New Jersey is known for its substantial traffic congestion and the large number of automobile accidents that come with it. Because of the dangerous nature car accidents, the design of human anatomy and the construction of most cars, one of the most common types of injuries that can result from an accident is called whiplash.
Whiplash occurs when the head is violently jarred back and forth from a sudden impact. This puts tremendous pressure on the sensitive anatomical structures of the neck, causing any number of injuries to tendons, ligaments, bones and soft tissue. The ligaments that support the neck and allow full function can be torn and strained following a whiplash injury. Ligaments that run along the joints of the spine have been shown to be particularly vulnerable. In extreme cases of whiplash, the discs between the vertebrae may herniate or undergo even more damage.
Symptoms may be short-lived or linger for months or even years. In some cases, the trauma may manifest immediately, whereas in others, it may take days for the symptoms to appear. Headaches, nausea, pain in the base of the skull, dizziness, vertigo and other conditions have all been reported by whiplash sufferers.
Auto accidents can be traumatic experiences for those who are involved. When someone has suffered a serious injury in a car crash that was not entirely their fault, the law protects their right to gather compensation from those whose irresponsibility or illegal action contributed to the accident and their injury. The guidance of a lawyer can be beneficial to those who would like to make it clear to the court exactly how they have been harmed and what sort of financial redress they think would be appropriate.
Source: American Chiropractic Association, “Whiplash,” Accessed Jan. 14, 2015
