Soft Tissue Injuries After a Car Accident

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent. Among the most common injuries sustained in a crash are soft tissue injuries. While they might not seem as severe as broken bones or head trauma, soft tissue injuries can still cause significant pain, limit mobility, and require ongoing medical care.

If you’ve been in an accident and are experiencing discomfort, get in touch with our Tacoma accident attorneys to book your free consultation. Call (833) 832-2727 today.

What Are Soft Tissue Injuries?

Soft tissue injuries affect the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the body. Unlike fractures or internal organ damage, these injuries involve the connective tissues that support movement and stability. In a car accident, the sudden force of impact can stretch or tear these tissues, leading to pain and inflammation.

Common Types of Soft Tissue Injuries

• Whiplash: One of the most well-known car accident injuries, whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward. This movement strains the neck’s muscles and ligaments, causing pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
• Sprains: These injuries involve stretched or torn ligaments, commonly occurring in the wrists, knees, or ankles. A car accident can cause a person’s body to twist unnaturally, leading to painful sprains.
• Strains: Strains affect muscles and tendons, leading to pain and swelling. Common areas for strains in car accidents include the lower back and shoulders.
• Contusions (Bruises): Bruises develop when blood vessels break beneath the skin due to a direct impact. Though often minor, severe contusions can indicate deeper tissue damage.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons can develop after an accident, leading to persistent pain and discomfort, especially in the shoulders, elbows, or knees.

Symptoms of Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries do not always present immediate symptoms. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain, leading some accident victims to believe they are unharmed. However, symptoms may develop hours or even days later, including:

• Pain or tenderness in the affected area
• Swelling and inflammation
• Bruising or discoloration
• Limited range of motion
• Stiffness and muscle weakness
• Headaches or dizziness (common with whiplash)

Ignoring these symptoms can worsen the condition and prolong recovery time. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible is crucial.

The Impact of Soft Tissue Injuries on Daily Life

Soft tissue injuries may not be life-threatening, but they can still disrupt daily activities, work, and overall well-being. Chronic pain, limited mobility, and ongoing physical therapy can affect one’s quality of life, making it essential to receive proper medical care and compensation when the injury results from another party’s negligence.

Seeking Compensation for Soft Tissue Injuries

If you sustained a soft tissue injury in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, proving a soft tissue injury in a legal claim can be challenging because these injuries do not always appear on imaging tests like fractures do.

Contact Brumley Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a soft tissue injury in a car accident, do not hesitate to seek medical attention and legal advice. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call our Tacoma injury lawyers at (833) 832-2727 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights.