Car accidents can change your life in seconds—especially if they result in a spinal cord injury. In Pennsylvania, crashes are a leading cause of spinal damage that can leave an accident victim with permanent mobility issues, lingering pain, and a pile of medical bills. When another driver’s carelessness leads to such devastating consequences, you have the right to seek justice.
This article goes over how spinal cord injuries happen in car crashes, how Pennsylvania’s injury laws apply, and what it takes to build a strong lawsuit. We’ll also explain how cyclists injured in car accidents can pursue compensation, and why working with an attorney makes a real difference.
How Car Accidents Cause Spinal Cord Injuries
The spine is incredibly vulnerable during a crash. When a vehicle comes to a sudden stop or spins out of control, the force on your back and neck can be immense. Spinal cord trauma can happen in several ways:
- Direct impact from the collision
- Getting thrown from the vehicle
- Compression fractures from seatbelt force
- Twisting or bending from rapid rotation
Some injuries affect only part of the spine (called incomplete injuries), while others may result in full paralysis below the point of trauma (complete injuries). No matter the severity, recovery is often long and expensive.
The Legal Landscape for Spinal Injury Claims in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a somewhat unique system when it comes to car insurance. Drivers choose between "limited tort" and "full tort" coverage. Here’s what that means for spinal cord injury claims:
- Limited tort: This restricts your ability to sue for pain and suffering, unless your injuries meet the legal definition of "serious injury."
- Full tort: Gives you broader rights to pursue full compensation, including non-economic damages.
Fortunately, spinal injuries usually qualify as serious under PA law. That means even drivers with limited tort coverage can likely file a lawsuit if another party caused their accident.
Building a Personal Injury Lawsuit: What You’ll Need to Prove
To file a successful claim, you need to show that someone else acted negligently and that this negligence directly caused your injury. In legal terms, here’s what your case must establish:
- Duty – The other party had a legal responsibility to drive safely.
- Breach – They failed to uphold that responsibility by speeding, texting, or making unsafe moves.
- Causation – Their actions led to the crash and your injury.
- Damages – You suffered physical and financial harm.
Gathering evidence is essential. This might include:
- Accident scene photos
- Medical evaluations
- Police reports
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
- Statements from witnesses
An experienced personal injury attorney can pull these pieces together to build a compelling case.
Estimating Damages: What Is Your Spinal Injury Case Worth?
Spinal injuries often require lifelong treatment, which means compensation needs to reflect not just your current bills—but also what’s coming down the road. In Pennsylvania, a lawsuit may seek damages for:
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Rehab and physical therapy
- Prescription medications and equipment
- Modifications to your home or car
- Lost income and diminished future earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
In some cases, you might also receive punitive damages—especially if the driver who caused the crash was drunk, texting, or otherwise reckless.
Bicycle Accidents and Spinal Injuries in Pennsylvania
Not all spinal injuries happen behind the wheel. Cyclists are especially vulnerable in traffic, and the outcome of a bicycle crash can be just as severe. If you were hit while riding, Pennsylvania law gives you the right to pursue compensation against the at-fault driver.
Helmet use can affect how your case is handled. While state law requires bicycle helmets for riders under 12, adults aren’t legally required to wear one. That said, if you weren’t wearing a helmet, insurance companies may attempt to reduce your compensation by arguing that you contributed to your own injuries. It’s a tactic, not a rule—and a skilled bicycle accident lawyer can fight back against it.
These cases follow the same negligence rules as car crash lawsuits. If the driver acted carelessly—by failing to yield, speeding, or ignoring bike lanes—they can be held responsible.
Pennsylvania's Filing Deadlines: Don’t Wait Too Long
Pennsylvania has a strict deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for personal injury claims, which is two years from the date the accident occurred. If you miss that window, your case could be thrown out.
There are rare exceptions, such as claims involving minors or public agencies, but those involve their own deadlines and procedural rules. That’s why it's best to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
Why You Need an Attorney for a Spinal Injury Case
These cases are high-stakes. Spinal trauma is not just medically complex—it’s legally challenging too. Insurance companies often push back hard, trying to downplay your condition or pressure you into settling for less than your case is worth.
A personal injury attorney can help you:
- Investigate the crash thoroughly
- Work with doctors and rehab specialists
- Calculate your long-term financial needs
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- File suit and go to trial, if needed
If your injury happened while riding a bicycle, a bicycle accident attorney will know how to address helmet laws, visibility issues, and roadway design—all factors that can influence liability.
Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help
Whether your spinal cord injury happened on the road or on two wheels, you deserve someone in your corner. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we’re committed to helping Pennsylvania accident victims recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
We take on tough cases, stand up to insurance companies, and guide you through every step. If you’ve suffered a spinal injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today for a free consultation.