Hurt in a Car Crash and Facing a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury changes a car accident claim in three main ways. Medical proof becomes central, the full effects can take time to show, and future care costs need careful records. If you’re looking for a spinal cord injury car accident lawyer in Albuquerque, this page explains what to expect. El Gringo Law helps people hurt in car crashes in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. Our first consultation is free, confidential, and comes with no obligation to continue.

Who This Page Is For and What a Spinal Cord Injury Claim Involves

This page is for drivers, passengers, and families dealing with a spinal cord injury after a crash. The NINDS spinal cord injury overview explains that three layers of tissue protect the spinal cord. Fluid around it cushions it against shock or injury.

When the spinal cord is hurt, signals between the brain and the body can break down. Damage can affect movement, feeling, bladder and bowel control, breathing, and other body functions. The level of injury matters. Nerves in the neck (cervical nerves C1 to C7) control signals to the arms, hands, and diaphragm. NINDS notes that an injury between C1 and C4 can stop breathing.

Our firm handles car accident cases, including crashes where a spinal injury is part of the harm. Related matters, such as trucking accidents, wrongful death, and catastrophic injuries, also fall within our practice areas.

How a Spinal Cord Injury Changes Your Claim

Medical proof usually carries the most weight in a spinal cord injury claim. Your records must show the injury, what caused it, and what treatment it needs.

• Emergency and hospital records show how the injury was first found and treated.
• Imaging reports from MRI, CT, and X-ray document the injury.
• Surgical notes and treatment plans show what doctors recommend and why.
• Therapy and follow-up notes track function over time.

Early records may not show final limits. Ongoing treatment notes matter as much as the first scans.

Future care is often the largest question. Claims may include long-term medical care, equipment, home or vehicle changes, and attendant care. Treating providers and cost projections help show these needs. Lost earning capacity needs wage records and medical opinions on work limits, not just missed time.

New Mexico follows pure comparative negligence (shared fault), so partial fault does not automatically bar a claim. Scott v. Rizzo set that rule. The exact deadline depends on the facts of your case, so early contact helps.

What a Claim Can Include

A spinal cord injury claim can seek money for medical costs, lost income, and the daily costs of living with the injury. Each item needs proof from your records, bills, and providers.

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Attendant care, equipment, and home or vehicle modifications

Family members may have their own claims. Under Thompson v. City of Albuquerque, loss of consortium damages belong to the family member, not the injured person.

If a crash causes a death, wrongful death claims are separate. Under NMSA 41-2-1, the person who would have been liable had death not occurred can be sued for damages. Under NMSA 41-2-2, every action brought under this section and the preceding section must be brought within three years after the cause of action accrues, and the cause of action accrues as of the date of death (NMSA 1978, § 41-2-2 — three years from the date of death).

Several liability can shape how much each party pays. Certain situations, such as intentional harm, follow different rules.

Crashes with commercial trucks differ. Federal hours-of-service rules apply to commercial truck drivers and can matter to liability.

How the Process Works, Step by Step

Most claims follow the same basic steps, though the timing varies.

1. First consultation. You describe the crash, your injuries, your treatment, and any insurance contacts.
2. Records. We request the crash report, medical records, imaging, and wage documents.
3. Investigation. We look at scene evidence, witness information, and vehicle damage. We also compare the medical record to the injury.
4. Insurance communication. Our team handles contact with insurers, so you don’t have to negotiate with adjusters alone.
5. Demand. A settlement demand goes out once the medical picture is documented enough to evaluate.
6. Court, if needed. If a fair resolution isn’t reached, the case may be filed in court.

Spinal cases often take longer because treatment must run its course before the full picture is clear.

What to Bring to Your First Call

Bring what you have now. Missing items are not a reason to wait, because we can help identify what’s needed.

• The crash report number and the investigating agency, such as the Albuquerque Police Department or New Mexico State Police, if known
• Medical records, discharge papers, imaging reports, and names of treating providers
• Insurance letters and claim numbers from your insurer and the other driver’s insurer, plus policy declarations pages
• Photos of vehicles, the scene, and injuries, plus witness contact details
• Employer name, pay records, and any work restriction notes from your providers
• A short written timeline of the crash, symptoms, and missed activities

Why Work With El Gringo Law and Josh Wood

Josh Wood is the lawyer responsible for this page. He is licensed in New Mexico and Arizona.

Our firm handles car accidents, trucking accidents, premises liability, negligent security, wrongful death, sexual assault, catastrophic injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and burn injuries. Our team, including assistants and office staff, handles scheduling and records requests. Josh Wood answers for the work our team does on your matter.

We explain each step in plain language, so you know what is happening and why. We help people in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.

Choosing a spinal cord injury car accident lawyer is a big step. You can reach us through our contact form, or start a chat on our website at elgringolaw.com.

Common Questions About Spinal Cord Injury Car Accident Claims