Car accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, including some with life-altering consequences. One significant concern is the risk of paralysis, which can result from even seemingly minor accidents.
Several things can put you at risk of paralysis in a car accident.
1. The force of the impact
The human body cannot easily withstand the forces generated during a car crash. High-impact collisions can stretch, compress or even sever your spinal cord, leading to paralysis.
2. Rollover incidents
Although rollover accidents are not as common, they carry an increased risk of paralysis. The violent motion and impacts caused by a rollover can result in significant trauma to your spinal cord. Depending on the nature and location of that trauma, you might experience varying degrees of paralysis as a result.
3. Ejection
When a passenger gets ejected from a vehicle during a collision, this increases the risk of severe injuries. The impact of landing or striking another object can cause traumatic spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis. Wearing a seatbelt can mitigate this risk by keeping you secured in your seat.
4. Side-impact collisions
Side-impact collisions result in abrupt force from the side, which can traumatize your spinal cord. In many cases, the force of a side-impact crash can lead to long-term spinal cord damage and complications, including paralysis.
An estimated 90% of serious spinal cord injuries result from traumatic events, including car accidents. Understanding the most common types of incidents that can cause spinal cord injuries and potential paralysis will help make you more aware as a passenger and driver.