A motor vehicle accident may cause serious trauma to an accident victim’s neurological system. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, may be caused by trauma inflicted from a motor vehicle accident, work accident, sports injury, or repetitive motion injury. The nerves may be stretched, pressured, or even severed as a result of the trauma caused by an accident.
The nervous or neurological system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities. It is made up of two major divisions, including the following:
- Central nervous system. This system consists of the brain and spinal cord.
- Peripheral nervous system. This system consists of all other neural elements, including the peripheral nerves and the autonomic nerves.
Neuropathy is commonly caused by trauma from a physical injury or even from a surgical procedure. Nerves may become partially or completely severed, crushed, compressed, or stretched, even to the extent that they are partially or completely detached from the spinal cord.
Broken or dislocated bones and slipped disks may place excessive pressure on adjoining nerves and compress nerve fibers. In addition to numbness and pain, damage to the peripheral nervous system will generally affect an individual’s ability to maintain equilibrium and hold objects. It will also affect other essential, necessary motor skills used for everyday living.
There are several symptoms of nerve damage after an accident They include the following:
- Uncontrolled or twitching muscle movements
- Muscle weakness, pain, and stiffness of the neck and back
- Full or partial paralysis of limbs and appendages
- Numbness and tingling of the legs, arms, fingers, or skin
- Headaches
- The inability to understand tasks and information
- Forgetfulness
- The ringing of the ears (tinnitus)
- Increased sensitivity of the skin to hot and cold temperatures
A motor vehicle accident can cause different types of nerve damage. Each of these types has a different set of symptoms and treatments. One resulting injury from an accident is whiplash where the severe jerking motion of the head and neck can pinch the nerves or cause them to stretch. Another is blunt-force trauma which results from hitting your head, arms, or legs on a hard surface inside or outside of the vehicle. Also, the nerves may even be lacerated from severe, deep cuts caused by an accident.
If you or a loved one has been in any type of motor vehicle accident, consult a medical professional immediately, especially if you experience any type of symptom related to nerve damage.
Nerve damage resulting from an accident can cause serious, disabling effects, such as severe pain, mental and emotional problems, and the inability to perform your job. If untreated, an injury to your neurological system can lead to a variety of other medical issues. After an accident, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about whether you have a right to compensation. A seasoned personal injury lawyer can help you assert your rights and ensure that you receive full compensation for all your injuries, including damage to your neurological system.
If you have been involved in any type of accident, Maison Law will fight for your rights to receive the compensation that you deserve! We provide the highest level of legal service in the Fresno and Visalia areas. Maison Law is located on W. Main Street in Visalia, about 50 minutes from the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT). Pick up the phone (24 hours a day, 7 days a week and speak with a Maison Law representative. Our Central Valley personal injury attorney is here to help you! Call Maison Law at (559) 203-3333.
