Whiplash, blunt force trauma, and deep skin lacerations sustained in a car crash can cause permanent nerve damage.
When Car Crashes Sever Nerves
Car crashes often occur at high speeds with other vehicles or stationary objects creating a significant force upon impact. High-impact car crashes commonly cause severe injuries and/or death to drivers and passengers involved in the crash. Injuries range from broken bones and crushed limbs to head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
When high-speed car crashes cause whiplash, blunt force trauma, and deep cuts and lacerations, nerves are often severed resulting in permanent nerve damage. Whiplash, a common injury seen by car crash lawyers, often results in pinched or stretched nerves caused by jerking of the neck. Blunt force trauma can compress nerves in almost any part of the body. Deep cuts and lacerations usually caused by slamming into windshields, dashboards, and interior car components can sever nerves completely.
Injury victims who sustain permanent nerve damage often suffer impaired motor functions and disabilities that have life-long consequences. Nerve damage is a serious injury because nerves affect so many body parts that control movements. Severed nerves can create an inability to move limbs and perform the most basic daily tasks.
Car crash victims who suffer nerve damage offer experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Sensations of prickling or pin sticks
- Tingling or numbness in the skin and limbs
- Skin sensitivity to warm and cold temperatures
- Muscle pain and/or weakness
- Uncontrolled or twitching muscles movements
- Full or partial paralysis of toes, fingers, arms, and legs
Compensation For Injuries
When nerves are damaged, the prognosis for regaining feeling and movement depends on the severity of the nerve damage. While medication and physical therapy can treat some injuries, other injuries often require intensive treatment, such as surgery. Severed nerves may never be fully repaired and functional, even with surgery.
Nerve damage can cause long-term or permanent medical problems. Injury victims may face years of doctors’ appointments, medical treatments, medications, and physical therapy which result in extensive medical bills and pain and suffering. When nerve damage is severe and causes permanent disabilities, the victim may not be able to return to work resulting in current and future lost income.
Car crash victims who suffer injuries may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit with an accident lawyer. Awarded damages for injuries may cover medical bills, lost wages, and future medical needs from permanent injuries.