Peripheral Nerve Injuries After a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle crashes often lead to more than just broken bones or road rash. One serious and often overlooked outcome is peripheral nerve injury. If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash in San Diego and are now experiencing tingling, numbness, or weakness, you might be dealing with nerve damage — and that could affect your ability to work, drive, or even walk.

Let’s break down what peripheral nerve injuries you may have after a crash and common symptoms you may experience. 

What Are Peripheral Nerve Injuries?

Your peripheral nerves are the communication lines between your brain/spinal cord and the rest of your body — including your hands, arms, legs, and feet. A crash can stretch, crush, or even sever these nerves, especially in high-impact areas like the shoulders, arms, hips, or legs.

Common Signs and Symptoms After a Crash

Nerve damage isn’t always obvious at first. In fact, some symptoms may take days or weeks to appear. After a motorcycle crash, you should watch out for:

• Tingling or “pins and needles” feeling
• Numbness in arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Muscle weakness or loss of coordination
• Burning or shooting pain down the limbs
• Inability to move part of your body
• Drooping of the foot or hand (foot drop or wrist drop)

These are red flags that a nerve may be damaged — and it’s important to get evaluated by a medical professional right away.

Complications of Nerve Injuries

If left untreated or undiagnosed, peripheral nerve injuries can lead to long-term problems like:

• Permanent loss of sensation
• Muscle wasting (atrophy)
• Chronic nerve pain (neuropathy)
• Loss of mobility or function
• Need for surgery or nerve grafting

Some injuries may heal over time, but others may require months of physical therapy — and some may never fully recover. Early diagnosis and treatment are key.

How Long Does It Take to Heal?

Peripheral nerve injuries heal at different rates, depending on the severity. Minor injuries like a “stinger” or nerve compression may recover in a few weeks. More serious nerve damage may take several months — and full recovery isn’t guaranteed.

During that time, you might be unable to work or take part in your normal activities, which can take a financial and emotional toll.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

Motorcycle crashes involving nerve injuries often require ongoing medical care, and that means ongoing costs. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injury, especially if you don’t have visible wounds. That’s why it’s crucial to speak to a San Diego personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

A skilled attorney can help you:

• Prove the extent of your nerve damage
• Gather medical records and expert opinions
• Fight for full compensation for your treatment, rehab, lost wages, and future medical needs

A motorcycle crash can leave you with serious injuries like peripheral nerve damage. If you’ve been injured, contact Nahama Law for a free consultation — we’ll protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.