Soft Tissue Injuries After a Car Accident

Car accidents are among the leading causes of injuries across the United States, with the potential to cause devastating harm to nearly every part of the body. Even seemingly minor collisions can result in serious injuries that may take weeks, months, or even years to heal. The sudden force of impact can jolt the body in unnatural ways, straining and tearing tissues that aren’t meant to withstand such trauma.

While broken bones and visible wounds are often the first injuries to be noticed, soft tissue injuries can be just as damaging—sometimes with lasting consequences. Understanding what soft tissue injuries are and how they occur is essential for recognizing the severity of these injuries and taking appropriate steps toward recovery.

What Is a Soft Tissue Injury?

“Soft tissue” refers to the parts of our body that support, connect, and surround other structures inside our body. Soft tissues include muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, nerves, joint capsules, etc. Injuries to these areas of the body can lead to significant pain and suffering and long recovery times.

Most Commonly Affected Soft Tissues in a Vehicle Accident

Soft tissues can be affected in a variety of ways due to a vehicle accident. Vehicle accidents are hard on the human body. When we are inside of a vehicle involved in a collision, the inside and outside of our bodies can experience significant trauma.

Some of the most common soft tissue injuries associated with vehicle accidents include:

• Bursitis: Inflammation of bursae (fluid-filled sacs) near joints, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness. Generally, bursitis is caused by overuse of a particular area of the body, but this can also be caused by direct trauma to the joint.
• Contusions: Bruises from direct blows, leading to pain, swelling, and discoloration on the affected area. Bruising on the outside of the body or the inside of the body. Diagnosing internal contusions can be challenging, and often involves additional types of medical testing.
• Sprains and Strains: Injuries to ligaments and muscles/tendons, causing swelling, pain, and reduced mobility.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons, causing pain and tenderness near joints. Even though the name tendonitis evokes thoughts of sports injuries, the reality is that these types of injuries can occur in a variety of ways, including trauma caused by a vehicle accident.
• Whiplash: A neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement, causing pain, stiffness, and headaches.

How to Diagnose a Soft Tissue Injury After a Car Accident

Diagnosing a soft tissue injury is important after a vehicle accident, particularly as a person moves forward with the necessary treatment for a full recovery. The diagnoses of these injuries must be done by a medical professional so they can become an official part of your medical record.

Sometimes, a doctor can diagnose a soft tissue injury without extensive testing, but a doctor may recommend the use of an MRI to create a cross-sectional image of the affected area of the body. An MRI can diagnose soft tissue injuries by showing more clarity than is possible through an X-ray. In addition to MRI, an ultrasound may be used to visualize soft tissues and detect tears, inflammation, or other abnormalities. Ultrasound provides real-time imaging, allowing for a closer look at the affected area.

During the diagnostic process, your doctor may also perform range of motion tests to determine if movement causes pain or if there is restricted flexibility in the injured area. These tests, combined with your symptoms and medical history, help the physician assess the severity of the injury and guide the treatment plan.

It’s important to note that soft tissue injuries can sometimes show delayed symptoms. Even if you don’t feel pain immediately after the accident, monitoring your symptoms over time is crucial. Keeping track of any new or worsening pain or discomfort can help ensure that your injury is properly diagnosed and treated.

Can Victims Receive Compensation for a Soft Tissue Injury Following a Crash?

Accident victims may be able to recover compensation for their soft tissue injuries if another party was responsible for causing their injury. Generally, individuals receive compensation through an insurance settlement. The at-fault driver’s insurance carrier will be responsible for paying compensation for your injuries, including treatment for soft tissue damage.

The amount of compensation you could receive varies depending on the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, and how the injury impacts your daily life. Soft tissue injuries can sometimes be difficult to assess, so working with a lawyer may help ensure that you are compensated fairly for both immediate and long-term effects.

Crash victims may be able to receive compensation for not only medical bills, but also lost wages, property damage expenses, and various out-of-pocket expenses arising due to the crash. However, dealing with insurance carriers can be challenging, particularly if there is any dispute over fault for the collision.

It’s important to note that dealing with insurance carriers can be challenging, particularly if there is any dispute over fault for the collision or the extent of the injuries. Insurance companies may offer lowball settlements or try to avoid paying for certain damages. In such cases, seeking legal counsel could help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Consulting With a Car Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has experienced such injuries, it may be beneficial to consult with a Chicago car accident lawyer to understand your legal options and pursue compensation. Many offer free consultations so you can get an understanding of your options and what the legal process would look like should you decide to file an injury claim.