Nerve Damage After a Car Accident

Some car accidents can directly and immediately injure nerves. For example, a forceful impact can compress or stretch nerves, leading to immediate symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of sensation in affected body parts. These symptoms may be apparent right after the accident.

In other cases, nerve damage symptoms may not become noticeable until hours, days, or even weeks after the car accident. This delayed onset can occur due to inflammation, swelling, or the body's natural response to trauma.

Some nerve damage may not be immediately apparent due to the body's ability to compensate for minor injuries. Over time, as the injury worsens or as the body's compensatory mechanisms weaken, nerve damage symptoms may become more noticeable.

Nerve damage can result in a disability if it significantly impairs your ability to perform daily activities or work-related tasks. The severity of nerve damage plays a crucial role in determining disability status. Severe nerve damage that results in the loss of motor function, sensation, or the ability to control bodily functions can be disabling.

The location of the nerve damage is also important. Nerve damage in critical areas of the body, such as the spinal cord or major nerve trunks, may lead to more profound disabilities compared to damage in less critical areas. Severe and chronic pain resulting from nerve damage can also affect your quality of life and ability to work or engage in daily activities.

Damaged nerves can cause a variety of sensations and symptoms, and the specific feelings experienced can vary depending on the type and location of the nerve damage. Here are some common signs of nerve damage after a car accident:

• Numbness: Nerve damage can lead to a loss of sensation in the affected area. This can feel like a lack of feeling or numbness, making it difficult to detect touch, pressure, or temperature changes.
• Tingling or pins and needles: Many people with nerve damage report sensations of tingling, pins and needles, or a "crawling" feeling in the affected area. This sensation is often described as a slight, prickling discomfort.
• Burning sensation: You may experience a persistent burning sensation in the affected area. This can range from mild discomfort to intense burning pain.
• Sharp or shooting pain: Nerve damage can cause sharp, shooting pains that come and go or persist. These pains may be sudden and intense.
• Electric shock sensation: Some individuals describe nerve pain as feeling like an electric shock or jolt. This sensation can be brief but very painful.
• Weakness: Nerve damage can lead to muscle weakness in the affected area. This makes it difficult to perform tasks that require strength or coordination.
• Loss of coordination: Damage to nerves that control muscle coordination can result in difficulty with balance and coordination.

The average settlement for nerve damage after a car accident can vary widely depending on the severity of the nerve damage, the extent of medical treatment required, and the impact on your life. There is no fixed or standard settlement amount for nerve damage cases, as each case is unique.

An experienced car accident lawyer will need to determine the true value of your claim by adding up your:

• Current and future medical costs
• Loss of income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

How do you prove nerve damage in a car accident?

Proving nerve damage in a car accident case typically involves gathering medical evidence and documentation to establish the presence, extent, and cause of the nerve damage. To successfully prove nerve damage, it’s best to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident, even if you don’t feel injured.

A doctor can assess your condition, conduct diagnostic tests, and document your injuries. They may use diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, electromyography (EMG), and nerve conduction studies, to help identify and confirm your nerve damage. These tests can show abnormalities in the nervous system and provide objective evidence of the injury.

You’ll also need to maintain detailed medical records, including doctor's notes, test results, and treatment plans. These records should document your symptoms, the results of diagnostic tests, and the recommended treatment for your nerve damage.

Whether you’re dealing with nerve damage after a crash or another injury, it’s always best to get legal help from a Premier Car Accident Lawyer. They can assess the strength of your claim during a free legal consultation, investigate your crash, and negotiate for maximum compensation on your behalf.

If you’re worried about the cost of hiring an attorney, there’s good news. It doesn’t cost anything upfront. Premier Car Accident Lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis and only take a certain percentage of your final compensation if they successfully win your case. So, don’t hesitate. Contact a lawyer in your area to set up your free initial consultation.