Can Car Accidents Cause Nerve Damage?

Car accidents can result in a host of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe fractures and spinal cord damage. While nerve damage is less common in crashes, it can have serious implications for one’s health and quality of life, affecting mobility, sensation, and overall well-being.

What Is Nerve Damage?

Nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, refers to any injury or dysfunction affecting the body’s nerves. Nerves play a vital role in transmitting signals between the brain and other parts of the body, facilitating movement, sensation, and various bodily functions. When nerves sustain damage, these signals can become disrupted, leading to a range of symptoms depending on the severity and location of the injury.

How Can Car Accidents Cause Nerve Damage?

The force of impact can directly injure nerves, particularly in cases of trauma or compression. Additionally, rapid movements during collisions, such as whiplash, can stretch or compress nerves in the spine. Objects penetrating the body in severe accidents can also directly damage nerves and surrounding tissues.

• Trauma: The impact of a collision can directly injure nerves, such as when a person’s body forcefully strikes against the interior of the vehicle or objects within it.
• Compression: Nerves may become compressed or pinched during the accident, particularly in cases of spinal cord injuries or fractures, leading to nerve dysfunction.
• Whiplash: The rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck during a rear-end collision can stretch or compress nerves in the cervical spine, resulting in whiplash-associated disorders and nerve damage.
• Objects Penetrating the Body: In severe accidents, objects like broken glass or metal fragments can penetrate the body, causing direct damage to nerves and surrounding tissues.

What Are the Symptoms and Treatment for Nerve Damage?

The symptoms of nerve damage vary depending on the type and location of the injury. Some common signs to watch for include:

• Pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Sensory changes
• Motor impairment
• Autonomic dysfunction (involuntary bodily functions do not function properly)

Mild nerve damage may only need conservative management, like rest, physical therapy, and pain management medications. In more serious cases, surgical intervention is necessary to repair damaged nerves or alleviate compression. Interventions such as nerve blocks or electrical stimulation techniques may be utilized to manage symptoms and improve function.

What Legal Considerations Apply to Nerve Damage Claims?

In cases where nerve damage results from a car accident, legal considerations may arise regarding liability, compensation, and the pursuit of damages. Individuals affected by nerve injuries can seek guidance from experienced legal professionals who can advise them on personal injury claims.

• Establishing Fault: Determining liability in car accidents involving nerve damage requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony can help establish who was at fault.
• Seeking Compensation: The categories for potential compensation include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disability. A knowledgeable attorney can help you pursue all applicable damages.
• Statute of Limitations: Be aware of the statute of limitations governing personal injury claims in your jurisdiction. Failing to file a claim within the specified time frame can result in forfeiture of your right to seek compensation.

Let a Skilled Atlantic City Car Accident Lawyer at D’Amato Law Firm Help You Pursue Justice for Your Nerve Damage From a Motor Vehicle Crash

If you or a loved one has suffered nerve damage due to a car accident, contact an Atlantic City car accident lawyer at D’Amato Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation. Submit our online form or call our Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, office at 609-926-3300. We serve clients in South Jersey, including Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, and Woodbury.