--- title: The Average Medical Cost of SCI from a Car Accident description: Research indicates that vehicular accidents comprise roughly 39 percent of spinal cord injuries, with those involving cars taking up nearly 27 percent alone. image: http://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/img/The-Average-Medical-Cost-of-SCI-from-a-Car-Accident-Blog-IMG.jpg --- [![spinalcord logo desktop](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ![spinalcord logo mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-white_png.png) ](https://www.spinalcord.com/) MENU ** ![spinal cord logo slide out mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ** [![Dale Swope](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dale-img-min.jpg?width=100&name=dale-img-min.jpg) The Purpose Behind Spinalcord.com ** Play Dale Swope's Story ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1kPXDw_CQU) [For Advice Call: (877) 336-7192 ](tel:8773367192) ![Spinalcord Logo](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-logo-icon-svg.svg) - 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[Community](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-community) - [Trusted Organizations](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by-the-spinal-cord-injury-community) - [Events Calendar](https://www.spinalcord.com/events) - [Podcast](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-life-uncovered/episode-1) - Recognition - [Best of Awards](https://www.spinalcord.com/best-of-awards) - [Trusted By Designation](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by-the-spinal-cord-injury-community) - [** ](tel:8773367192) - [** ](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/the-average-medical-cost-of-sci-from-a-car-accident#) - [** **(877) 336-7192** ](tel:8773367192) - [** **Contact Us** ](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) # The Average Medical Cost of SCI from a Car Accident Author: [Spinal Cord Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) Publish Date: December 08, 2020 ![The-Average-Medical-Cost-of-SCI-from-a-Car-Accident-Blog-IMG.jpg](http://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/img/The-Average-Medical-Cost-of-SCI-from-a-Car-Accident-Blog-IMG.jpg?width=724&height=414&name=The-Average-Medical-Cost-of-SCI-from-a-Car-Accident-Blog-IMG.jpg) Most people may not realize just how often individuals are forced to contend with the debilitating condition that is a [spinal cord injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury). Reportedly, [250,000 people](http://www.sci-info-pages.com/facts.html) are currently dealing with the reality of a spinal cord injury. The short-term and long-term effects on the body’s functionality and the patient’s quality of life cannot be underestimated, and while the cause behind spinal cord injuries varies greatly, by far the most common of them all is [car accidents](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/10-startling-car-accident-statistics). Research indicates that [vehicular accidents comprise roughly 39 percent](https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/PublicDocuments/fact_sheets/Recent%20trends%20in%20causes%20of%20SCI.pdf) of spinal cord injuries, with those involving cars taking up nearly 27 percent alone. That such an everyday practice can result in disaster is certainly a terrifying thought, but the resulting medical expenses that are often required to recover from such an incident make the reality even more troubling. ## A Crash Course in Car Accidents Take a quick drive around, and chances are, you’ll come across a car accident or two more often than not. Although some of these are likely minor incidents that result in little to no injuries, [studies indicate](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/10-startling-car-accident-statistics) that 2.3 million people are injured in car crashes every year, and 30,000 of these collisions tragically claim lives. Of the deaths caused by vehicular incidents, nearly half -- 45 percent, to be exact -- correspond with passengers who [failed to wear a seatbelt](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/will-your-seatbelt-usage-impact-your-lawsuit), and nearly a third of them can be attributed to speeding. It’s disheartening to consider that such a widespread cause of death -- and one that commonly leads to devastating effects such as spinal cord injuries -- is largely preventable. In fact, the mere act of texting boosts the likelihood of a crash by [as much as 23 times](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/10-startling-car-accident-statistics). In addition, even though alcohol impairment is four times more common at night, the majority of car accidents take place between 3pm and 6pm within 25 miles of one’s own home. The best way to avoid the [medical expenses](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/what-is-the-real-spinal-cord-injury-cost) that will undoubtedly arise from a collision, of course, is to limit the role these factors play in your time behind the wheel. However, let’s delve a bit more into the car accident cost that such an individual might face. ## The Price You Pay Motor vehicle crashes generally rack up an estimated [annual economic cost of $277 billion](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/10-startling-car-accident-statistics), but what can patients expect when it comes to the medical expenses tied to spinal cord injuries? Granted, the extent of of the damage and the exact circumstances surrounding the incident will determine the exact details. Speaking generally, however, the length of inpatient care typically [extends to around 59 days](http://www.sci-info-pages.com/facts.html), including 15 days of initial hospitalization in acute care units and a 44-day stay in designated rehabilitation units. Right from the start, the bills start to pile up, as initial hospitalization after a spinal cord injury clocks in at $140,000. The total just keeps going up in the subsequent months, as the treatment and recovery plan continues. For the [first year after a spinal cord injury](http://www.sci-info-pages.com/facts.html), the average cost in medical expenses reaches an average of $198,000. In the case of paraplegics, expenses average about $152,000 in the first year, but for quadriplegics, that figure skyrockets to a whopping $417,000. Spinal cord injuries lay a tremendous burden on those affected, but incidents severe enough to leave patients as paraplegics and quadriplegics are particularly draining, as the average lifetime medical costs reach $428,000 and $1.35 million, respectively. In many cases, patients lack adequate insurance to provide any tangible [financial assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/financial-resources) with the mountain of expenses being thrust upon them, and due to the debilitating nature of their injuries, it’s common for spinal cord patients to be unable to properly function in the workplace. This can ultimately lead to professional difficulties and even unemployment, eliminating the patient’s most reliable means to fend off the medical costs independently. ## Not the Only Culprit Given the sudden impact and deadly force involved, it’s easy to see how vehicle collisions account for the vast majority of spinal cord injuries. However, this particular situation is far from the only major cause of this condition. Here’s a breakdown of some of the other [most common causes](https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/PublicDocuments/fact_sheets/Recent%20trends%20in%20causes%20of%20SCI.pdf) of spinal cord injuries: - **Slips and falls:** Although not every slip or fall will result in serious injuries, sometimes a particularly nasty spill can be directly responsible for a devastating spinal cord injury. In fact, 29.54 percent of such injuries result from some kind of fall, though the exact reason for the tumble varies greatly based on the specific circumstances. - **Gunshot wounds:** More than most other causes, gunshot wounds can be attributed to an external force, whether through some kind of accident or criminal intent. These incidents comprise 13.01 percent of spinal cord injuries and can inflict irreversible damage to the body’s nervous system. - **Sports and recreational activities:** In 8.39 percent of spinal cord injuries, sports and recreational activities -- including, most commonly, diving -- are responsible. Considering the physical nature of numerous contact sports, it’s no surprise that such activities feature some form of risk. - **Medical and surgical complications:** Ironically enough, 4.7 percent of incidents resulting in spinal cord injuries are tied to medical and surgical complications. In some situations, medical malpractice may be to blame for such a turn of events, but regardless, it’s important to note that some spinal cord injuries begin this way. ## Hope Still Persists Despite the car accident cost involved in the aftermath of a spinal cord injury, patients do have reason to remain optimistic about their options. Oftentimes, the fault of such a life-changing event lies elsewhere -- whether by a negligent action or the role of a faulty product -- and it’s worthwhile to consider the possibility of launching a personal injury lawsuit to help offset the staggering medical expenses. After all, this medical care and subsequent rehabilitation is necessary to limit and hopefully reverse the damage that has been inflicted. After enduring such a traumatic event, patients may naturally be hesitant to pursue assistance as vigorously as they should, but don’t forget that time is a critical factor when it comes to spinal cord injuries. Now is the time to make things right. [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/c7a11486-bb75-4a75-90a7-a2ab3a051e6e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/c7a11486-bb75-4a75-90a7-a2ab3a051e6e) **Topics:** Spinal Cord Injury, Accidents ### Stay Updated on Advancements On Traumatic Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries About the Author #### Spinal Cord Team The authors of Spinalcord.com are made up of attorneys, those in the medical field, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Learn more about our team of authors including a brief biography that explains how they impact the SCI and TBI community. [Learn More About the Author](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) **Leave a Comment** [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a) true ### Spinal Cord Injury - [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Brain Injury - [Types of Brain Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Finding Treatment - [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory) - [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory) - [Technology Advancements](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements) - [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention) ### Legal Options - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims) #### [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand. Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move. [Learn More About SpinalCord.com →](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) ## [Contact Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) ![logo-footer-spinal-cord.png](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/img/logo-footer-spinal-cord.png?width=249&name=logo-footer-spinal-cord.png "logo-footer-spinal-cord.png") **  [877-336-7192](tel:8773367192) ** [support@spinalcord.com](mailto:support@spinalcord.com) [**](https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com/) [**](https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom) [**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg) Copyright 2026 | All Rights Reserved. [Spinal Cord, Inc.](https://www.spinalcord.com) Sponsored by [Tampa personal injury lawyers](https://www.swoperodante.com/tampa-personal-injury-lawyer/) at Swope, Rodante P.A. a Florida law firm located at 1234 E 5th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605. The information provided by SpinalCord.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, see [ Disclaimer Policy.](https://www.spinalcord.com/disclaimer) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/the-average-medical-cost-of-sci-from-a-car-accident#) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/the-average-medical-cost-of-sci-from-a-car-accident#) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebSite", "name" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "potentialAction" : { "@type" : "SearchAction", "query-input" : "required name=search_query", "target" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/search?q={search_query}" }, "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "contactPoint" : [ { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+1-877-336-7192" } ], "legalName" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "logo" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom", "https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com" ], "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "articleBody" : "The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.

