If you sustained a spinal injury or paralysis in a bike accident someone else caused, contact Tiemann Law Firm immediately to determine your available legal options. You might be entitled to compensation for your hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and other expenses.

sacramento bicycle accident attorneys for spinal injuries and paralysis Damage to any part of the spinal cord can lead to sensation, movement, and mobility issues. This type of injury is severe and causes a range of debilitating symptoms. Permanent damage could cause paralysis below the site of the injury.

At Tiemann Law Firm, we understand your challenges after a bike accident. Spinal injuries are common due to the violent nature of this type of collision. Without safety equipment or the protection of an enclosed vehicle, bicyclists often sustain traumatic injuries.

We could represent you in your case against the at-fault driver. Call us at (916) 999-9000 for a free consultation with a Sacramento bicycle accident attorney to learn more about how we can help.

An Overview of the Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a band of tissue connecting the brain and lower back. It serves multiple purposes, including:

  • Controlling bodily function and movement – The spinal cord sends signals to and from the brain and throughout the body. It controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heartbeat and breathing. The signals the cord transmits also allow a person to move their body.
  • Transmitting senses – The spinal cord sends signals to the brain to process various sensations, such as pain.
  • Managing reflexes – The spinal cord manages reflexes and other involuntary movements.

Three primary parts of the spinal cord include:

  • Cervical – neck
  • Thoracic – chest
  • Lumbar – lower back

The spinal cord contains tissue, nerves, and cells that serve multiple purposes. Spinal discs and vertebrae comprise the spinal column, which covers and protects the spinal cord. Every disc cushions each vertebra and acts as a shock absorber to protect the spinal cord from trauma.

Types of Spinal Injuries and Paralysis

A traumatic or sudden blow to the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal can cause a spinal cord injury. One of the classifications below indicates the severity of the damage:

  • Incomplete – An incomplete spinal cord injury causes some loss of motor or sensory function.
  • Complete – A complete spinal cord injury causes a total loss of control and feeling below the injury site.

The level of a spinal cord injury depends on the affected vertebra at the site of the injury:

  • Cervical – The neck contains seven cervical vertebrae
  • Thoracic – Twelve thoracic vertebrae are in the upper back
  • Lumbar – Five lumbar vertebrae are in the lower back
  • Sacral – Five sacral vertebrae form the sacrum below all the other levels of the spinal cord
  • Coccyx – The coccyx contains four vertebrae below the sacrum

A spinal cord injury can cause paralysis. Which body parts are affected by the injury depends on the location of the damage. The primary types of paralysis based on the injury site include:

  • Paraplegia – Paraplegia is paralysis from the waist down
  • Monoplegia – With monoplegia, paralysis only affects one leg or arm
  • Hemiplegia – Hemiplegia is paralysis in one leg and arm on the same side of the body
  • Diplegia – The same body parts on both sides of the body suffer paralysis with diplegia
  • Quadriplegia – Quadriplegia is paralysis of all four limbs and sometimes affects certain organs

Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries

You should watch for warning signs of a spinal cord injury after a bike accident. Emergency medical care and ongoing treatment might be necessary to improve mobility and movement.

The most common spinal cord injury symptoms include:

  • Exaggerated reflexes or spasms
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Pain or intense stinging sensation from nerve fiber damage
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Loss of movement below the injury site
  • Trouble breathing, coughing, or clearing lung secretions
  • Loss of or altered sensation

Spinal cord injuries and paralysis can lead to long-term complications, such as:

  • Increased risk of lung or heart problems
  • Depression
  • Joint contracture
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Persistent pain
  • Inability to regulate body temperature or blood pressure
  • Muscle atrophy
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control

You should go to the hospital immediately after a bicycle accident. The doctor can diagnose a spinal cord injury and determine the appropriate treatment plan to manage or resolve your symptoms.

Compensation for a Spinal Injury or Paralysis After a Bicycle Accident

You can file an insurance claim or lawsuit depending on the circumstances of your case. The compensation you recover might compensate you for your:

  • Physical therapy, surgery, assistive medical devices, and other medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Cost of building a wheelchair ramp or making your home more accessible for your injury
  • Emotional distress
  • Physical impairment or disability
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Expenses related to household chores, child care, and other necessary services
  • Damage to personal property

If you file a lawsuit, you might also be able to recover exemplary damages. This type of financial award punishes the defendant for their actions. For the court to award these damages to you, you must show clear and convincing evidence of the at-fault driver’s oppression, fraud, or malice.

Statute of Limitations in California Bike Accidents

The California statute of limitations for bicycle accidents allows a two-year timeframe to file a lawsuit. That means you must initiate your lawsuit against the at-fault party within two years of the crash date if you want to pursue compensation in court.

