Car accidents often cause injuries that are immediately obvious, like cuts or broken bones. That said, some injuries are less visible and can still significantly impact your health and daily life. Soft tissue injuries, which include damage to your muscles, ligaments and tendons, frequently stem from motor vehicle accidents.
Even though they are sometimes dismissed as “minor,” soft tissue injuries can cause long-lasting pain, stiffness, and a host of other medical challenges. In some cases, they can prevent you from working, exercising, or enjoying normal activities. That’s why it’s important to protect your health and your legal rights after an accident.
What Is a Soft Tissue Injury?
A soft tissue injury is damage to the body’s muscles, ligaments or tendons. Unlike broken bones, these injuries do not always show obvious signs right away, but they can be extremely painful and disruptive. They are commonly caused by the sudden jolt of a collision, twisting of the body, or direct blunt force.
One reason soft tissue injuries are so challenging is that they are often invisible to standard imaging tests, including X-rays. While this can make diagnosis more complicated, it does not make the injury any less serious.
Common Types of Soft Tissue Injuries After a Car Accident
Not all soft tissue injuries are the same. Some common examples that can stem from a vehicle collision include the following:
Sprains and Strains
Sprains happen when ligaments are stretched or torn. Strains involve similar damage to muscles or tendons. In car accidents, sudden twisting or overextension of the body often leads to these painful injuries.
Whiplash
One of the most widely known soft tissue injuries, whiplash, occurs when the neck is forced back and forth rapidly. This injury is most commonly associated with rear-end collisions, and it can cause severe neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and stiffness. While some cases resolve within weeks, others can result in chronic pain and long-term complications.
Contusions
A contusion is another name for a bruise. These injuries are caused by blood vessels breaking under the skin due to a sudden impact. While bruises might seem minor, deep contusions in muscles can cause significant pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
Soft tissue injuries are not always obvious right away. Although they can frequently lead to bruising, some of the most painful soft tissue injuries will not leave any physical signs of trauma. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness in the affected area
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Muscle spasms
One of the most notable things about soft tissue injuries is that they often result in delayed symptoms. You might feel fine for the hours or days following an accident, only to find yourself suddenly wracked with pain. Because symptoms can worsen over time, it is important not to ignore discomfort or assume it will resolve on its own.
Treatment Options
Most soft tissue injuries are treated with a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation — often referred to as the RICE method. Doctors may prescribe medications to reduce pain and inflammation, or muscle relaxants to ease stiffness.
For more serious injuries, physical therapy plays a key role in restoring mobility and strength. Therapy may last weeks or months, depending on the severity of the injury. In extreme cases, you might need to undergo surgery to deal with your injuries.
Legal Options After a Soft Tissue Injury
If your injury was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. A successful personal injury claim can lead you to recover a host of losses, including:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Diminished future earning power
- Pain and suffering
Because soft tissue injuries are harder to see on medical tests, insurers sometimes minimize their impact. An experienced attorney can help ensure your injuries are taken seriously and that you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Suspected Soft Tissue Injury
If you suspect you have suffered a soft tissue injury, the steps you take immediately after the accident can make a big difference.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if your pain is mild.
- Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your care.
- Document your recovery process, including any limitations on work or daily activities.
- Finally, avoid settling quickly with insurance companies until the full extent of your injury is clear, as soft tissue injuries often take time to reveal their long-term effects.
Soft Tissue Injuries Can Impact Your Life for Years to Come
From lingering pain to difficulty returning to work, suffering a soft tissue injury can have a long-term effect on your life and livelihood. Thankfully, our Cleveland car accident lawyers are here to help you seek justice after a crash.
You have the right to seek out legal help to build your case for compensation. Contact Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy today for a private consultation today.
