A motor vehicle collision will likely result in catastrophic injuries. Vehicle occupants could suffer the life-changing effects of a brain injury, amputation, spinal cord trauma or burn injuries. Depending on numerous factors, these injuries can range in severity often impacting an individual’s ability to maintain the quality of life they were used to or continued gainful employment.
Depending on the type of injury and the position along the spinal cord, people might suffer different effects. Spinal cord damage could be partial or complete, temporary or permanent. It is crucial that any injured vehicle occupants seek a comprehensive medical examination to gain a clear insight into the severity of the injury and their options for recovery.
Paralysis is a general term used to describe numerous levels of severity, including:
- Monoplegia: Individuals struggling with monoplegia will experience loss of sensation or loss of movement control in one leg or one arm.
- Hemiplegia: This form of paralysis typically only impacts one side of the body. If the left arm and left leg show signs of weakness or loss of control, for example, this is likely an example of hemiplegia.
- Paraplegia: Severe damage to the lower spinal cord could result in paraplegia in which individuals suffer paralysis in both legs.
- Quadriplegia: A motor vehicle collision that causes significant damage higher up on the spinal cord could result in quadriplegia. Also called tetraplegia, this type of paralysis impacts both arms, both legs and several internal organs.
Whether it is a motor vehicle collision involving cars, trucks, motorcycles or pedestrians, severe injuries can occur. The impact of the crash can leave individuals with a loss of sensation in their extremities, loss of movement control or impaired function of the internal organs. In some cases, the effects can be mitigated through surgery or lengthy physical therapy. In other cases, unfortunately, the effects are permanent.