What Causes Pain After a Car Accident in New Jersey?

Car accidents in New Jersey can leave lasting effects, not just on your vehicle, but on your body too.

Understanding the causes and symptoms of post-accident pain is essential for effective treatment and recovery.

Some people feel pain right away, and others feel it later. This happens because, during an accident, your body is shocked, and you might not feel pain until later.

Headaches, back pain, or neck stiffness could be signs of injuries like whiplash or a concussion.

It’s really important to look out for these pains and see a doctor if they happen.

This can help get better and also be important to talk to insurance companies or lawyers about the accident.

How Long After Car Accidents Do You Feel Pain?

After a car accident, the timing of when you might feel pain can vary greatly. Here’s what you need to know:

Immediate Pain: Some people feel pain right away, especially if there’s a clear injury like a cut or broken bone.

Delayed Pain: Often, pain or discomfort starts hours or days after the accident. This is common in cases like whiplash, where symptoms might not be immediate.

Adrenaline Effect: Right after an accident, adrenaline can mask pain. You might feel okay initially but notice pain once the adrenaline wears off.

Common Delayed Symptoms:

• Headaches: Can appear several days later.
• Back Pain: Especially in accidents on busy roads like the New Jersey Turnpike, where sudden stops can cause injury.
• Neck Stiffness: From whiplash, common in rear-end collisions.

Statistics: According to a study, many car accident victims report experiencing the most significant pain symptoms 24 to 72 hours after the accident.

Legal Perspective: In New Jersey, understanding the timing of pain can be important for legal claims.

Under N.J. Stat. § 39:6A-8(a), the severity and timing of injuries can impact personal injury protection claims.

5 Warning Signs After Car Accidents

According to Forbes, over 5 million car accidents occur each year, illustrating the high likelihood of being involved in an accident regardless of safe driving practices​

After a car accident, it’s crucial to be aware of warning signs that may indicate serious injuries.

Here are five key warning signs to look out for:

1. Headaches: Can signal a concussion or brain injury, especially common in collisions on highways like I-95 in New Jersey.
2. Neck or Shoulder Pain: Often a sign of whiplash, particularly in rear-end collisions.
3. Back Pain: This could indicate spinal injuries, muscle damage, or herniated discs, often seen in accidents on busy roads like the Garden State Parkway.
4. Numbness or Tingling: This might suggest nerve damage, particularly in high-impact collisions.
5. Abdominal Pain or Swelling: This can be a serious sign of internal injuries, requiring immediate medical attention.

According to statistics, whiplash injuries, often indicated by neck pain, occur in over 120,000 car accidents each year in the United States.

It’s important to note that symptoms like these can appear immediately or may be delayed.

Common Symptoms After Car Accidents in NJ

After a car accident in New Jersey, whether it’s on the bustling New Jersey Turnpike or a quiet street in Hoboken, common symptoms can range from physical to emotional. Here are some typical ones:

• Headaches: Can appear immediately or days later. Often related to muscle tension or injury to the head or neck.
• Neck and Back Pain: A classic sign of whiplash, especially in rear-end collisions.
• Numbness: Tingling or loss of feeling, possibly due to nerve damage.
• Dizziness or Vertigo: Feeling unsteady or lightheaded can be a sign of a concussion or inner ear issue.
• Emotional Symptoms: Including stress, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that whiplash and back injuries are among the most reported injuries in vehicle accidents.

While these symptoms are common, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare professional.

Types of Pain Resulting from Auto Accidents in NJ

In New Jersey, car accidents can cause various types of pain, impacting victims differently. Here are some common types:

1. Whiplash: This neck injury is common in rear-end collisions, like those on the busy NJ-18. It causes neck pain and stiffness.
2. Back Pain: From mild strains to severe spinal injuries, back pain is frequent in accidents, especially on highways like I-95.
3. Headaches: Post-accident headaches can range from mild to severe and could indicate a concussion.
4. Chest Pain: Often due to seat belt impact during the collision, experienced in crashes on roads like Route 1.
5. Abdominal Pain: This can be a sign of internal injuries and requires immediate medical attention.

