I Have Numbness in My Hand or Arm After a Car Accident, Can I Seek Compensation?
Car accidents can cause a variety of injuries to the driver and passengers of the automobile. If you have been in a car accident in California and you are now experiencing numbness in your hands or arms, this could be an indication of a serious injury.
It is important that you seek immediate medical attention upon noticing any type of numbness. After you have received treatment, it may be in your best interest to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver that caused your injury. Whether you seek compensation from the insurance company or directly from the at-fault party is something an experienced lawyer can discuss with you.
Possible Injuries You Could Be Suffering
It is best to seek a diagnosis and treatment from a medical professional. However, you may be wondering what types of injuries your numbness could indicate. Often, numbness indicates some kind of impairment of your nerves. Although you may be experiencing numbness in your hands and arms, that does not necessarily indicate that the injury is located in those parts of the body.
Often, numbness could also point to some type of spinal cord injury. You may also be experiencing symptoms such as muscle spasms, paralysis in certain parts of the body, general pain, general muscle weakness, and sharp or burning pain in other parts of the body. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should let your medical practitioner know.
Seeking a diagnosis and treatment right away can ensure you are more likely to recover from your injury.
How to Seek Compensation
After you have received treatment, you can seek compensation by filing an insurance claim, or if necessary, initiating a personal injury lawsuit. Your practitioner may be able to tell you that your injury was a direct result of your car accident. It is important that you gather all of your relevant medical records to serve as evidence.
You should also realize that in California, you have two years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you discover your injury past this two-year statute of limitations, you may still be able to receive damages. California allows a “delayed discovery rule,” meaning you may be able to file past the personal injury statute of limitations if you can prove you could not have reasonably discovered within the legally allowed time period and that your injury was caused by the actions of another individual. When invoking the delayed discovery rule, you then have one year after the date of discovery to file your lawsuit.
Consider Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
When dealing with an injury that includes numbness, it is always beneficial to hire an attorney. This type of injury may be debilitating and could require a significant amount of recovery time. If you work with an attorney, they can gather evidence and build your case while you focus on healing from your injury. Additionally, an experienced attorney is knowledgeable about the criminal justice system and will ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible. Contact a Los Angeles car accident attorney today for a consultation on your personal injury lawsuit.