Serious car accidents lead to a host of problems, with soft tissue injuries being among the most common. These injuries involve damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, with the different types varying in severity. Soft tissue injuries may not always be immediately visible, but they can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life.
What Is a Soft Tissue Injury?
A soft tissue injury occurs when the muscles, ligaments, or tendons are damaged due to sudden impact, strain, or trauma. In car accidents, the force of the collision can cause the body to jerk forward or sideways, leading to stretching, tearing, or bruising of the soft tissues. These injuries range from mild sprains to more severe tears or strains, and they often require medical treatment to fully heal. Soft tissue injuries can cause long-term discomfort if not properly treated, so it is important to seek medical attention if any signs of injury appear following a car accident.
Common Soft Tissue Injuries from Car Accidents
Several types of soft tissue injuries can occur from the impact of a car accident:
- Whiplash: This is one of the most frequent injuries in car accidents. It occurs when the head is forcefully jolted forward and then backward, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. Whiplash can result in pain, stiffness, headaches, and difficulty moving the neck.
- Sprains: A sprain is the stretching or tearing of a ligament, which connects bones to other bones. In a car accident, a sudden movement or impact can cause sprains in various parts of the body, including the ankle, knee, or wrist. Sprains often lead to swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected joint.
- Strains: A strain refers to the stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon, which connects muscles to bones. Strains can happen when a person is thrown or jolted suddenly during an accident. Common areas for strains include the back, legs, and shoulders. Symptoms of a strain can include pain, muscle spasms, and limited range of motion.
- Contusions (Bruises): Bruising occurs when small blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged, leading to bleeding and discoloration. In a car accident, the body can be forcefully impacted by the seatbelt or the car’s interior, causing bruises to develop on various parts of the body. Although bruises are typically not serious, they can be painful and may take several weeks to heal.
Can Soft Tissue Injuries Cause Long-Term Problems?
While many soft tissue injuries improve with proper treatment, some may lead to ongoing issues. For example, whiplash can result in chronic neck pain or headaches that persist for months or even years. Strains and sprains in the back or shoulders can also lead to recurring pain or stiffness if not fully healed. In some cases, individuals may experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or psychological effects related to their injuries, which can further complicate the recovery process. It is important to seek medical care and follow rehabilitation plans to minimize the risk of long-term problems.
How Can a Lawyer Help After a Car Accident?
If you suffered a soft tissue injury in a car accident, it may be beneficial to consult with a lawyer. They can explain your legal options and seek fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It is important to have proper documentation and medical records to support your case, and a lawyer can help guide you through the process.
Contact the West Chester Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks if You Have Soft Tissue Injuries from a Motor Vehicle Crash
The experienced West Chester car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. can assist you in pursuing compensation for injuries related to a car accident. To schedule an initial consultation and learn about your legal options, call our Media or West Chester, Pennsylvania office today at 610-565-3701 or submit our online form. We proudly serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.