If you’re involved in an auto accident in Florida, you may be left grappling with various injuries. Some of these are easily identifiable, like fractures and lacerations. However, signs of nerve damage after a car accident can be subtler and may only become apparent over time.
Recognizing signs early on, such as numbness, tingling, and shooting pain, is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Read on for a list of signs and symptoms of car accident nerve damage you should look out for.
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1. Numbness
Numbness in your hands, feet, arms, and legs could indicate nerve damage. It is one of the first symptoms people often notice, but they often dismiss it as temporary. However, continuous numbness after a car accident could point to severe nerve trauma that needs immediate attention.
2. Throbbing, Burning, or Jabbing Pain
The pain related to nerve damage isn’t always a dull ache; it can manifest as a sharp, stabbing, or burning sensation. Throbbing or burning feelings in particular body parts can be a clear sign that you have suffered some form of nerve damage from the car accident.
3. Muscle Weakness
After a car accident, you might find that certain muscles are not as strong as they used to be, indicating possible nerve damage. Muscle weakness can be alarming and severely affect your mobility and general physical functionality.
4. Heightened Sensitivity
A heightened sensitivity to touch and temperature sometimes accompanies nerve damage. You may find that even a light touch or slight temperature change can trigger extreme discomfort or pain.
5. Unexplained Pain
Pain that has no apparent cause or occurs during activities that should be painless—like sleeping—is another red flag. This type of unexplained discomfort is particularly concerning and warrants immediate medical attention.
6. Paralysis or Lack of Coordination
Signs like falling, staggering, or inability to move certain parts of your body may also signify severe nerve damage. Paralysis is an acute symptom and should be treated as a medical emergency.
7. Inability to Sweat or Excessive Sweating
Car accident nerve damage can affect your body’s autonomic functions, including your ability to sweat. Watch for changes in your sweating patterns after the accident. The inability to sweat can affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature, posing a severe risk.
8. Digestive Problems
Nerves in your digestive system, such as the vagus nerve, can also be affected. Damage can lead to symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, or incontinence. While these symptoms may be embarrassing, it’s essential that you report them to your healthcare provider.
Difficulty in controlling bladder or bowel movements can occur if the nerves controlling these functions are damaged. For example, compressed nerves in the lower spine can impact your bladder, leading to incontinence.
9. Sudden Drops in Blood Pressure
Nerves help regulate your blood pressure. If you’re experiencing unexplained drops in blood pressure post-accident, it could be due to nerve damage affecting your circulatory system.
10. Tingling Sensations
A tingling sensation or prickly feeling, commonly known as “pins and needles,” can occur due to compromised nerves. This sensation may start in a localized area and spread, indicating progressive nerve damage.
11. Shooting Pain
Sharp, shooting pain that moves across different body parts can indicate a pinched nerve after a car accident. This pain can often radiate from the damaged area to other uninjured areas. Sciatica is a common nerve problem that causes radiating pain.
12. Slow or Decreased Reflexes
Slow reflex responses may suggest that the nerves responsible for triggering these reactions are damaged. Decreased reflexes can become particularly dangerous for daily activities like driving or walking.
13. Foot Drop or Loss of Balance
Struggling with balance or experiencing foot drop, which is the inability to lift the front part of the foot, are common symptoms of nerve damage in the lower extremities. Foot drop can also result from secondary nerve damage after surgery for car accident-related injuries, such as hip surgery.
14. Headaches
Persistent headaches post-accident may be related to nerve damage, particularly if the collision involved any impact to the head or neck region. Do not ignore a recurring headache after a car accident, as it can point to a more severe injury.
15. Sexual Dysfunction
Finally, nerve damage can even affect sexual function. Any sudden onset of sexual dysfunction post-accident should be checked out immediately.
Importance of Seeking Medical Treatment After a Car Accident
It’s crucial to consult with a medical professional if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms after a car accident. A comprehensive evaluation can provide doctors with a diagnosis and guide your treatment plan moving forward. The sooner you see a doctor, the better your chance of minimizing the risk of permanent damage.
Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer
Signs of nerve damage after a car accident can point to a severe injury. While Florida is a no-fault state, you might have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the responsible parties. Hiring an experienced Florida car accident lawyer is crucial.
At Nonni Homola, our lawyers have decades of combined experience. We know that cases involving nerve damage can have significant value.
Contact our office to schedule a consultation. Let us review your care and help you pursue the total compensation you deserve after suffering nerve damage in a car accident.
Chris received his Juris Doctorate from Florida State University College of Law in 2008, and he was admitted to the Florida Bar in December of 2008 followed by the State Bar of Texas in May of 2009. He has litigated, mediated, and resolved over five hundred first-party storm damage claims, and he has litigated, mediated, and successfully resolved multiple major construction defect claims with recoveries in excess of $1,800,000.00.
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