Soft tissue injuries are one of the most common injuries to happen in a car accident. Soft tissue injuries include sprains, bruises, strains, and whiplash, often resulting in lasting pain and demands for quick medical treatment. In addition to this, car injuries are a traumatic event, which is the last thing anyone wants, and can potentially affect the victim’s mental well-being. However, in such situations, the victim can get legal help, file a lawsuit against the responsible party, and most likely attain adequate compensation from the insurance company.
That is where a car accident lawyer comes in. These lawyers can assist you in understanding the necessary steps to file your lawsuit in court while keeping your best interest in mind. Continue reading this blog to learn more about soft tissue injuries commonly associated with car accidents. Here, we will also shed light on their potential causes, common types, and the necessary steps to take when suffering from such injuries.
What are Soft Tissue Injuries?
Most of the human body consists of soft tissue, encompassing the skin, blood vessels, fat, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. It’s important to note that soft tissues do not include bones, often considered hard tissues.
Soft tissues keep our body mobile and agile and safeguard our bones and joints. The immediate and forceful trauma experienced in a car accident is one of the prime causes of soft tissue injuries, often referred to as acute trauma. Soft tissue injuries can contribute to muscle spasms or weakness, cramping in the muscle, swelling, and problems moving your muscles. These are the most common soft tissue injuries:
- Ankle Sprain
- Back Strain
- Calf Strain
- Golfer’s/Tennis Elbow
- Hamstring Strain
Causes of Soft Tissue Injuries in Car Accidents
The force of vehicle accidents is much stronger than we realize. Soft tissue injuries in car accidents usually result from abrupt forces exerted during the collision. These forces can cause the body to jerk or twist in unnatural ways, leading to strains, sprains, and tears in the soft tissues. The following are some of the common causes of soft tissue injuries in car accidents:
- Velocity and impact strength:
Driving a vehicle at a higher speed can lead to severe injuries. - Direction of impact:
Rear-end collisions, for instance, often lead to whiplash, a common soft tissue injury.
Common Types of Soft Tissue Injuries
As mentioned, various structures in the body are made up of soft tissues, so the likelihood of getting injured in many places is high. Here are some of the most common soft tissue injuries that you must know about:
- Sprains and strains
Sprains and strains are the most common kinds of car accident injuries. Sprains are generally caused by the stretching or tearing of a ligament. The ligaments are soft tissue responsible for connecting two bones at a joint. The impact force can violently move your body forward, backward, or side to side. This movement may cause sprains and strains, as it can stretch your soft tissues beyond their normal range, leading to injury. The affected person might experience bruising near the affected joint, leading to muscle spasms at the injury site. - Whiplash
Whiplash, identified as a neck strain, is yet another common form of car accident injury. Whiplash is often associated with hyperextension injury that happens when the head rushes forward and slams backward during a collision. Whiplash injury can be hazardous as it can harm the neck’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Stiffness, intense neck pain, stomach pain, and intense headaches are some of the symptoms of whiplash.
What Steps to Take After Soft Tissue Injuries?
Soft tissue injuries—like sprains, strains, and contusions—might seem minor at first, but they can lead to severe pain, mobility issues, and long-term complications if not treated properly. If you’ve suffered such an injury, it’s crucial to take the right steps to ensure proper recovery and protect your legal rights.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
Don’t wait to see a doctor, even if your pain seems manageable at first. Soft tissue injuries often worsen over time, and symptoms like swelling, stiffness, and discomfort can indicate more serious damage. A medical evaluation ensures you get the right treatment and creates a record of your injuries, which is essential for any legal claims.
2. Document Your Injuries & Medical Treatment
Thorough documentation is key to supporting your case. Take clear photos of visible injuries, bruising, and swelling. Keep copies of medical records, prescriptions, and treatment plans. Also, maintain a record of all expenses related to your injury, including hospital visits, therapy sessions, and medications. This information will be crucial if you decide to seek compensation.
3. Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan
Ignoring medical advice or skipping follow-up treatments can worsen your condition and weaken your claim. Follow your doctor’s recommendations, attend physical therapy sessions if required, and take prescribed medications. This demonstrates that you are taking your recovery seriously.
4. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Advice
Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts by downplaying injuries. Be cautious about making statements or signing any documents without consulting a lawyer. Anything you say could be used against you to reduce or deny your claim.
5. Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
If your injury resulted from a car accident, seeking legal advice is essential. A car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help you gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
6. Keep Track of Your Symptoms & Recovery Progress
Maintain a daily journal detailing your pain levels, mobility challenges, and how the injury affects your daily life. This personal record can strengthen your case by providing firsthand insight into the impact of your injuries.
7. Be Mindful of Social Media
Avoid discussing your injury or posting photos on social media. Insurance companies and opposing lawyers may use your posts to argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed.
Conclusion
Soft tissue injuries are painful and traumatic events that influence our physical and mental well-being. However, with the help of prompt medical attention and prolonged rest, you can achieve full recovery. Having a partner like MacIsaac Gow LLP by your side can help you with the complex legal process and also help you fight for the maximum compensation you truly deserve. Contact MacIsaac Gow LLP today to schedule a consultation with our car accident lawyers and gain insights into how we can assist your car accident claim.
Key to Your Legal Success