When Car and Truck Accidents Cause Paralysis

 Posted on October 22, 2025 in Catastrophic Injuries

Among the most devastating outcomes of a car or truck crash is paralysis, the loss of movement and sensation in part of the body. Paralysis injuries do not only affect physical movement. They impact every other aspect of life, from employment and mobility to mental health and family relationships.

If you or a loved one suffered paralysis after a crash in California, you may be entitled to significant compensation. This compensation could cover your medical costs, long-term care, and emotional suffering. Understanding your legal rights is the first step toward rebuilding your future.

Many people cannot imagine going through the process of filing a lawsuit and negotiating with insurance companies when they are already grieving from serious injuries. But with the help of our Temecula personal injury lawyer, you can focus on healing while we take care of the rest. Call us today at 951-698-4200.

What Causes Paralysis After a Car Crash?

Paralysis typically results from damage to the spinal cord, which is the bundle of nerves that carries messages between the brain and the body. The severity of paralysis depends on where the injury occurs and how much of the spinal cord is affected.

High-impact collisions with large commercial trucks, rear-end crashes, or rollovers are among the most common causes of paralysis. Even with seat belts and airbags, our bodies are simply not able to take the massive forces involved when a car or semi-truck crashes at high speeds.

There are several types of paralysis that can result from such accidents:

• Paraplegia: Loss of movement and sensation in the legs and lower body.

• Quadriplegia (or tetraplegia): Paralysis of both the arms and legs, often caused by upper spinal cord damage.

• Partial paralysis: Limited loss of function or sensation, which can improve over time with treatment and rehabilitation.

No two cases are identical. Some victims regain partial function, while others require lifelong medical support and adaptive equipment.

What Compensation Can Paralysis Victims Get in California?

As of October 2025, California law still allows victims to pursue compensation when another driver’s negligence causes catastrophic harm under California Civil Code § 1714, which holds people responsible for injuries caused on purpose or by their want of reasonable care. The law allows recovery for both economic damages (financial losses) and non-economic damages (pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life).

A paralysis injury can lead to millions of dollars in lifetime expenses. Victims may need hospital care, in-home nursing, physical therapy, and special equipment in homes or vehicles. Victims can be compensated for these medical expenses, as well as lost income. Compensation for long-term care and rehabilitation is very common, as is compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.

Because these cases often involve very expensive claims to pay out, insurance companies fight hard to limit payouts. That is why working with an experienced attorney who understands catastrophic injury litigation is essential.

Contact a Temecula, CA Catastrophic Injuries Attorney

If you or someone you love has suffered paralysis from a car or truck accident, contact a Riverside County, CA car accident lawyer at Maineri Law Firm. With over 23 years of experience, multilingual services, and free consultations, we represent clients with care. Call 951-698-4200 today to discuss your case free of charge. 

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