A sudden jolt. A hard landing. A moment of silence before the pain sets in. If you've recently been in a motorcycle accident, the impact may have done more than bruise your skin or break a bone. You might be experiencing something far more insidious: nerve damage. Tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, or burning pain may be signs that your nervous system was injured in the crash.
Nerve injuries can quietly transform your daily life, limiting your ability to move, feel, or even sleep. But you don’t have to face this alone. Hupy and Abraham, S.C. has represented thousands of riders across Wisconsin. Our team of WI motorcycle accident attorneys understands not only the road but also the full extent of how nerve damage can derail your future.
How Does Nerve Damage Happen in a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle crashes expose riders to powerful forces with little protection beyond a helmet and riding gear. Unlike enclosed vehicles, motorcycles leave the body vulnerable in ways that make nerve injury more likely. Here’s how it happens:
- Direct trauma. A rider thrown from a bike may land hard on a limb or the spine, crushing or severing nerves on impact. If the brachial plexus (a network of nerves in the shoulder) is stretched or torn, arm function may be permanently compromised.
- Compression injuries. Being pinned under a motorcycle or crushed between vehicles can compress nerves. Even a helmeted rider may suffer facial or neck nerve damage if their head slams into pavement.
- Spinal cord injury. When a crash affects the spinal cord, it can disrupt communication between the brain and body. Depending on the level of the injury, this may lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Surgical or post-injury complications. Sometimes, nerve damage occurs during necessary surgical intervention or from swelling and scarring around the injury site.
These injuries don’t always appear immediately. Some riders feel “off” for days or weeks before realizing something deeper is wrong. That’s why medical follow-up and proper documentation are so critical.
What Are the Symptoms and Long-Term Effects of Nerve Damage?
Nerve damage affects different parts of the body in different ways. Some people experience surface-level symptoms like tingling or burning, while others face serious, life-altering complications.
Common symptoms include:
- Tingling, numbness, or "pins and needles" sensations
- Muscle weakness or paralysis in the arms or legs
- Chronic pain, often described as burning, stabbing, or shooting
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks, like buttoning a shirt or writing
- Involuntary muscle twitching or cramping
Long-term consequences may involve:
- Loss of mobility. Nerve injuries to the legs or spine may leave riders unable to walk without assistance or at all.
- Reduced sensation. Numbness in the hands or feet may make it harder to sense heat, cold, or pain, increasing the risk of secondary injuries.
- Loss of independence. Riders may need help with daily activities, rely on mobility aids, or make significant changes to their home or job.
- Mental health strain. Chronic nerve pain and reduced function can lead to depression, anxiety, and a loss of identity, especially for those deeply tied to an active or adventurous lifestyle.
The reality is that nerve damage often doesn't fully heal. In many cases, recovery plateaus, and a rider must adjust to a new normal.
Can I Recover Compensation for Permanent Nerve Injury?
Yes. If someone else’s negligence caused your nerve damage—a careless driver, defective road conditions, or a faulty motorcycle part—you have the right to pursue compensation. In Wisconsin, accident victims are entitled to seek damages for both economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Medical expenses. This includes ER bills, surgeries, physical therapy, assistive devices, and ongoing care.
- Lost income and earning capacity. If you cannot return to work or must switch to a lower-paying job, compensation can reflect that.
- Pain and suffering. Chronic pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life deserve recognition.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement. Nerve injuries that impair your mobility or alter your appearance may lead to additional compensation.
These cases can become complex, especially when proving the full extent of a nerve injury. That’s why having a legal team with experience in motorcycle litigation is essential.
Why Choose Hupy and Abraham, S.C. for a Nerve Injury Claim?
For over 50 years, Hupy and Abraham, S.C., has helped injured riders get the compensation they deserve. With over $2 billion recovered for more than 80,000 clients, our record speaks for itself. But our commitment goes beyond the courtroom.
- We ride too. Our attorneys live the motorcycle lifestyle. We know what it means to be part of this community and what’s at stake when a crash upends your life.
- We understand complex injuries. Our firm has handled thousands of motorcycle crash cases involving nerve, spinal, and traumatic brain injuries.
- We fight for every dollar. Insurance companies don’t always value the long-term costs of nerve damage, but we push them to do so.
- We give back. As part of our mission to “do well by doing good,” we’ve donated over $1 million to community organizations and rider safety initiatives.
Our clients know we’re with them from day one, offering not just legal skill but compassion, commitment, and real-world understanding.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Nerve Damage After a Motorcycle Crash?
If you’ve been in a crash and feel numbness, weakness, or pain that won’t go away, don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis is key. Follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you were seen at the ER, schedule a follow-up with a neurologist or orthopedic specialist.
- Document everything. Keep a daily journal of symptoms, medical visits, and how your injury affects your life. Save all records and bills.
- Avoid talking to the insurance company alone. Adjusters may try to downplay your injuries or get you to settle before the full impact is known.
- Get an evaluation from a motorcycle injury lawyer. The sooner you know your legal rights, the better positioned you are to protect them.
Permanent nerve injuries change lives, but they don’t have to ruin yours. With the right legal support, you can seek the financial resources you need to heal, adjust, and move forward with confidence.
