Auto accidents can result in different kinds of physical injuries ranging from moderate to severe.
One of the most common auto accident injuries occurs when a car is rear-ended and the victim’s head is suddenly thrown backward then forward. This strong and unexpected force stretches the neck muscles and ligaments beyond their normal range, resulting in a painful condition known as whiplash.
What are some causes of whiplash?
Whiplash injuries can cause soft-tissue damage to the neck even at minimal speeds of 15 miles per hour.
Other ways of getting whiplash include:
- slip and fall accidents
- high-speed ride accidents at amusement parks
- sports activities like soccer, football, hockey, and bungee jumping
- physical attacks that lead to head trauma
- trucking accidents
- repetitive stress injuries acquired in the workplace
In New Jersey, a driver or passenger injured in a car collision through another person’s negligence or carelessness can sue for damages. Filing a lawsuit may be the right choice for you following a car accident that resulted in whiplash injuries.
Talk with one of our New Jersey personal injury lawyers by calling (732) 625-9494.
Whiplash Symptoms
If left untreated, whiplash can have unpleasant and prolonged effects, leading to challenges with basic day-to-day activities like working and moving around.
Apart from the physical pain and discomfort, whiplash injury can further add a heavy financial load on the victim with medical treatment expenses.
The following whiplash symptoms may appear within 24 hours after the accident:
- neck pain and stiffness
- headaches, mostly at the base of the skull
- light-headedness
- blurred vision
- fatigue
Some victims also exhibit:
- ringing in the ears
- difficulty in staying focused
- memory problems
- sleep disruptions
- irritability
While whiplash recovery usually takes days or a few weeks, some victims continue to experience recurring pain following the injury.
Damages for Whiplash Injuries
In a personal injury case such as whiplash, compensation is divided into compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages, which are covered in most personal injury cases, are designed to pay the victim for losses incurred as a result of the accident.
Compensatory damages could include:
- Property damage that pays for damage to the injured person’s car, clothing, or other personal property.
- Compensation for medical expenses including current treatment, rehabilitation, and any required medical treatment in the future.
- Compensation for loss of earnings while unable to work as a result of the accident, and reduced future earning capability if the injuries are long-lasting.
- Compensation for pain and suffering, physical and emotional, incurred from the accident.
- Compensation for the psychological consequences of the injury, such as emotional distress, loss of sleep, anxiety, and fear (usually awarded in extreme cases).
- Compensation for loss of enjoyment of life which includes recreation, exercise, hobbies, and regular daily activities.
- Wrongful death compensation awarded to the family or estate of someone killed due to a driver’s carelessness.
Contact a New Jersey Whiplash Injury Lawyer
A whiplash injury following a car accident can leave you physically or emotionally suffering, as well as financially burdened by medical treatment and lost income, particularly if you are not covered by insurance.
You need an experienced New Jersey whiplash injury lawyer to help you study the facts of your case, determine whether the other parties involved are liable for your injuries, and whether you may file a lawsuit against them to obtain rightful compensation.
Grossman Law Firm will represent you in court to get you compensation for time missed at work, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related with the accident.
Contact our office and we’ll help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Call us at (732) 625-9494 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
