An everyday car trip can make the turn from routine to tragic in a matter of mere seconds. All it takes is one driver who doesn't follow the rules of the road.

Recently, one teen has become forced to live with the catastrophic effects of someone else's negligence. He was paralyzed from the neck down following a Georgia car crash.

The teen, a 17 year-old high school junior from Woodstock, was driving home from visiting relatives in Newnan when he was cut off by a car that pulled out in front of him. The boy swerved to avoid the oncoming vehicle, but ultimately lost control of his car. The vehicle flipped five times before coming to a rest.

The teen lost consciousness in the crash. Shortly after he awoke, a bystander responded to the crash and helped prevent the teen from going into shock. Emergency responders arrived soon after and transported the teen by helicopter to Atlanta Medical Center.

Teen's Recovery is Uncertain

At the hospital, the he received some grim news - he had suffered catastrophic injuries. His next was broken and he was completely paralyzed from the neck down.

The accident occurred about one month ago. The teen has regained some sensation throughout his body, and can use one finger on his left hand. Intensive physical therapy has helped him regain some strength in his arms and shoulders.

Still, it is unclear what the future portends. It is too early to tell exactly how much the teen's spinal court will heal. It is likely, though, that he will live with a significant impairment for the rest of his life.

He must suffer all of this because another driver made the choice to cut him off.

Source: Cherokee Tribune, "Future Uncertain for Car Accident Victim," Megan Thornton, Feb. 1, 2012.