Car accidents can lead to various injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent.
Among the most concerning are nerve injuries, which can develop in the days, weeks, or even months following an accident.
If you’ve recently been in a car crash in Ohio and are worried about the signs of nerve damage after a car accident, it’s essential to be aware of common symptoms and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
For a free consultation, please call us directly at (419) 455-1410 or you can contact us online. Our experienced car accident lawyers are ready to help you.
Signs of Nerve Damage After a Car Accident in Ohio
Nerve damage can be serious; the earlier it’s identified, the better your chances for recovery. Here are six common signs of nerve damage you should watch for after a car accident.
1. Numbness or Tingling (Pins and Needles Sensation)
One of the most common signs of nerve damage after a car accident is numbness or tingling in your extremities, such as your hands, feet, arms, or legs. This sensation, often described as “pins and needles,” occurs when nerves are compressed or damaged, limiting the signals they send to your brain.
Numbness can indicate a pinched nerve after a car accident. This occurs when excessive pressure is placed on a nerve by surrounding tissues like bones or muscles. If left untreated, this condition can worsen and lead to more severe nerve damage.
2. Muscle Weakness
Nerves control the movement of your muscles, so when they are damaged, you may notice muscle weakness. If you struggle to perform simple tasks, such as lifting objects, gripping items, or walking, it could be a sign of nerve damage after a car accident.
In many cases, muscle weakness points to motor nerve damage, impairing your ability to move and control certain body parts. This type of nerve damage is particularly concerning because it can interfere with your daily life and, in severe cases, may lead to long-term disability.
3. Sharp, Burning, or Shooting Pain
Another common indicator of nerve pain after a car accident is sharp, burning, or shooting pain that radiates along the nerve pathways. This type of pain often stems from sensory nerve damage and can feel intense, coming in waves or constant, depending on the severity of the injury.
This nerve pain may occur in various areas of your body, including your back, neck, arms, and legs. It is important to address this type of pain early, as untreated nerve damage can become more painful and harder to manage over time.
4. Loss of Reflexes
A loss of reflexes in certain body parts is another red flag for nerve damage. Your reflexes are an automatic response to stimuli controlled by your nervous system.
If you or your healthcare provider notices a decreased or absent reflex response, it could indicate that your nerves are damaged or compressed due to the accident.
This symptom is especially common when there is car accident nerve damage involving the spinal cord or lower back. Damage to these nerves can disrupt reflex pathways, leading to a slower or absent reflex response in the arms or legs.
5. Chronic or Unexplained Pain
While many people expect some pain after a car accident, nerve damage can cause pain that is chronic or difficult to explain. If you experience pain that persists or worsens despite treatment, it could be linked to permanent nerve damage from a car accident.
Chronic nerve pain often doesn’t respond well to traditional pain medications, and patients may require specialized treatments such as nerve blocks, physical therapy, or surgical intervention.
6. Sensitivity to Touch or Temperature
Heightened sensitivity to touch or temperature changes is another one of the signs of nerve damage after a car accident. If you notice that even a light touch causes significant pain or your skin is unusually sensitive to cold or heat, this could be a sign that your sensory nerves have been affected.
Seek Legal Help for Nerve Damage After a Car Accident
Car accidents are not uncommon in Ohio. The state reported 1,275 fatal car crashes in 2022, which means countless others resulted in serious injuries like nerve damage.
At Bensinger Legal Services, we understand how nerve damage can disrupt your life, and we’re here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Aaron Bensinger and his team have extensive experience in Ohio personal injury law and will work tirelessly on your behalf, whether dealing with insurance companies or preparing for trial.
Don’t wait until your symptoms worsen. Contact Bensinger Legal Services today to discuss your case and explore your legal options. You can call us directly at (419) 455-1410 or you can contact us online.
The sooner you get legal representation, the better your chances of receiving the full compensation you deserve.
Aaron L. Bensinger is an Ohio attorney serving personal injury and civil litigation clients. He has extensive trial experience and makes client service is his primary focus. As a partner at Balyeat, Leahy, Daley, Miller & Bensinger, LLC, Aaron happily works in Lima, OH, and serves the entire Northwest region of the state and beyond.
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