Types of Nerve Damage in Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause many types of nerve damage. The four main types of nerve damage caused by car accidents are cervical nerve damage, lumbar nerve damage, thoracic nerve damage, and peripheral nerve damage. In short, most nerves in the body can be harmed by a wreck.

Nerve damage occurs when the delicate fibers transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord, and body rest are damaged or severed. This can result in pain, numbness, weakness, and other debilitating symptoms that can greatly impact your quality of life.

If you’ve suffered nerve damage after a car accident, you may be owed substantial compensation. Our Phoenix car accident lawyers can assist you with any accident claim you have. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types of nerve damage from car accidents.

Whiplash and Cervical Nerve Damage

Whiplash is one of the most frequent injuries sustained in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head and neck are suddenly and forcefully stretched. This can tear the muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the cervical spine.

The cervical spine contains eight pairs of cervical nerves that branch off from the spinal cord and innervate the head, neck, shoulders, and arms. Whiplash can cause damage to these cervical nerves, leading to symptoms such as:

Neck pain and stiffness
Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
Burning or prickling sensations in the neck, shoulders, or arms
Weakness or numbness in the arms and hands
Dizziness and difficulty concentrating

In severe cases, cervical nerve damage from whiplash can lead to chronic pain, limited range of motion, and reduced arm and hand function.

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Lumbar and Sacral Nerve Damage

The lower back is another common site of injury in car accidents. The lumbar spine contains five pairs of lumbar nerves, while the sacral spine contains five pairs of sacral nerves. Together, these nerves control sensation and movement in the legs, feet, and pelvic region.

Damage to the lumbar and sacral nerves can cause symptoms such as:

Lower back pain that may radiate into the buttocks, legs, or feet
Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the legs and feet
Muscle weakness or cramping in the legs
Difficulty walking or standing
Loss of bladder or bowel control

Common causes of lumbar and sacral nerve damage in car accidents include herniated discs, spinal fractures, and soft tissue injuries.

Thoracic Nerve Damage

The thoracic spine is in the mid-back region and contains twelve pairs of thoracic nerves. These nerves control sensation and movement in the chest and abdominal wall. While less common than cervical or lumbar injuries, damage to the thoracic nerves can still occur in high-impact car accidents.

Symptoms of thoracic nerve damage may include:

Mid-back pain that may wrap around the chest or ribs
Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the chest or abdomen
Weakness or paralysis of the abdominal muscles
Difficulty breathing or coughing
Changes in heart rate or blood pressure

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Peripheral Nerve Damage

Peripheral nerves are found throughout the body and carry signals between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the limbs and organs. Car accidents can cause damage to peripheral nerves from direct trauma, stretching, or compression.

Common sites of peripheral nerve damage in car accidents include:

Brachial plexus: Network of nerves that control the shoulder, arm, and hand. Damage can cause weakness, numbness, and loss of function in the upper limb.
Sciatic nerve: Large nerve that runs from the lower back down the leg. Compression or damage can cause sciatica – radiating pain, numbness, and weakness in the leg and foot.
Peroneal nerve: Runs along the outer part of the lower leg and controls foot and toe movement. Damage can cause foot drop – difficulty lifting the front part of the foot.

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Treatment for Nerve Damage Caused by Car Accidents

With proper care and rehabilitation, many people with these types of nerve damage caused by car accidents can recover function and return to their normal activities. However, in severe cases, nerve damage may result in chronic pain, disability, and reduced quality of life.

In some cases, rest and painkillers are all that are needed to heal. Other victims will need physical therapy, specialist treatment, or surgery. Nerves take a long time to heal, and some forms of nerve damage are permanent.

The worse your nerve damage becomes, the higher your potential compensation will be. If you’re suffering any of the symptoms we’ve listed, Zanes Law may be able to help you get a settlement for nerve damage after a car accident.

Conclusion

The types of nerve damage caused by car accidents are a serious and often overlooked consequences. From whiplash that affects the cervical nerves to lumbar and sacral nerve damage that impacts the legs and feet to peripheral nerve injuries that can occur anywhere in the body – the effects of nerve damage can be painful, debilitating, and long-lasting.

If you’ve been in a car accident and are experiencing symptoms of nerve damage, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.

If you’re suffering from nerve damage caused by a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact Zanes Law to receive a free consultation.

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Types of Nerve Damage Caused by Car Accidents

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