\n\n

What Is a Spinal Contusion?

\n\"Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image\"\n

Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.

\n

For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.

\n

A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.

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Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For

\n

Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.

\n

Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:

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Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.

\n

Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.

\n

If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Spinalcord.com Team" }, "datePublished" : "2020-12-03", "image" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name" : "Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion" } ``` ```json { "@context":"https://schema.org", "@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Spinal Cord Inc", "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.", "inLanguage":"en-US"}, { "@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"Spinalcord Logo", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "width":327,"height":300, "caption":"spinal contusion"}, { "@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#webpage", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "isPartOf":{"@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website"}, "primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#primaryimage"}, "datePublished":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00","dateModified":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00", "author":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors"}, "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals. What Is a Spinal Contusion? Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks. For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities. A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way. Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician. Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma: Spinal shock — or the loss of feeling or movement below site of injury (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks Loss of bladder or bowel function Difficulty breathing Muscle spasticity Difficulty understanding speech Problems with attention Memory challenges Heart rate and blood pressure problems Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI. Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment. If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb"}, "inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion"]}]}, { "@type":"BreadcrumbList", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem", "position":1, "item": { "@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/", "name":"Home"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":2, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "name":"Articles"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":3, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion"}}]}, {"@type":"Person", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors", "name":"Spinalcord Team", "image":{"@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "caption":"Spinalcord Team"}, "description":"The authors at SpinalCord.com come from diverse backgrounds including doctors, attorneys, medical journalist, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Each author brings with them different experiences and expertise which when combined provide clinically accurate information which is useful to all individuals in the spinal cord and traumatic brain injury communities. Within the content you will find citations to medical journals, scientific research, as well as national and local resources to provide immediate support to families in need of assistance. Content is reviewed and updated regularly with changes in the clinical guidelines, new resources, and fresh ways to understand the content such as videos and infographics. ." } ]} ```