While soft tissue injuries may appear minor because you only feel sore or have slight swelling, they should never be dismissed.
Soft tissue injuries are common car accident injuries. They include any damage to the body’s soft tissues or connective tissues. While they may appear minor because you only feel sore or have slight swelling, soft tissue injuries should never just be dismissed. Injuries like whiplash can cause lasting pain and chronic issues, especially when a person doesn’t get prompt medical treatment.
When a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence renders physical pain and financial suffering, it’s vital to get legal help. For more than 45 years, our New York car accident attorneys have helped hundreds of injury victims obtain total compensation.
Soft tissue injuries are common in car accidents. They can range from minor bruises to severe injuries like sprains, strains, and contusions. Soft tissue injuries occur when there is damage to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that support and connect the bones in our body. Here are some types of soft tissue injuries that happen due to car accidents, their symptoms, treatment, and legal aspects.
Types of Soft Tissue Injuries
Various types of soft tissue injuries occur in a car accident, including:
- Strains – This type of injury occurs when the muscle or tendon is stretched beyond its capacity, causing tears in the tissue. Common areas for strains in a car accident include the neck, back, and legs.
- Sprains – A sprain occurs when the ligament connecting the bones is stretched or torn. This can happen in a car accident when sudden movements cause the ligaments to twist or bend abnormally.
- Contusions – Contusions, or bruises, occur when the body’s soft tissue is struck or compressed, resulting in bleeding beneath the skin.
- Whiplash – The forceful impact jerks your neck rapidly back and forth, causing a strain. This can result in stiffness, swelling, and pain around your neck. The symptoms of a whiplash injury may not be immediately apparent after an accident due to shock. They can also vary, depending on the extent of the accident.
Symptoms of Soft Tissue Injuries
Symptoms of soft tissue injuries can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness in the affected area
- Swelling and inflammation
- Stiffness and limited range of motion
- Bruising or discoloration
- Muscle spasms
It’s vital to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured. Some soft tissue injuries cause delayed pain symptoms that may not emerge at the accident scene. Waiting until the onset of pain means you’ve overextended your already damaged soft tissues, which could aggravate the initial injury.
Free Legal Consultation
If you’ve been in a car accident and suffered soft tissue injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. It’s essential to contact a car accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
Free Consultation with a New York Car Accident Lawyer
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