Whiplash Injuries: The Basics

I may have a whiplash

When a person is involved in a motor vehicle accident, one of the most commonly sustained injuries is whiplash. 

Even though whiplash injuries are most commonly associated with vehicle accidents, they can also occur in a variety of other accident scenarios, such as falls from a motorcycle or bicycle, when riding a rollercoaster or being shaken by another person.

A whiplash injury occurs when the individual is involved in a forceful frontal, back or side collision that causes their head and/or neck to jerk violently forward and then backwards, causing damage to the soft tissue in the neck and head.

Although whiplash injuries may become apparent to the victim soon after the accident, this is not always the case.  Often, the victim is not aware of the pain until a few days later. For this reason, it is important to see a doctor right away – even if you feel fine at the scene.  Never tell anyone you are fine or unhurt until after you’ve seen your doctor.

Whiplash injuries are not apparent on x-rays, CT scans, MRIs or other in-depth diagnostic testing performed.  Therefore, it could go unnoticed and untreated for a period of time by medical professionals, and ignored by insurance companies when a claim is pursued.

Once a person has an injury, his or her range of motion will be impaired and he or she will suffer from stiffness and soreness.

Some people will experience ongoing symptoms, such as headache, memory loss, fatigue, poor concentration and dizziness. 

While whiplash injuries can be minor, they can also be very serious.  In severe cases, a victim may have irreparable nerve damage which can lead to permanent immobility or paralysis.  Chronic conditions like this can be very costly.

If you’ve suffered whiplash due to an accident through no fault of your own, you deserve fair compensation.  Insurance companies don’t often take whiplash injuries seriously and may refuse to pay you any compensation without the help of an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney.  If it wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t be held responsible for the expenses the accident caused.

You need the right attorney fighting for full compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  Contact the personal injury attorneys for New Jersey.  Call the law offices of Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi for the help you need and the results you deserve.

For more information visit www.maggianolaw.com