Dealing with a Spinal Cord Injury After a Car Accident in San Bernardino
Life can change in the blink of an eye. One moment, you’re driving down the San Bernardino Freeway, and the next, you’re facing a future altered by a spinal cord injury. If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone you love is grappling with this harsh reality.
Moving forward with a spinal cord injury isn’t something you ever thought you’d have to deal with. However, it can be made easier with the help of an experienced San Bernardino spinal cord injury lawyer at William D. Shapiro Law, Inc.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
The sheer force of a car accident can cause a spinal cord injury in numerous ways. Even low-impact crashes can result in injury to the back and spine. You may have suffered a complete injury that affects all feeling and function below the injury site, or you might have some sensation and movement below the injury level.
- Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): This affects all four limbs and typically results from cervical (neck) spine injuries.
- Paraplegia: This affects the lower half of the body and results from injuries to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spine.
Each injury is unique, and your experience may differ from others. What’s crucial is understanding that regardless of the type or severity, a spinal cord injury is a life-altering event that requires comprehensive care and support.
The Long Road Ahead After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury
Let’s be honest – recovering from a spinal cord injury is tough. You’re likely facing a future filled with medical appointments, rehabilitation sessions, and a complete overhaul of your daily routines. Simple tasks you once took for granted might now seem like monumental challenges.
You might wonder:
- Will I ever walk again?
- How will I work or support my family?
- Can I still enjoy the activities I love?
- How will this affect my relationships?
These questions are valid, and the answers aren’t always clear-cut. Recovery from a spinal cord injury is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, perseverance, and a strong support system.
The Ripple Effect Of a Spinal Cord Injury On Your Life
A spinal cord injury doesn’t just affect your physical health – it touches every aspect of your life:
- Emotional Well-being: You might experience depression, anxiety, or PTSD. These feelings are normal, but it’s crucial to seek help if they become overwhelming.
- Relationships: Your injury will impact your loved ones, too. Open communication is key as you all adjust to this new reality.
- Career: You may need to rethink your professional path. However, with the right support and accommodations, many people with spinal cord injuries lead fulfilling careers.
- Finances: Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and potential loss of income can create significant financial strain.
- Independence: You might need to rely on others more than you’re used to. This can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that accepting help doesn’t diminish your worth or autonomy.
Why Legal Support Matters
You’re already dealing with so much – physical pain, emotional turmoil, and life changes. The last thing you need is to navigate the complex legal landscape alone. Fortunately, you don’t have to when you hire our injury law firm.
Here’s why a spinal cord injury attorney at William D. Shapiro Law, Inc., can be your strongest ally:
- Understanding Your Rights: California law specifically protects accident victims. For instance, under California Civil Code Section 3333.4, you may still be entitled to compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Our spinal cord injury lawyers will help you understand these nuances.
- Maximizing Compensation: Your injury will likely result in significant expenses – both immediate and long-term. An experienced spinal cord injury lawyer can help ensure you receive fair compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Home modifications
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters might try to minimize your claim, or they may pressure you to sign a settlement before you realize the full extent of your injuries. Our spinal cord injury lawyers can handle these negotiations, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
- Navigating Complex Laws: California has specific laws regarding personal injury claims. For example, California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 sets a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. Missing this deadline could jeopardize your right to compensation. A San Bernardino spinal cord injury attorney will ensure all legal deadlines are met.
- Proving Liability: Establishing fault in a car accident can be complicated. Your spinal cord injury lawyer can gather evidence, consult experts, and build a strong case on your behalf. They’ll know how to identify all parties responsible for your injuries.
Contact Our San Bernardino Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Today
Dealing with a spinal cord injury after a car accident is one of the toughest challenges anyone can face. But you’re not just a victim – you’re a survivor. With the right support, both medical and legal, you can navigate this difficult journey and emerge stronger on the other side.
If you or someone you love suffered a spinal cord or back injury in an accident in San Bernardino, we can help. Simply call our spinal cord injury law firm at (909) 890-1000 or fill out our confidential contact form today, and we’ll call you back.
William Shapiro has handled catastrophic injury/wrongful death actions for over 4 decades obtaining numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. Honors include: 2022, 2016 and 2013 OCTLA “Top Gun” TLY; 2022 CAOC TLY Finalist; 2018 “Lifetime Achievement Award” Western State College of Law, 2021 & 2017 Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year; 2016 WSBCBA “TLY”; 2015 CAL-ABOTA “TLY”; 2014 “TLY” Consumer Attorneys of CAOIE; 2011 “Hall of Fame,” Western State College of Law; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers; International Society of Barristers; Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); National Board of Trial Advocacy; specialist in Trial Advocacy, State Bar of California; “Best Lawyers in America” and “Tier 1 Best Law Firms” U.S. News; AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyers; Past President of: San Bernardino/Riverside chapter ABOTA; San Bernardino County Bar Association; Consumer Attorneys of Inland Empire; The Joseph. B. Campbell American Inn of Court; Consumer Attorneys of California; IE ; National Sec of ABOTA, Adjunct professor, Western State College of Law. Learn more here.