Even if people have never been involved in a major accident or suffered from carpal tunnel, they tend to have images of the most stereotypical variety. People in bad accidents wear casts, carpal tunnel sufferers wear braces. And it is quite dissonant to see someone whose real injury doesn’t match your expectations.
Surprising as it may be, the damage from an accident may often manifest in less dramatic injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Minor as these injuries may seem on the surface, they can still have a life-changing effect on those who suffer from them.
When an injury is slow to make itself known, accident victims often won’t connect it with their accident. And even when they do, it is very hard to receive justice in such cases. That’s why it’s helpful to have Thistle Law on your side. We have a team that is well-versed on the ins and outs of personal injury cases, with a unique history and winning track record.

Source: Wikipedia, shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
CTS is a repetitive stress injury that mostly affects people who make the same hand motions over and over, like office workers, craftspeople, and construction workers. And it impacts over 8 million people in the U.S. each year.
It results from compression of the median nerve, which is one of the chief nerves leading to the hand. It’s often felt in a space in the wrist known as the carpal tunnel. This is where the median nerve and several tendons pass from your forearm to your hand.
Typically, the symptoms of CTS appear gradually. Sufferers may not seek treatment until several months after they’ve begun to experience symptoms.
These symptoms include:
- Numbness in the hand
- Aching to severe pain in the hand, forearm, and wrist
- Tingling
- Numbness or pain when flexing the wrist
- Finger stiffness, especially in the morning
- Aching sensation in the forearm
- Weakness in the hands
- Inability to grasp objects
How Can Carpal Tunnel Be Caused by an Accident?
Accidents can cause CTS in a number of ways.
First, the injury can be caused by direct trauma. The nerves may be directly affected by the trauma or the scar tissue that will develop as it heals. If this scar tissue compresses the median nerve and other tendons in the carpal tunnel, it can result in the classic CTS symptoms.
But CTS also develops in different ways. One way that often goes unnoticed — especially with accidents that haven’t seemingly done much damage — is through gripping the steering wheel too tightly in a rear-end collision. This can lead to acute hyperflexion or hyperextension of the wrist, which in turn can lead to median nerve compression.
CTS can also manifest in the aftermath of a severe fracture. According to one study, broken wrists and hand fractures are often responsible for CTS. Regardless of initial symptoms, experts warn that CTS is highly correlated with “high-energy fractures and dislocations” like those which routinely happen in car and truck crashes.
The Challenges Faced by Carpal Tunnel Accident Claims
Since CTS is a soft tissue injury, it is difficult to prove. And insurance companies give soft injury claims a good amount of scrutiny.
They may say you are exaggerating the symptoms, or that you are not returning to work when you could. Or they may instead blame your injury on work-related repetitive stress and not the incident.
Proving cases that are not cut-and-dried is one of the things Thistle Law can assist you with.

3D medical animation of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Source: Wikipedia, shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Car or Truck Accidents: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome and car or truck accidents.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway made up of bones and ligaments. When the median nerve is compressed, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can vary from mild to severe.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers
- Burning or itching in the hand and fingers
- Weakness in the hand and fingers
- Difficulty grasping objects
- Difficulty making fine motor movements
How can a car accident cause carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel from a car accident occurs in several different ways. One way is through direct trauma to the wrist. This can happen if the wrist is forcefully struck or bent. For example, if you grip the steering wheel too tightly during a rear-end collision, you could injure your wrist and develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
Another way that you can get carpal tunnel from a car accident is through the development of scar tissue. Scar tissue can compress the median nerve and lead to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. This is more likely to happen if you have a fracture or dislocation of the wrist.
Can a car accident cause carpal tunnel syndrome in a passenger?
Passengers involved in car accidents can also be at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. The impact of the accident, even if not directly related to driving, can cause wrist injuries or contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Promptly seeking medical attention is important for passengers as well.
Can airbag deployment in a car accident cause or worsen carpal tunnel syndrome?
The forceful deployment of airbags during a car accident can contribute to wrist injuries, potentially leading to carpal tunnel syndrome from a car accident. It’s crucial to seek medical attention after an accident, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent, as delayed onset is possible.
How do I know if I have carpal tunnel syndrome from a car accident?
If you have been in a car or truck accident and are experiencing any of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis. Your doctor will likely ask about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. They may also order tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as an X-ray or nerve conduction study.
What treatment options are available for carpal tunnel syndrome?
There are several treatment options available for CTS, including:
- Splints or braces
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
The best treatment option for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your individual circumstances.
Is it possible for pre-existing wrist conditions to be aggravated by a car accident?
Individuals with pre-existing wrist conditions, such as arthritis or previous injuries, may find their symptoms worsened by the impact of a car accident. The trauma sustained during the accident can exacerbate existing conditions, leading to increased discomfort and potential development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Are there preventive measures to reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome in car accidents?
Taking steps to ensure proper ergonomics while driving, such as adjusting the steering wheel and seat position, taking breaks during long drives, and practicing hand exercises, can help reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. These preventive measures are especially important for individuals with a history of wrist injuries.
Can I file a personal injury claim if I have carpal tunnel syndrome from a car accident?
If you have carpal tunnel syndrome from a car accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How do I file a personal injury claim?
You should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to file a personal injury claim. Your attorney will help you gather evidence, file your claim, and negotiate a settlement with the insurance company.
Is it common for insurance companies to dispute claims regarding carpal tunnel from a car accident?
Insurance companies may sometimes dispute carpal tunnel syndrome claims, arguing that the condition is not directly related to the accident or that it existed before the incident. Gathering thorough medical documentation, expert opinions, and legal representation is crucial to support your claim and navigate potential disputes with the insurance company.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim?
The statute of limitations is the time you have to file a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations varies from state to state, so it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to discuss your options.
How Our Expertise Serves Your Carpal Tunnel Claim
At The Thistle Law Firm, we practice personal injury litigation and have represented plaintiffs for many types of claims that have resulted in bodily harm, financial loss, and death. We have a compassionate understanding for the injured and their families, who have to deal with the physical and emotional pain in the aftermath of an accident, as well as the medical care that may be involved.
We are sensitive to our clients’ needs and we will work exhaustively to conduct investigations, call in experts, and provide the strongest case and recoveries possible.
Through our combination of integrity, dedication, sophisticated personal injury investigation techniques, and vast knowledge of state and federal laws, our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers have repeatedly obtained high financial awards, winning verdicts, and settlements for clients who have suffered from personal injuries.
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