Whiplash and Other Car Accidents Injuries
Of all the different types of car accident injuries, whiplash is one of the most common. It is caused from an abrupt trauma to a person’s head that jolts it suddenly. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can all suffer damage, but the symptoms may not appear right away.
For most victims, the signs of whiplash become prevalent a day or so after the accident. Aside from the obvious neck pain, there can also be back, shoulder or arm pain, headaches and dizziness, muscle spasms, stiffness and restricted movement, nausea, and lethargy.
After the Car Accident
Anyone that has experienced a motor vehicle crash should be medically evaluated as soon as possible. This is especially true for rear-end collisions, which are notorious for causing whiplash. Even if the person feels okay, symptoms may not present themselves until sometime has passed. It is better to get checked out, even if it seems like a waste of time. Not doing so is taking an unnecessary risk; it is much better than waiting too long, which can affect the ability to file a claim. It is also essential to get the contact information for anyone else involved in the accident, as well as any potential witnesses at the scene.
Whiplash Claims
Even if there are no immediate or only minor symptoms, whiplash can turn into a nightmare both physically and financially if not treated immediately. Without a medical evaluation, an attempt to pursue a whiplash injury claim will most likely be unsuccessful. Those that can initiate claims may be able to avoid going to court in most cases. Passengers can also make claims for whiplash injuries, if they did not directly cause the accident.
Other Injuries
Many car accident victims experience chest injuries, like collapsed lungs and cracked ribs. If the person already has heart problems, they can go into cardiac arrest. Chest injuries can also lead to internal bleeding and damaged internal organs. High-speed crashes can also cause serious head injuries, especially when someone’s head hits against a window, steering wheel, or dashboard. Concussions, comas, and other traumatic brain injuries can be devastating. If the spinal cord is injured, it can lead to serious nerve damage, and possible paralysis. Herniated disks are less serious, but could produce numbness, muscle weakness, and significant pain.
In addition to whiplash and other major injuries, accident victims can end up with broken bones, wounds, torn ligaments, hearing loss, and resulting emotional distress, like post-traumatic stress disorder. Seeking immediate medical attention and professional legal guidance are the main courses of action for the injured and their families.
New Brunswick Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Represent Those Injured in Car Accidents
If you or someone you care for has suffered from whiplash or any other type of car accident injury, contact the New Brunswick car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr. We will put our years of experience to work for your case. Call us at 732-537-8570 or complete an online form. We service clients at our Highland Park, New Jersey office, including those from the areas of New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
