Some injuries are obvious right away—a broken bone, a deep cut, a burn. But nerve damage is different. It can be subtle at first. Maybe you feel tingling in your arm, or your leg goes numb. Oftentimes, it becomes a pain that just does not go away.
If you are experiencing nerve damage after a car accident, you may be dealing with more than just soreness. And if another driver’s negligence caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your injury, even if it is not visible.
If you are living with this kind of injury, you may be wondering about your options and what the average payout for nerve damage car accident cases might look like. The truth is, no two cases are the same. The value of your claim depends on many factors, including how the injury affects your life and whether another driver was at fault.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we represent New York clients coping with serious injuries after motor vehicle accidents. That includes people living with nerve damage, chronic pain, and limited mobility. If you are unsure what comes next, you are not alone. We are here to help.
What Is Nerve Damage?
The nervous system controls movement, sensation, and coordination in the body. It is also susceptible to trauma. When a car crash forces the body to twist, compress, or absorb blunt force, nerves can be pinched, stretched, bruised, or severed.
Some of the most common types of nerve injuries in car accidents include:
- Pinched nerves in the neck or back;
- Sciatic nerve compression, causing radiating leg pain;
- Brachial plexus injuries, affecting the arms and shoulders;
- Peripheral neuropathy, causing tingling, burning, or numbness in hands or feet; and
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or total paralysis.
In many cases, it will not be immediately apparent that a nerve has been damaged. The symptoms can develop gradually and mimic other conditions, which is why it is crucial to know what to look for.
Recognizing the Signs After a Car Accident
Not all nerve injuries are immediately apparent. Some take hours or days to reveal themselves. Others may be misdiagnosed as muscle strains or joint problems. If you notice any of the following signs of nerve damage after a car accident, speak with a medical professional as soon as possible:
- Persistent numbness or tingling in arms, hands, legs, or feet;
- Sharp or burning pain that does not improve;
- Muscle weakness or difficulty lifting objects;
- Loss of coordination or balance;
- A feeling of “pins and needles” that lingers; or
- Hypersensitivity to touch or temperature.
Some people also report sciatic nerve pain after a car accident, which often begins in the lower back and shoots down the leg. This type of pain can make walking, sitting, or even standing a challenge.
How Nerve Injuries Affect Daily Life
Nerve damage does not just cause discomfort; it can change how you live. You may find yourself unable to work, especially if your job involves physical activity. You may struggle with basic tasks like typing, driving, or climbing stairs. And the emotional toll of constant pain or limited mobility can be just as difficult.
For some, the condition improves with time and treatment. For others, the pain is permanent. This makes early diagnosis and proper documentation critical—not only for your health, but for any legal claim you may pursue.
Can I Seek Compensation?
Yes. If another person’s negligence caused your injury, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. That applies whether your injury stems from a car crash, truck collision, or other type of roadway incident.
In New York, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance will typically cover medical bills and a portion of lost wages, no matter who was at fault. But if your injury meets the state’s serious injury threshold, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
That is where nerve damage car accident compensation becomes possible. A successful claim may cover:
- Hospital and doctor visits,
- Diagnostic tests like MRIs or EMGs,
- Physical therapy and pain management,
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability,
- Long-term care or rehabilitation,
- Pain and suffering, and
- Loss of quality of life.
If you are dealing with a nerve injury, working with an attorney who understands the medical and legal complexities involved is essential.
There Is No “Average” Payout for Nerve Damage
You may have searched for the average payout for a nerve damage car accident claim. It is a common and understandable question. However, the truth is that there is no reliable average. Every case is different. The value of your case depends on your specific injuries, the impact on your life, and the evidence available.
A few factors that influence compensation include:
- The type and severity of the nerve damage,
- Whether the injury is temporary or permanent,
- The cost of your medical treatment and recovery,
- How the nerve injury affects your ability to work,
- Whether liability is disputed, and
- The amount of insurance coverage available.
Any website or article that promises a typical payout amount is not giving you the whole picture. The best way to understand what your case may be worth is to speak with a qualified attorney who can evaluate your circumstances.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Insurance companies often push back on nerve damage claims. They may argue that your symptoms are exaggerated, unrelated to the crash, or preexisting. They may offer a low settlement in the hope that you will accept it before knowing the true extent of your injuries.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we do things differently. We work with your medical team and gather documentation. We speak with experts. And we build your case with the full weight of your injury in mind because we know that nerve damage is real and should be taken seriously.
Contact Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers Today
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we have helped New Yorkers recover compensation after serious injuries since 1959. If you are experiencing nerve damage after a car accident, we know how overwhelming the pain, paperwork, and uncertainty can feel.
Let us review your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. There is no pressure or obligation. Just honest guidance from a team that understands what you are going through.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation. We are ready to help you take the next step.
