Recognizing Symptoms of Soft Tissue Injuries After a Car Accident

Soft tissue injuries, which are common in automobile collisions, affect the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Unlike fractures or other more obvious injuries, symptoms may take hours or even days to manifest. Nevertheless, soft issue injuries require proper diagnosis and treatment, as they can cause persistent pain and can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities and enjoy life.

A frequent soft tissue injury is whiplash, which occurs when the neck is rapidly forced forward and backward due to a sudden impact, stretching the muscles and ligaments beyond their normal range of motion. Symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches and sometimes dizziness or blurred vision. Left untreated, whiplash can cause chronic pain and long-term mobility issues.

Contusions, more commonly known as bruises, result from direct trauma that causes blood vessels under the skin to rupture. While many bruises are minor and heal on their own, severe contusions can lead to significant swelling and pain, potentially limiting movement if the injury affects deeper tissues.

Sudden trauma in a car crash can cause tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons that connect muscle to bone) and bursitis (irritation of the bursae, the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints). Both injuries can cause pain, tenderness and restricted movement in the shoulders, elbows, knees and other joints.

A muscle tear occurs when excessive force causes fibers to become overstretched. Symptoms include acute pain, swelling, muscle weakness and, in severe cases, a gap in the muscle tissue. Healing treatment can range from physical therapy to surgery, depending on the severity of the tear.

Seeking prompt medical evaluation after a car accident is prudent, even if symptoms seem minor at first. Early diagnosis can prevent minor injuries from becoming chronic conditions and can help document the full extent of the injuries. This documentation is essential when pursuing compensation from the party at fault in an automobile injury lawsuit. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize claims by arguing that injuries are unrelated to the collision or are pre-existing. A thorough medical assessment provides the necessary evidence to establish a direct link between the accident and the injuries suffered.

At the law firm of Rich & Rich, P.C., our dedicated attorneys understand the complexities of soft tissue injury claims. We are committed to helping clients recover the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. We have offices in midtown Manhattan and Roslyn Heights, N.Y. Call us at 917-746-3358 or contact us online today for a free consultation.