Motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck, and motorcycle crashes, are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the United States. In fact, they account for nearly 37% of SCI cases each year [based on data from the NSCISC, 2025 Annual Report].
A spinal cord injury can change your life in an instant. At Shankle Law Firm, we’re here to help you understand your options, protect your legal rights, and navigate what comes next, because no one should have to face this kind of recovery alone.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is damaged, often disrupting the communication between your brain and body. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, the effects can vary widely, from temporary numbness to permanent paralysis.
These symptoms may appear immediately or emerge hours to days after the accident.
Why Early Medical Attention Matters
Not all spinal injuries are visible right away. After a crash, it’s safest to treat any head, neck, or back trauma as a potential spinal cord injury until a medical professional confirms otherwise.
If you or a loved one has been in a motor vehicle accident and is experiencing symptoms like numbness, tingling, loss of balance, or difficulty breathing, get emergency care immediately.
Life After an SCI: What Recovery May Involve
Recovering from a spinal cord injury is often physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. Many people face:
- High medical bills and long-term rehabilitation
- Lost income from being unable to return to work
- Need for assistive equipment or home modifications
- Uncertainty about long-term independence or mobility
These challenges can persist for months or even years, depending on the severity of the injury. In serious cases like paraplegia or tetraplegia, lifetime costs may exceed millions of dollars.
Legal Help After an SCI That Wasn’t Your Fault
If your spinal cord injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as another driver’s mistake or reckless behavior, you may have a right to pursue compensation for your losses.
At Shankle Law Firm, we offer free consultations to individuals and families affected by spinal cord injuries related to motor vehicle accidents. We understand the stakes are high, and we take your case personally.
Maggie Shankle is an experienced personal injury attorney, and Board-Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist, who will review your case directly. We’ll explain your options and fight to get you the support and compensation you deserve.
If your injury happened at work, you may also qualify for workers' compensation. [See our article on spinal cord injuries and workers' comp →]
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious injuries we see, and they demand serious advocacy. With decades of experience representing injured clients in North Carolina, we’re committed to helping you move forward with confidence.
Contact Shankle Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation.
*Please Note - The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this site, using information from it, or communicating with Shankle Law Firm, PA through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice tailored to your situation, please contact us directly at (704) 370-1212.