If you have been in a car accident, you must do several things as soon as possible. The first is to contact the police, the second is to get in touch with your insurance provider in a “timely fashion” and the third is to see a doctor. Even if you have only a bruise, get some medical attention then follow it up with a visit to your own physician. This will provide you with evidence of any health problem resulting from the car accident. You will need these records to prove your insurance claims, particularly if part of the car accident claim, nerve damage, is difficult to prove.
Defining Nerve Damage
When you are in a car accident, you may suffer from cuts, bruises as well as obvious physical damage e.g. broken or fractured bones. You can also sustain soft tissue damage (whiplash) and damage to your nerves. Nerves are conductors of impulses. They run messages between your central nervous system (CNS) and various parts of your body. There are many different types. These include
- sensory nerves (various senses)
- digital nerves (fingers and toes)
- cranial nerves (brain)
- thoracic nerves (chest)
- spinal nerves (spine)
The Problem Of Recording Nerve Damage
If you are in a car crash, you can damage any of these nerves temporarily or permanently. The major problem is you may not know it immediately. There may only be a bruise over the spot where nerve damage occurs. This is why it is important to see a medical professional immediately and follow up with your doctor later. This will document the problem and establish a medical basis for any resultant health issues.
As is the case with whiplash, nerve damage may not manifest itself for several days. There are symptoms you should note and report immediately. These are
- numbness of the area
- a tingling sensation (pins-and-needles)
- a type of clumsiness in movement or paralysis of the region e.g. loss of strength in gripping an object
- difficulty in moving the affected part
- reduced sensitivity
You need to report any such problems to your doctor. Have it recorded. In some instances, X-rays will indicate the affected area. Make sure your doctor is thorough in his or her examination and documents everything.
Hiring An Attorney
Proving permanent damage of the nerves is not simple. You will require an accident specialist attorney for your car accident claim of nerve damage. This will help you obtain money for medical bills including physical therapy and any past and future wages affected if the damage is permanent.
