Spinal cord injuries are some of the most devastating outcomes a person can suffer in a commercial truck crash. The extreme force involved in collisions with tractor-trailers often results in permanent, life-altering damage. If you or a loved one were injured in a serious crash, a Las Vegas truck accident lawyer can help determine liability and pursue compensation for the long-term care these injuries demand.
Internal injuries are some of the most dangerous outcomes of a car or truck accident — and the easiest to overlook. Many people feel “fine” after a crash because adrenaline masks pain and symptoms. Hours or even days later, life-threatening complications can surface. Recognizing the signs early protects your health and strengthens any future personal injury claim.
Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries in Truck Crashes
Truck accidents tend to cause some of the most serious spinal cord injuries, given the tremendous force involved when these large vehicles collide with passenger cars. Victims may face the following:
- Paraplegia: Damage to the spinal cord leads to paralysis and loss of function in both legs and lower portions of the body, often requiring wheelchairs and accessible housing.
- Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia): A severe injury where both the arms and legs lose movement or sensation, completely changing everyday life and resulting in total or near-total dependency on assistance.
- Herniated or Ruptured Discs: Truck crashes commonly cause the discs between the vertebrae to slip, rupture, or bulge, frequently leading to lasting pain, nerve damage, or numbness down the limbs.
- Nerve Root Damage: If nerve roots are compressed, stretched, or inflamed in a collision, a person may develop radiating pain, numbness/tingling, and weakness or reduced muscle control in an arm or leg.
Anyone hurt by a spinal cord injury in a truck crash will likely need significant medical treatment, and our team will do our best to help you get compensation to cover these costs.
Who May Be Liable for a Spinal Cord Injury Truck Accident
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident and are facing spinal cord injuries, there are a few parties that could potentially be liable. This includes:
Truck Driver Negligence
The most direct source of fault in a truck accident is usually the driver. This could be as a result of reckless driving, speeding, driving under the influence, texting and driving, or other dangerous behaviors that result in a crash.
Trucking Company Liability
Employers are often responsible for their employee’s negligence, even if the company didn’t do anything directly negligent. This is known as vicarious liability. Trucking companies could also be directly liable if they hire unqualified drivers, fail to train their drivers appropriately, skip maintenance or safety checks, or push drivers to work more hours than they’re legally permitted to work.
Maintenance or Repair Contractors
Companies or individuals that are hired to maintain or repair trucks can be on the hook for damages if a mechanical failure caused by their oversight or mistake leads to a crash. For example, failing to fix a known issue or installing something improperly could lead to liability.
Cargo Loaders
A cargo loading company or crew may be held liable if their failure to evenly distribute weight, properly secure cargo, or abide by loading limits results in a dangerous load shift or loss of control by the truck driver. These mistakes can cause significant imbalances in the truck, which could lead to accidents that would have otherwise been avoided.
Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers
If defective or poorly designed truck components contribute to an accident, responsibility can extend to the manufacturer or supplier that allowed such a part on the road. In these cases, evidence of prior recalls, ignored defects, or repeated product complaints can strengthen the claim against them.
Understanding who may be liable is critical when spinal cord injuries are involved, as damages often reach into the millions. If you’re unsure who is responsible in your case, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation with a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer experienced in truck accident litigation.