What to Expect Mentally After Car Accidents?

After a car accident, it’s not just physical injuries you need to worry about.

Your mental health can also be affected. Here’s what to expect mentally after a car accident in New Jersey:

1. Shock and Denial: Right after the accident, you might feel numb or in disbelief, especially in severe accidents on roads like the NJ Turnpike.
2. Anxiety and Fear: You may feel anxious, especially about driving or crossing busy intersections like those in downtown Newark.
3. Guilt or Self-Blame: It’s common to question if you could have done something differently to avoid the accident.
4. Anger or Irritability: You might feel angry, either at the situation or at other drivers.
5. Sadness or Depression: Feeling sad or hopeless, especially if injuries affect your daily life, is common.

According to the American Psychological Association, it’s normal to experience a range of emotional responses after a traumatic event like a car accident.

While these feelings usually ease over time, if they persist or worsen, it may be beneficial to seek professional help.

In New Jersey, mental health services are available across various locations, from hospitals in Jersey City to clinics in Trenton.

How do Insurance Companies Help in Personal Injury Cases?

Insurance companies play a crucial role in personal injury cases, especially after car accidents in New Jersey. Here’s how they help:

1. Covering Medical Expenses: After an accident on roads like Route 206, insurance can help pay for medical treatments.
2. Compensation for Lost Wages: If you can’t work because of your injuries, insurance may cover lost income.
3. Property Damage: Insurance typically covers repairs to your vehicle or compensation for its value.
4. Negotiating Settlements: Insurance companies often negotiate settlements to avoid lengthy court cases.
5. Providing Legal Defense: If you’re sued, your insurer might provide a lawyer.

According to the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, all drivers must have insurance, which is vital in covering losses in accidents.

Contact with Experienced Car Accidents Attorney in NJ

If you’ve been in a car accident in New Jersey, talking to an experienced car accident attorney can be a big help. Here’s why:

1. Understanding Your Rights: An attorney can explain your legal rights, something crucial especially on busy roads like the Garden State Parkway.
2. Dealing with Insurance: They know how to deal with insurance companies to make sure you get fair treatment.
3. Gathering Evidence: Lawyers can help collect evidence like police reports or witness statements.
4. Calculating Damages: They can figure out how much money you should get for things like medical bills, lost wages, or car repairs.
5. Representing You in Court: If your case goes to court, an attorney will be there to represent you.

It’s important to choose a lawyer who knows New Jersey’s traffic laws and has experience with car accident cases.

If you’ve been in a car accident in New Jersey, talking to an experienced car accident attorney, like those at Rosengard Law Group, can be a big help.

They can explain your legal rights, help you deal with insurance companies, gather evidence, calculate damages, and represent you in court if needed.

They can guide you through the whole process, from filing a claim to negotiating a settlement or going to court.

Remember, a good attorney can make a big difference in your case.

FAQs

How to Avoid Motorcycle Injuries in NJ?

To avoid motorcycle injuries in New Jersey, always wear protective gear like helmets and sturdy clothing, and follow all traffic laws and safety guidelines while riding.

How to Deal with Backbone Pain After Car Accidents?

To deal with backbone pain after car accidents, it’s crucial to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and consider physical therapy or prescribed treatments for recovery.

Conclusion

Pain after a car accident in New Jersey can happen right away or be delayed due to adrenaline.

Common pains include headaches, back and neck pain, or even emotional distress like anxiety or depression.

Insurance plays a key role in covering medical expenses and lost wages. If you’re dealing with such issues, it’s smart to talk to a car accident attorney.

They can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance, and get the compensation you deserve.

Remember, wearing protective gear and following traffic laws can help prevent injuries, especially on motorcycles.