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by The Stoddard Firm - August 18th, 2026
Families do not expect a single collision to rewrite the rest of their lives, yet that is precisely what happens when spinal injuries caused by car accidents leave a loved one unable to walk, work, or care for themselves the way they once did. At The Stoddard Firm, our Atlanta personal injury lawyers help families throughout Atlanta and across Georgia pursue the full compensation these injuries demand, and that starts with understanding how spinal trauma is treated, how insurers try to devalue these claims, and what fair compensation really looks like.
Not every back injury from a crash carries the same weight, and the range is wide. Spinal injuries caused by car accidents can range from a herniated disc, which responds to treatment and time, to a damaged spinal cord, which rarely offers the same possibility. When the cord is compressed, bruised, or severed, the resulting paralysis, partial or complete, is frequently permanent.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, spinal cord injuries can cause lasting changes in feeling, movement, and basic body functions below the point of injury, and motor vehicle collisions remain among the leading causes. For families, this clinical reality quickly becomes a practical one: wheelchairs, home renovations, and a future that looks nothing like the one they had planned.
Cervical and lumbar injuries sit at opposite ends of the spine, and where the damage occurs determines how much of the body loses function. Cervical injuries, in the neck region, can produce quadriplegia and may require a ventilator if the damage interferes with breathing. Lumbar injuries, lower on the spine, more often result in paraplegia, limiting the legs and lower body while preserving arm and hand function.
Neither outcome is minor, and both reshape how a person eats, dresses, works, and moves through the world. This distinction is exactly why two crashes with similar mechanics can produce very different long-term outcomes and why medical documentation matters so much to the claim that follows.
Insurance adjusters know this documentation exists, which is why they routinely seek to invalidate a spinal injury claim using the same tactic: arguing the damage was already present before the crash and pointing to normal age-related disc wear visible on imaging. Georgia law rejects this shortcut.
Under the eggshell plaintiff doctrine, an at-fault driver remains fully liable when a collision aggravates or worsens an existing spinal condition, even one the victim did not know they had. The law does not ask whether the victim’s spine was perfectly healthy before the wreck. It asks whether the crash made things measurably worse. Overcoming this defense requires consistent medical treatment, clear imaging comparisons, and physician testimony that connects the collision directly to the decline in their health. Our attorneys build this evidence into every personal injury claim from the outset.
Call The Stoddard Firm Today. Your Injury, Our Fight.
Winning the fight against the pre-existing condition defense still leaves one question unanswered: What is the injury actually worth over a lifetime? Too many settlement offers stop at emergency room bills, ignoring almost everything else a spinal cord injury demands of a family. A full valuation should account for:
Because these injuries often qualify as catastrophic under Georgia law, an accurate valuation requires life care planners, vocational experts, and treating physicians who can project decades of need. Families generally have two years from the crash to file a claim under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, though exceptions may apply in cases involving minors, delayed discovery of an injury, or claims against a government entity. Given these stakes and the limited time to act, early legal guidance is essential to protecting the full value of the claim.
Spinal injuries caused by car accidents require documentation that captures their true lifetime impact. At The Stoddard Firm, our experienced legal team work with medical and financial experts to build this record and present a claim that reflects the full extent of the loss. Call (470) 467-2200 today for a free case evaluation with a dedicated personal injury lawyer.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who spent years defending major corporations in serious injury and wrongful death cases before switching sides to fight for families who have lost someone. Known for high-profile wrongful death trials featured on Courtroom View Network, he is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, he works tirelessly to pursue accountability and deliver results for families facing catastrophic loss.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
Personal injury compensation enables an injured individual to regain the same quality of life they had before the incident. This may entail funds for modifying a home for wheelchair accessibility or offering vocational training for those unable to return to their previous job. It is crucial for compensation to cover lost earnings and cover both past and anticipated medical costs.
We conduct interviews with colleagues, consult with attending healthcare professionals, and engage specialists to ensure we secure comprehensive compensation that aids our clients in re-establishing their life trajectories.
When deciding to hire an Atlanta personal injury lawyer, you need to consider:
1. Who’s at Fault
If you’re in an accident and it’s unclear who’s responsible, seeking advice from an attorney is wise. Insurance companies may attempt to attribute damages to you in such scenarios. An attorney can shield you from counterclaims and cross-claims, safeguarding your rights.
2. The Severity of Injuries Sustained
When facing a lifetime of pain, suffering, and mounting bills, taking chances is not an option. A personal injury attorney is entrusted with averting lifelong financial strain.
3. If You’re Facing Insurance Company Denial or Delay
The intricate laws and procedures surrounding personal injury claims are areas where insurance companies capitalize on individuals’ lack of expertise. A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in this regard.
It’s possible but not necessarily probable and will likely depend on whether you want your case to go to trial. The majority of cases end in a settlement. Going to trial typically occurs when there are intricate, contentious matters regarding the accident’s cause or the severity of your injuries. Occasionally, defendants may simply be unyielding and unwilling to settle or you may just want more than the insurer believes is reasonable.
It shouldn’t be a shock if your attorney diligently pursues a settlement while also readying your witnesses for trial. A proficient lawyer must be equipped for any scenario. Demonstrating to the opposing party that we’re gearing up for a trial indicates that we’re resolute and not inclined to back down.
Determining all potential parties who could be held liable for a personal injury involves a thorough investigation of various factors. If someone else neglected to exercise reasonable care, they can be held accountable for the resulting injuries, as outlined in Title 51 of Georgia Code of Laws or as outlined in Georgia’s common law.
The individual directly involved in the accident may not be the sole party at fault. For instance, in the case of a drunk driving accident, while the driver may bear responsibility, the person who knowingly provided additional alcohol to an obviously intoxicated individual could also be deemed liable. In other circumstances, an at fault party’s employer is responsible for its employees actions.
Following a personal injury accident, there are critical steps you should take. First and foremost, seek prompt medical attention. Visit the emergency room or call for an ambulance at the accident site. Any delay in receiving medical care could impact your health and the outcome of your personal injury case.
Refrain from discussing your case with the insurance company representing the at-fault party. They may deny your settlement or offer a significantly lower amount than you deserve.
Additionally, it’s crucial for both you and your personal injury attorney to gather as much evidence and documentation as possible. This is vital in establishing that your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence. Make an effort to collect records and documents related to your case, including medical records, police reports, photographs, witness contact information, and similar items. Once you’ve received medical attention, contact The Stoddard Firm.
Do not say anything! If an insurance company contacts you, refrain from providing any information until you have consulted with your attorney. Insurance companies typically contact accident victims in an attempt to elicit a statement about the incident, which they may use to devalue the settlement.
While you may eventually need to converse with them, seeking guidance from a seasoned legal team is crucial. They will provide clear instructions on what you should and should not disclose to protect the value of your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
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Matthew Stoddard and his staff are wonderful people. This law firm is a no complication type of place. They always answer the phone without the hassle of going through 30 different people and always return emails just as quick as they are received. Thank you gentlemen for everything y’all do.
I went through one of the worst times of my life. When I decided to reach out to Matt it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. He really is a genuine guy who cares about his clients. He worked hard for me and my family for 2 years until we were awarded a settlement we felt deserving! I could not recommend a better guy for your legal services!
Attorney Matthew Stoddard and his staff are awesome professionals. I contacted them with a problem, in my opinion he went above and beyond to assist me. He showed understanding and care and exceeded my expectations.
The Stoddard Firm did an excellent job in representing me in my case ! They went far and beyond to help me, even driving 4 hours to meet me multiple times as a client!!! I honestly felt like I was a member of their legal team and would recommend them to anyone in need of a great lawyer!!!
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
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