A serious car accident in San Francisco can cause many different types of injuries, including nerve damage. Since the nerves are pathways that make communication between the brain and body possible, nerve damage can be a life-altering injury. If you detect signs of nerve damage after a car accident, it is critical to get immediate medical care.
Understanding Nerve Damage
When a car accident takes place, a victim can sustain significant impact injuries due to the forces exerted on the human body when its forward motion is suddenly stopped by contact with an element inside or outside of the vehicle. Nerve damage can arise due to blunt-force trauma, crush injuries, compression, shearing injuries, lacerations or penetrating injuries.
The nervous system is responsible for sending signals and messages between the brain and the body. It controls sensations, movement, pain response, reflexes and coordination. When nerves get damaged or destroyed due to trauma, it can cause a temporary or permanent disruption in their communication system.
Common Symptoms That Accompany Nerve Damage
Nerve damage from an automobile accident can disrupt the way the nerves are meant to function. This can lead to a wide variety of symptoms and effects. Common examples include:
- Numbness or loss of feeling in the area
- A tingling or “pins and needles” sensation
- Changes in sensation
- A burning or stabbing feeling
- Pain that feels like an electric shock
- Different reactions to hot and cold sensations
- Abnormal or extreme sensitivity to touch
- Acute and/or chronic pain
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of coordination or balance
- Involuntary muscle movements or tremors
The symptoms experienced can depend on the type and location of the nerve injury. In severe cases, permanent nerve damage can lead to paralysis, or a loss of feeling and function in the affected area.
Signs of Nerve Damage After a Car Accident
Is Nerve Damage Treatable?
Some cases of nerve damage are treatable and will heal over time, while others are permanent. Potential treatment options include physical therapy, rehabilitation, chiropractic care, pain management medications, hot and cold therapies, and activity modifications to prevent flare-ups. The recovery rate of a nerve injury will depend on the severity of the damage and how the patient responds to treatment.
What to Do if You Suffer Nerve Damage in a Car Accident
If you are diagnosed with a nerve injury after a car crash in California, go to the nearest hospital right away. Early intervention is crucial for the best prognosis of recovering from nerve damage. Follow your doctor’s treatment plans and recommendations. Keep copies of your medical bills and hospital records.
Document everything you can about the car accident and your nerve injury. This includes a copy of the police accident report, photos and videos from the crash scene, statements from witnesses, and medical records related to your nerve damage. You will need enough evidence to prove that someone else is at fault for your car accident and that you suffered nerve damage as a result.
Before you accept a settlement from an insurance company, contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you avoid accepting a settlement that underpays you for a serious or permanent nerve injury. Your lawyer can negotiate with an insurance company or bring your case to trial, if necessary, in the pursuit of justice.