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Auto Accidents and TMJ

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at 844SeeMike.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

Your temporomandibular joint is a sort of hinge which connects the jaw to the skull’s temporal bones in front of each ear; it allows you to talk, yawn, and move the jaw up and down and side to side. When this joint becomes inflamed or swollen, often causing pain and restricted motion, it may be a sign of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). If you are experiencing pain in the jaws or mouth after a car accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible to properly diagnose and manage these symptoms.

The Journal of the American Dental Association has estimated that anywhere from 44% to 99% of TMJ-related problems are caused by physical trauma, and auto accidents make up a substantial portion of these cases. A common culprit is whiplash trauma, especially in rear-end collisions, and the Journal also estimates that about one-third of whiplash trauma victims are at risk for delayed TMJ symptoms.

It is important to understand the potential connections between whiplash and TMJ, as pain in the jaws and/or mouth can persist for months or even a year or longer if either disorder goes partially or entirely undetected. In all cases, it is essential to seek medical evaluation immediately after an accident not only for your health and well-being, but also for a viable personal injury claim.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.

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