Paralysis from a Car Accident in Charleston

Paralysis is a condition that occurs when a person cannot voluntarily move part of their body. A lack of communication between the brain and the muscles causes the inability to move. Paralysis can result from a car accident that causes serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries. If you are paralyzed in a car accident, you should call a Charleston paralysis attorney right away to get the compensation you need for medical bills and other expenses.

Having paralysis can be physically, mentally, and financially distressing. If you were paralyzed in a collision caused by someone else, you can pursue compensation for your losses. The experienced Charleston car accident attorneys at Crantford Meehan understand how important it is to get justice for your injuries. We can provide the representation you need.

Overview of Paralysis from a Car Accident

Paralysis can be one of the most devastating outcomes of a car accident. Whether caused by spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, or nerve damage, paralysis can dramatically alter a person’s life. Victims of paralysis often face long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and other challenges. Understanding your rights and the legal options available to you after such a life-changing injury is crucial. With the help of a skilled Charleston car accident lawyer, you can pursue compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses associated with your paralysis.

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Causes of Paralysis from a Car Crash

One of the leading causes of paralysis in collisions is spinal cord injuries. However, other types of injuries can also paralyze victims. The following can lead to paralysis:

Spinal cord injuries

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that connects the brain to the rest of your body. In a car crash, the impact can cause the vertebrae of your spine to fracture, dislocate, or compress, which can cause paralysis. The severity of the paralysis from a spinal cord injury depends on the location of the injury. For example, if the injury is higher on your spinal cord, near the neck, it can cause paralysis of all four limbs. In contrast, if the injury is lower on your spinal cord, it can result in an inability to move your legs.

Brain injuries

In a collision, your head may hit a hard surface or violently shake. This can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which disrupts your brain’s ability to tell the body what to do, resulting in paralysis. The severity of the paralysis depends on the location and extent of the brain injury. For example, damage to the frontal lobe can cause paralysis or weakness in one side of your body. In comparison, damage to the cerebellum in the back of your brain can cause difficulty with coordination and tremors.

Nerve damage

Nerves send signals between your brain and muscles. The force of a car crash can cause nerve damage, which disrupts the signals to your muscles. A crash can impact your nerves anywhere in your body. As a result, the severity and location of the paralysis depend on where the nerve damage occurs. For example, if the nerves that control your hands get damaged in a collision, you could have difficulty voluntarily controlling your hands.

There are two main forms of paralysis:

Complete paralysis

This occurs when you cannot move or feel anything below the spot of the injury. For example, if your spinal cord injury is in the lower back and you cannot move or feel anything below that spot, you have complete paralysis.

Partial paralysis

This occurs when you have partial loss of movement and sensation below your injury. For example, if you can still feel or slightly move your legs after a spinal cord injury, it is partial paralysis.

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Symptoms of Paralysis from a Car Crash

The symptoms of paralysis from a collision may vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. Some common symptoms are:

Loss of sensation
Loss of movement or weakness
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Loss of bowel or bladder control
Muscle spasms
Uncommon muscle cramps
Pain in the affected area

You should not ignore these symptoms. They can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening.

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Legal Options for Victims of Paralysis from Car Crashes in Charleston

When you become partially or completely paralyzed from a car crash caused by someone else, such as a DUI driver, you can pursue compensation for your paralysis. There are several options for recovering compensation for your losses.

Third-Party Insurance Claim

South Carolina is an at-fault car accident state. You can file an insurance claim with an at-fault driver’s insurance company. All South Carolina licensed drivers must carry minimum car insurance coverage, known as 25/50/25. This means that they must have the following liability insurance:

$25,000 bodily injury per person
$50,000 bodily injury for two or more people per accident
$25,000 in property damage

When you file a third-party insurance claim, you may recover compensation up to the driver’s limits.

Underinsured Insurance Coverage

Paralysis is a serious and ongoing injury that results in significant medical expenses. As a result, your losses related to paralysis may surpass the state’s minimum insurance requirements. Companies offer underinsured insurance coverage to account for the odds that a serious injury will exceed another driver’s coverage.

You can recover from your insurance company if you have underinsured coverage and the cost of your injuries exceed the at-fault driver’s coverage limits. However, you can only recover up to your underinsured policy limit.

Uninsured Insurance Coverage

Drivers must meet their state’s minimum car insurance requirements to drive. Unfortunately, many people still drive without insurance. As a result, insurance companies usually offer uninsured insurance coverage. If you have this coverage and are injured by an uninsured driver, you can file an insurance claim to recover compensation up to your uninsured coverage limit.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

You can file a lawsuit if you cannot reach a settlement offer with the at-fault party’s insurance company or if your losses exceed their policy limits. A personal injury lawsuit allows you to seek compensation from the liable party for your injuries. You will need the services of a skilled paralysis attorney to recover compensation in a lawsuit successfully.

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Contact an Experienced Paralysis Attorney in Charleston

Paralysis from a collision can have a significant impact on your life. If you have paralysis because of someone else’s wrongdoing, hiring an attorney can make a substantial difference in your case.

At Crantford Meehan, we pride ourselves on getting our clients the verdicts and settlements they deserve. Using our skills and knowledge, we will vigorously fight for your best interests, including maximum compensation for your case. Contact our experienced team for a free case evaluation to get legal representation by calling us at (843) 832-1120.

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“Helped me through the hardest time in my life “

Crantford Meehan has helped me extremely through the hardest time in my life and has gotten me such an AMAZING recovery after my accident. I highly recommend them to any and everyone I know. Even after my own mother got into an auto accident, they have helped us both successfully move forward with our lives...

Harleigh Tenio
My ‘go to’ for legal help.

Attorney William Crantford has been great! He is my “go to” for legal help.

David Childress
Mr. Meehan was very professional.

Mr. Meehan was very professional. He made sure to address all of the questions and concerns that I had while working with him. I would absolutely recommend Crantford Meehan to anyone looking for an attorney who works hard to get you the best possible outcome.

Nikki M.

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Recoverable Compensation for Paralysis

Typically, you can recover losses connected to any injury resulting from the collision. If someone else caused your paralysis, you can seek the following compensation:

Past and future medical expenses
Rehabilitation
Counseling
Lost wages
Reduced earning capacity
Loss of enjoyment of life
Pain and suffering

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes paralysis after a car accident?

Paralysis from a car accident is often caused by spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, or nerve damage. These injuries disrupt the communication between the brain and the muscles, leading to a loss of movement and sensation.
What are the different types of paralysis?

There are two main types of paralysis: complete paralysis (where you cannot move or feel anything below the injury) and partial paralysis (where you experience partial loss of movement and sensation).
Can I receive compensation for future medical expenses related to paralysis?

Yes, you can recover compensation for future medical expenses related to paralysis. Your lawyer can help estimate the costs of long-term care, rehabilitation, and other future medical needs.
What compensation can I recover if I am paralyzed from a car accident?

You can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and any other damages related to your paralysis. In some cases, punitive damages may also apply.
How do I prove my paralysis in a car accident claim?

To prove your paralysis, medical records, diagnostic tests, and expert testimony from doctors and specialists will be crucial. These documents can demonstrate the extent of your injury and the impact it has had on your life.
How long do I have to file a paralysis lawsuit in Charleston?

You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit for paralysis in Charleston, South Carolina. It’s essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet the filing deadline.