Sarasota auto accident injuries can affect different parts of the body. Head, neck, and back injuries are some of the most common car-accident injuries – with whiplash being the most common injury following a rear-end accident.
Similar to whiplash injuries, temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) injury also occurs from rear-end accidents and affects the ligaments and causes joint pain; however, this type of injury affects jaw movement and the discs of the jaw, in addition to whiplash symptoms.
TMJ Symptoms
Both whiplash and TMJ symptoms can include dizziness, headaches, earaches, stiff neck, pressure behind the eyes, and ear pain. However, TMJ symptoms will also include a clicking or snapping of the jaw and the inability to open the jaw fully. When victims of Florida car crashes suffer from TMJ, they often have difficulty eating and chewing due to severe jaw pain. The jaw actually locks, making it difficult to even speak.
TMJ Injuries Affect Auto-Accident Victims at Different Times
Some car accidents cause direct trauma to victims’ jaws, causing instant pain and requiring surgery. But other victims may develop TMJ without direct trauma. In this situation, it often develops as a result of whiplash. When victims of auto accidents are diagnosed with whiplash, they may not develop jaw pain for months after the accident. According to a 2007 Swedish study that was published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, whiplash victims are five times more likely to develop delayed jaw pain.
This research indicates that there is a link between whiplash injuries and TMJ injuries. Although there is evidence supporting this theory, insurance companies often challenge TMJ injuries that resulted from auto accidents.
Insurance Companies Try to Dispute TMJ Claims
Although car accidents in Sarasota may result in a TMJ injury, even without a direct blow to the jaw, insurance adjusters frequently try to dispute TMJ accident injury claims in Florida. They state that the jaw condition can develop anytime and that it may not have resulted from the accident. The reality is that insurance companies are always looking to save money, even if it is at your expense.
Importance of a Skilled Sarasota Accident Attorney
If you have suffered from a TMJ injury following a crash that was not your fault, and the insurance company is giving you a hard time, not giving you a fair offer, or is denying your claim, you need to talk with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Do not let the insurance adjuster dispute your TMJ injury claim. Instead, call Mallard Perez and find out how our skilled Sarasota injury lawyers can help you. Simply call (888) 409-3805 and receive a free, no-obligation consultation today.
Also, get our complimentary book, The Florida Accident Handbook: What You Need to Know after a Florida Auto, Truck or Bike Accident, provided upon request.
