When people are involved in collisions, there are many different types of injuries they can suffer from. One of the most common types of injury to occur in car accidents is whiplash. Because whiplash is caused from rapid jolting of the head, soft tissue damage is often the result. While whiplash is one of the most common soft tissue injuries suffered in car accidents, it isn’t the only type of soft tissue injury that can occur in a crash.

What Is a Soft Tissue Injury?

Soft tissues are anything that supports or connects other structures in the body—just not bones or organs. They include tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. For example, when muscle tissues are forced to exceed their ability, they can become strained. Strains can also affect tendons and ligaments. When they are stretched beyond normal or sustain micro-tears, it can be very painful. Sometimes, soft tissue injuries take longer to heal than broken bones and can cause permanent pain and problems.

In addition to strains and tears to muscles, ligaments and tendons, other soft tissue injuries include bruises, abrasions, and sprains. Unfortunately, these types of injuries often don’t show up on x-rays, and many car accident victims in Sarasota often dismiss their own stiffness or pain because they weren’t in a high speed collision.

The Reality of Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries like ligament injuries can affect victims of high speed crashes as well as those involved in minor fender benders. Any time a person twists, is jolted, or braces for impact, soft tissue damage is possible. Because it is estimated that over 80 percent of people involved in car accidents suffer from soft tissue injuries, it is important that anyone involved in any type of crash—regardless of the severity—should be evaluated.

Because some symptoms of soft tissue injuries aren’t apparent right after a wreck, it is possible that you may have symptoms develop within days or weeks after the crash. For this reason, it is critical that you are aware of any discomfort, soreness, stiffness or pain following a collision. You may have dizziness, headaches, spasms in your back, sore muscles, neck pain, or tingling in your hands or feet. Even if you have already seen a doctor in the emergency room, it is important that you return to the hospital or see your primary care doctor as soon as you incur any of these soft tissue injury symptoms. 

How the Insurance Company Will Treat Soft Tissue Injuries

Because soft tissue injuries don’t involve broken bones or injuries to internal organs, insurance companies try and pass these types of car accident injuries off as minor injuries. Before you let the insurance company deny your claim, or pay you less than you deserve, make sure you speak with an experienced attorney who will review your medical records and speak with your doctors about your diagnosis. Only then will you know the true value of your personal injury claim.

Make sure you recover the compensation you deserve and order a free copy of our book, What You Need to Know After a Florida Auto, Truck, or Bike Accident.

Damian Mallard, Esq.
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Board Certified Sarasota Personal Injury Attorney