the trucking accident attorneys at RAM Law.

What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?

The most common symptom of a spinal cord injury involves a loss of movement or sensation below the level of injury. Your symptoms may vary, depending on the severity and location of the injury. In some cases, a spinal cord injury causes only minor symptoms, such as tingling or numbness in the affected area. In more severe cases, the injury results in partial or complete paralysis, which can affect one or more limbs or your entire body.

The symptoms of a spinal cord injury may become apparent immediately after your accident, or they may develop over time. If you’re involved in a truck accident, don’t refuse any medical treatment or tests. Early intervention and treatment prevent further damage and improve your chances of recovery.

Common signs that may indicate a spinal cord injury include:

• Pain or pressure in your back or neck. You may experience back discomfort, like you can’t get comfortable, or a sense of pressure in your back or neck, especially if your injury is due to trauma from a truck accident. These symptoms may also be warning signs of a worse injury.
• Difficulty breathing. If the injury is high up around your neck, it may affect your ability to breathe. Anytime you can’t breathe easily, seek medical attention right away.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control. If you experience a loss of bladder or bowel control after a truck accident, the crash may have damaged the spinal cord nerves that control these functions. Unless corrected, this injury can limit your quality of life.
• Tingling or numbness. You may experience tingling or numbness in your extremities after a truck accident, signaling that a spinal cord nerve is pinched.
• Sexual dysfunction. A spinal cord injury can also affect your ability to get aroused and your sexual response. This type of injury from a truck accident may lead to problems maintaining a relationship, which is the kind of damage for which you can sue a trucking company.

While there’s no cure for spinal cord injuries, you can find therapies that improve your ability to perform everyday tasks. Treatment for a spinal cord injury often involves stabilizing your spine, preventing further damage and strengthening your muscles as much as possible. If you experience any of these symptoms after a traumatic injury or car accident, seek medical attention immediately. Then find a spinal cord injury law firm like RAM Law to take on the trucking company and get you the compensation you deserve.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim if I Have a Spinal Cord Injury?

The statute of limitations in New Jersey for filing a lawsuit after a spinal cord injury is generally two years from the date of your injury, the date of the accident. There are some exceptions to this statute, so it’s recommended that you consult with the best and most experienced spinal cord injury attorney. Your back injury lawyer at RAM Law can tell you when you need to file your claim by.

Find a spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible after your spinal cord injury to begin the process of filing a personal injury claim. The sooner you file your claim, the sooner your attorney can start an investigation into the cause of your accident, which determines the liability.

Failing to file a lawsuit within the applicable time period results in:

• The loss of your legal rights
• The loss of your ability to seek compensation for your injuries
• More difficulties proving your case, as evidence can be lost or destroyed over time

It’s also worth noting that New Jersey has different time limits for filing a lawsuit against government entities. Talk to a legal professional to be aware of any special rules that may apply to your case. If you wait too long to file a lawsuit after a spinal cord injury, you may be barred from bringing a claim against the person or entity responsible for your injury. Talk to a spinal cord injury law firm to make sure you get all the facts.

Will I Get More Money with a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?

While having a back injury lawyer increases your chances of obtaining a fair settlement, it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll receive more money in every case. The value of your settlement in a personal injury case depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, their impact on your daily life, the extent of the responsible party’s liability and the available insurance coverage.

The ways that a spinal cord injury attorney can potentially maximize your settlement include:

• Providing knowledge and experience. The personal injury lawyers at RAM Law have experience handling similar trucking accident cases. They understand the legal process and insurance policies to build a strong case for your claim. Their experience allows them to present your case effectively to win a fair settlement.
• Gathering evidence. Your lawyers have access to professional investigators who gather and preserve any evidence at the scene to support your claim. They also dig into medical records, accident reports, witness statements and opinions, all of which strengthen your case and support your claim for higher compensation.
• Calculating an accurate valuation of your losses. Your spinal cord injury lawyer assesses the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, future medical needs and other non-economic losses, like pain and suffering. An experienced attorney makes sure that you seek compensation for all the damages you’re entitled to, rather than accepting an unfair lowball offer.
• Using their negotiation skills. Your RAM Law lawyers are skilled negotiators who deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. They understand the tactics used by insurance adjusters and can counter low settlement offers with evidence, arguments and a strong legal strategy to maximize your chances of obtaining a favorable settlement.
• Offering litigation representation. If your case proceeds to trial, your spinal cord injury attorney provides representation and advocacy in court. Your lawyer presents your case before a judge and jury to seek fair compensation.

Settlement amounts vary, depending on the specific circumstances of your accident, including where the liability lies. Consulting with a back injury lawyer helps you understand what to expect from the settlement process and the strength of your case. Engaging a spinal injury law firm like RAM Law increases your chances of obtaining a fair settlement.

How Much Can I Get in a Spinal Injury Claim?

The amount of compensation you can receive for your spinal cord injury depends on many factors, including the severity and extent of the injury, the circumstances surrounding the injury and the laws of New Jersey. In general, spinal cord injuries are considered to be among the most severe and life-altering injuries. As such, they typically result in higher compensation awards than many other types of personal injury claims.

Compensation for your spinal cord injury case may include:

• Medical expenses. The cost of hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation and ongoing medical care related to the injury are all included in this category. You may also be compensated for your travel to and from doctor visits.
• Lost income and earning capacity. If the injury prevents you from working or earning income in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and future earning potential.
• Pain and suffering. Your compensation may include payment for physical pain, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. The amount for pain and suffering is subjective and varies, based on the specifics of your case.
• Home modifications and assistive devices. If the injury requires modifications to your home or the use of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or prosthetics, you’re often entitled to compensation for these expenses.
• Disability and impairment. Compensation may be provided for a permanent disability or impairment caused by your spinal injury. You may be compensated for a loss of mobility, paralysis, loss of bodily functions, diminished quality of life or loss of the ability to sustain a relationship.
• Caregiver costs. If you require assistance with daily activities or ongoing care, compensation may be sought to cover the costs of professional caregivers or family members providing caregiving services.

Complex Truck Accidents Require Representation – Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Today

Accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, staggering medical expenses, and life-altering disabilities or death. You need an experienced truck accident lawyer with exceptional experience. Call Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. today at 732-247-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.