Car accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries in the United States. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, motor vehicle crashes account for 37% of all the reported spinal cord injuries nationwide. The sudden impact of a collision can leave victims facing permanent changes to their mobility, independence, and quality of life.
A spinal cord injury can completely alter your way of life. Victims often face lifelong disabilities, ongoing rehabilitation, and significant medical expenses. Families must navigate both emotional trauma and financial strain which is why contacting an experienced spinal cord injury attorney is critical to secure proper compensation.
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident, knowing what to do next can make all the difference. An experienced spinal cord injury attorney can guide you through your claim, handle negotiations, and fight for your rights.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Care
After any accident, the first and most important step is to seek medical attention right away. Spinal cord injuries are not always obvious at first, but the damage can worsen quickly if left untreated. Emergency responders will often stabilize the spine immediately after, and doctors rely on imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs to identify the injury. Early intervention, including surgeries, medications, or other treatment, can help prevent further harm.
Even if you feel fine, do not ignore symptoms like numbness, weakness, tingling, or pain. These may indicate spinal trauma that can progress quickly. Immediate medical care protects your health and creates crucial documentation linking your spinal cord injury to the accident.
2. Understand the Long-Term Impact of a Spinal Cord Injury
Knowing what your future may look like after a spinal cord-damaging accident will help you and your loved ones plan your recovery and anticipate the challenges that come with it.
A spinal cord injury affects more than just physical movement, it can impact nearly every aspect of your life. Depending on the severity of the crash and the location of the injury, you may experience:
- Partial or complete paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
- Loss of mobility or sensation below the site of injury
- Chronic pain or nerve pain
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction
- Muscle spasms and involuntary reflexes
- Emotional trauma, such as depression and anxiety
These complications often require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and home modifications. Understanding the scope of the impact of spinal cord injury helps you calculate your present and future needs accurately, manage expectations, and prepare for both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery.
3. Document Everything Related to Your Spinal Cord Injury
When a car accident leaves you with a spinal cord injury, careful documentation is one of the most important steps you can take. Every medical record and document you keep will serve as evidence, connecting the crash to the challenges you are facing and strengthening your personal injury claim. Some of the most crucial documents include:
- Medical records and diagnostic tests (x-rays, CT-scans, MRIs)
- Hospital and rehabilitation treatment plans
- Police accident report
- Insurance correspondence
- Proof of lost income: paychecks, employer notes
- Journal of symptoms, pain, and affected daily routines
These records create a clear picture of how your spinal cord injury has impacted your life and help your attorney build a strong, evidence-supported case.
4. Know Your Legal Rights in Denver
Colorado law allows spinal cord injury victims to seek full compensation for all types of damages caused by the crash. But there are laws that can directly affect the outcome of your case. Understanding these laws can protect your claim:
Statute of Limitations
In Colorado, you have two years from the date of the accident to file for a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to compensation no matter how strong your case may be. If you plan to file a case, you need to act quickly.
Comparative Negligence Law
Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rule under Colorado Revised Statute 13-21-111, allows you to recover damages even if you were partly at fault for the accident, as long as you were less than 50% responsible. However, your percentage of fault will be deducted from your compensation.
Non-Economic Damage Caps
Colorado law not only allows victims to seek compensation for tangible damages but also non-economic damages for the pain and suffering. As of 2025, Colorado House Bill 24-1472 states that non-economic damages caps for personal injury cases are raised to $1.5 million. Knowing these caps is important in spinal cord injury cases, where the physical and emotional toll can be long-term.
Navigating these laws while recovering from a serious spinal cord injury can feel overwhelming. Missing a single filing or requirement can jeopardize your claim. An experienced spinal cord injury attorney can guide you through the process and protect your right to full compensation.
5. Get Help from Denver’s Best Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Recovering from a spinal cord injury is challenging enough for car accident victims. The last thing you should have to worry about is handling your own legal battle for compensation. Getting help from an attorney who can take on the fight for you will give you the time to focus on healing.
At Levine Law, our experienced Denver spinal cord injury attorneys are dedicated to securing compensation for medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support. With extensive experience handling spinal cord injury claims, we know how insurers operate and how to fight for the full value of your case. Call us today for a free consultation and let us pursue justice while you focus on healing.
Sources:
[3] Colorado Revised Statutes 13-21-111. Colorado Revised Statutes Title 13: Courts and Court Procedure.
[5] Colorado Judicial Branch. Torts and insurance – General liability.