Speak to a Dedicated Sacramento Spinal Injury or Paralysis Attorney Today

sacramento bicycle accident attorneys for spinal injuries and paralysisSince 1998, Tiemann Law Firm has fought on behalf of accident victims injured by the wrongdoing of others. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial strain of suffering paralysis or a spinal cord injury. It can upend your entire life and prevent you from going about your usual routine.

When you hire us, our legal team will provide the personalized attention and service you deserve. You will be our top priority while handling your bike accident case. We know the strategies to use to represent our clients successfully, and you can count on our personal injury lawyers to fight to try to achieve your desired outcome.

If you sustained a spinal cord injury or paralysis in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, call Tiemann Law Firm for your free consultation at (916) 999-9000 today.

Client Testimonials

Elizabeth Ochoa Testimonial
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I chose Tiemann Law Firm to help me after a car accident I was involved in. Throughout the entire process, Moe made sure to keep me updated, he always responded quickly whenever  I had questions about anything. My case won thanks to this law firm and its dedication. My experience with Tiemann Law Firm was amazing! 10/10 recommended.

Dawniel Ewing Testimonial
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I have nothing but great things to say about this firm. They have been extremely helpful and professional when dealing with my case. Anytime I needed anything or wanted to be updated they responded immediately. They made me feel like they cared. Highly recommend them!

Michael T. Testimonial
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I sat down and met with Jelena Tiemann about my vehicle accident.I presented all of my documentation to her in which she gave me her assessment.Although the Tiemann Law Firm wont be representing me because my settlement offer was pretty good she was very clear,forward and professional about what she felt could and couldn't be done.I recommend this law firm to anyone who needs a helping hand at fighting a case where you don't have to worry about the outcome not going in your favor. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees.

Herb T. Testimonial
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The Tiemanns were referred to me by a friend and I am exceptionally happy with the service I received. I had never been in an accident before. I had no idea what to do. Jelena verbally explained how everything would work to me, and she and Peter handled everything. I didn't have to lift a finger once. They went above and beyond for me and I am extremely grateful. I pray I won't ever need this type of assistance again, but I will definitely be referring them to friends and family.

Jennifer T. Testimonial
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I highly recommend The Tiemann Law Firm! I had never before been in a situation where I sustained injury and had to seek legal representation. I was nervous, traumatized, and had no idea what to expect. Jelena, Peter, and their staff walked me through each step of the process. They explained everything in detail. They patiently answered all my questions, responded quickly to every email, text message, phone call, etc. I felt totally prepared for each new phase of the legal process. Furthermore, they were fearless in their defense of me. In certain situations, when I felt attacked or scared my attorney protected me like I was family. Their diligence, honesty, integrity, and compassion provided a true sense of healing and closure for my family and I. The Tiemann Law Firm accomplished more for me than I ever thought possible and I am forever grateful.

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

S.B. Testimonial
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Here's the thing... Nobody really thinks much about lawyers until they need one.  Well, we needed one!  The Tieman Law Firm came through for us in a big way. They were professional, courteous, thorough, and had excellent staff as well.  Highly recommended...

Star Fire Testimonial
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It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

Jereme S. Testimonial
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No one wants to have to hire a lawyer, but if you do. I prefer Tiemann Law. They helped a family member who was injured on the job, and the company did not want to compensate him even though, the injury occurred on the job on company time. Jelena was always professional in explaining the lengthy process of fighting a large corporation. 2 years later he finally is receiving the deserved compensation.

Maye Ly Testimonial
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I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.

Matt H. Testimonial
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I was in a car accident a while back where I was injured and had to miss work for an extended period of time.  After nearly a year of fighting with the insurance company with no results and no progress, I met with Jelena Tiemann.  I couldn't have asked for a more responsive and supportive advocate.  We quickly reached a settlement and I finally was able to move from the stress and burden of feuding with my insurance.  I highly recommending meeting with Jelena if you're in need of a lawyer.

Jennifer Birdseye Testimonial
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Tiemann Law Firm helped us with an injury case for my nephew. They were very knowledgeable and we are very happy with the service they provided. The entire staff is topnotch!

Lendzey Garcia
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I was in a very bad/ major car accident I originally had an attorney who wasn’t trying to help me out much or take any of my calls so I called Tiemann and told them my situation. They made it an AWESOME and Smooth transition over to them and took on both cases I had. I just settled on my big case and am beyond great full. For them and their team! I highly recommend them. To add on to this a little On how much they will work with you, I moved to Montana in the middle of all Of this and it was not an issue!