Founding Partner
Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash, are among the most common types of injuries following a car accident. These injuries impact the ligaments, muscles, and tendons throughout the body. A victim may sustain minor bruising to severe physical impairments. In this blog, our Charlotte car accident attorneys discuss what you need to know about soft tissue injuries and car accidents.
Why Are Soft Tissue Injuries More Common After a Car Crash?
A soft tissue injury is damage to the body’s tendons, muscles, ligaments, and other non-bony tissues. Acute trauma can cause the soft tissues to be stretched or torn, such as being involved in a car accident. Common types of soft tissue injuries caused by car crashes include:
- Whiplash (neck injury)
- Strains (injury to a tendon or muscle)
- Sprains (injury to a ligament)
- Contusions (bruises)
- Herniated disc (damage to the intervertebral discs in the spinal column)
- Tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons)
- Concussion (damage to the soft brain tissue)
The sudden force of a collision can tear, compress, or stretch the soft tissues within the body beyond their normal range of motion. These forces occur through rapid deceleration, direct impact, compression of spinal structures, and unnatural twisting motions.
Common Symptoms That May Indicate a Soft Tissue Injury
The symptoms of soft tissue injuries depend on the type and severity of the injury. Common symptoms that could indicate you sustained a soft tissue injury after a car accident include:
- Pain and/or stiffness
- Pain worsens with movement
- Muscle spasms
- Swelling and inflammation
- Difficulty moving
- Limited or loss of range of motion
- Bruising and/or redness
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Memory problems
- Ringing in the ears
- Numbness and/or tingling
Some individuals may experience immediate symptoms because of soft tissue injuries. However, symptoms of soft tissue injury may be delayed. It is best to be checked by a medical professional after any car accident, but especially if you experience any symptoms.
Medical Treatment Options and Recovery Expectations
Doctors diagnose soft tissue injuries using imaging diagnostics, such as X-rays and MRIs, in addition to physical examinations. Treatment for soft tissue injuries includes pain management, chiropractic care, and physical therapy. Some individuals may require surgery, including situations involving complete tears of a tendon or ligament.
Many soft tissue injuries may heal with rest and time. A mild soft tissue injury may heal in a few weeks, whereas a moderate soft tissue injury could take several months to heal. Severe soft tissue injuries may require several months or longer to recover. Factors that impact recovery include the patient’s age, overall health, activity level, specific tissue injured, and the timeliness of medical treatment.
Legal Significance of Soft Tissue Insurances in North Carolina Car Accident Claims
North Carolina is an at-fault insurance state. If a person causes a car accident, they can be held responsible for the victim’s injuries, economic damages, and non-economic damages. However, the victim must prove the elements of a negligence claim to recover damages: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often downplay the severity of soft tissue injuries because of the lack of visible damage. They accuse victims of lying about or exaggerating the symptoms to file a claim.
If you are in a car accident in Charlotte, seek prompt medical attention. Monitor your symptoms in the days following the accident and keep detailed records. Maintain all documentation and follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan.
Do not allow an insurance adjuster to pressure you to settle your claim without legal counsel. An attorney understands the complexity of car accident cases involving soft tissue injuries. They can help you build a claim proving the extent of your injuries and damages.
How Bradford Law Helps Car Crash Victims with Soft Tissue Injuries
At Bradford Law, our legal team has extensive experience handling car accident cases. We provide tailored and personalized legal services based on the unique circumstances of the case. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Charlotte car accident attorney.
