Were you or a loved one recently in a car accident? Nerve damage, whether long-term or short-term, is one of the most common injuries occurring from car accidents – and the toughest to deal with. It can lead to pain, mobility issues, or even long-term disability. Understanding what causes it, the symptoms to watch for, and your legal options can make a big difference.
The more you know, the better you can take control of your recovery. Oliver Law Office’s main goal is to support you through this difficult time. Not only are we passionate about your justice, we’re confident we can get it. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Causes Nerve Damage After Car Accidents?
Nerve damage can happen in a car accident when the impact stretches, compresses, or even severs nerves. Some injuries heal on their own, but others can lead to lasting pain or disability. How serious it is depends on the force and where the injury happens—some crashes make nerve damage more likely than others.
What types of accidents cause nerve damage? Well, even small accidents can cause lasting nerve pain. It’s really less about the type of accident and more about the speed, weight, and angle of the cars involved. Blunt force trauma, where the body is thrown against the interior of the vehicle, is likely one of the most common causes of nerve damage. This type of trauma is common in side-impact or rear-end collisions. There’s also whiplash, which is specific damage to the cervical nerves when the head and neck are “whipped,” just as at the time of collision.
How to Tell if You Have Symptoms of Nerve Damage After a Car Accident
The best way to tell if you have symptoms of nerve damage is to go to a doctor. It’s essential that you do this as soon as possible after an accident, if not immediately. Only a doctor will be able to tell you conclusively if you have nerve damage, and it’s important for a potential case to have that documentation after your accident.
In addition to being important for your potential case, catching nerve damage early is important for your recovery. Timely medical help may prevent further injury, and allow you to treat the exact issue if or before it becomes permanent. Common symptoms of nerve damage include:
- Numbness or Tingling
- Sharp or Burning Pain
- Muscle Weakness
- Sensitivity to Touch
- Loss of Coordination
- & More
Doctors diagnose nerve damage with a physical exam and tests like nerve conduction studies, EMG, MRI, or CT scans. These help pinpoint which nerves are affected, how serious the damage is, and if other issues from your car accident are making it worse.
Legal Options for Nerve Damage Victims in Ohio
Just like you would go to a doctor if you have suffered nerve damage from a car accident, you would go to an experienced car accident attorney if you need to understand your legal options for a car accident. If it’s a small accident, hopefully you can walk away with small injuries that can be covered easily. If this is the case, you may be able to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, or your own if they are underinsured and you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. However, in cases of catastrophic loss and injury, you may find yourself with no other option than to hire an attorney to help get you the compensation you’re entitled to.
For example, what if your injuries from the accident accrue significant medical bills, permanently alter your ability to work, the insurance available doesn’t fully cover your bills from the accident, or you’ve received a low settlement offer? This is when you have the option to sue, with the help of a personal injury lawyer, for additional compensation. The statute of limitations, or time you have to file a lawsuit, is two years. This may seem like a long time, but there are many moving parts that need to be in place before a lawsuit can be filed, so contacting an attorney right after your accident is the best course of action.
Contact an Experienced Ohio Personal Injury Law Firm
Immediately after an accident, you should be concerned with seeking medical attention and documenting as much as you can. When the panic of the accident has subsided, you can contact us as soon as possible. Oliver Law Office is a women-led law firm that truly and honestly believes in justice for our clients. We’ve represented people who’ve been injured in car accidents at no fault of their own and been left with lifelong nerve damage.
No one deserves that, and it’s our job to make sure your compensation is enough for your injury. Contact us today to speak to a lawyer that genuinely cares for your situation, and wants to help you navigate what’s next together.
