Thousands of motor vehicle accidents occur each year in New Jersey. As much as there are plenty of measures you can take to avoid being a victim, sometimes you can’t avoid especially if the other driver is negligent or reckless. Therefore, it’s important to understand the type of injuries most drivers and their passengers suffer to help you prepare in case of an accident.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when your head is suddenly and forcefully jerked forward or backward beyond its normal range of motion. The resultant impact causes your neck muscles and ligaments to stretch or tear. Whiplash can be extremely painful and may require weeks or months of medical treatment to heal properly. In some cases, you may suffer from long-term pain or disability.
Fractured bones
Motor vehicle accidents often result in broken bones, particularly in the arms and legs. Your car can be crushed in a collision, which can cause your bones to snap. In other cases, you may be thrown from your car or hit by flying debris, resulting in a broken bone.
Internal injuries
Internal injuries can include damage to your organs, such as your heart, lungs or liver or bleeding in your abdominal cavity. The human body is meticulously structured to function properly and keep you alive; therefore, these types of injuries can be life-threatening, especially if you take a long time to address them.
Traumatic brain injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur when your head hits an object or is violently shaken. This type of injury can cause long-term damage, including memory problems, mood swings and difficulty concentrating. In severe cases, a TBI can result in a coma or death.
If you or a loved one has had an accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, such as whiplash and damage to internal organs, may not be immediately apparent. Once you’ve sought medical attention, you can go about seeking compensation for your damages through your insurance company and the court, that is, if the other driver caused the accident. You may get recompense for your medical bills, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation and pain and suffering.
