A vast array of injuries can be caused by car accidents, many of which can be devastating, even life-changing to the affected victims. Some of the most common types of injuries that people attribute to car crashes are whiplash and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) like concussions.
Though these are quite prevalent in the list of possible conditions that can afflict victims of auto collisions, they are not separate from another underlying condition: nerve damage. Even if the impact did not affect you above the shoulders, you might still be experiencing the effects of a pinched nerve. If you have suffered nerved damage stemming from your auto accident that was not your fault, the aggressive Dallas auto accident lawyers at Reyes Law will work with you to file a claim so that you may receive the compensation you deserve for your nerve damage. Here’s what to look out for if you suspect that you’ve gotten nerve damage from a recent collision.
What is Nerve Damage?
Nerve damage, otherwise known as neuropathy (damage to nerves that are located outside of the brain), can take many forms. As mentioned earlier, most people tend to think of whiplash when considering the most common injuries that can be caused by a car crash. You may be surprised to learn that whiplash is just one of the three primary types of nerve damage that people may experience after being struck by a vehicle. All three are described below:
- Whiplash: At the time of impact between the vehicles, the body is suddenly jerked in one direction. This sudden motion forces the head and neck to move unnaturally quickly in a way that causes the nerves to be either stretched or pinched.
- Blunt-force trauma: If anything hits your head during the crash, you are likely to incur severe physical damage that may not break the skin but damages the nerves underneath. In this instance, the nerves are damaged as a result of being extremely compressed.
- Lacerations: If any glass or metal were to separate from the vehicle and cut or impale you during the crash, the deep cut could reach the nerves in your skin and muscle tissue, causing devastating damage.
No matter what type of injury you incurred, it is critical that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. An immediate visit to the hospital will ensure that you receive precisely the care you need and give you the best chance at recovering from your wounds.
How to Know if You Have Nerve Damage
Most victims do not think of these injuries as being related to nerve damage; however, it is vital that you recognize the signs and symptoms as such. If you suspect that you may have gotten nerve damage as a result of a car accident, look out for these signs to confirm:
- Heightened sensitivity to temperature changes
- Partial or complete paralysis of limbs and digits (fingers and toes)
- Twitching or spasms of the muscles
- Weakness and pain in the afflicted muscles
- Sensations of numbness or tingling in or around the afflicted area, or on the skin or extremities
If you have observed any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately for treatment. You will also need to get in touch with a personal injury lawyer to ensure that you will be able to hold the negligent party accountable for your injuries. Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse. Take action and get the help you need as soon as possible.
