Car accidents have the potential to result in an array of injuries. When we think about injuries, we often think of broken bones, lacerations, and head trauma; however, soft tissue damage is a problem that many car accident victims experience. If you’ve sustained soft tissue damage, you may be dealing with serious pain and discomfort that could hinder your ability to work.
Because soft tissue injuries are typically not visible to the eye, it can be challenging to seek compensation for them when negligence played a role in your accident. It’s important to understand how soft tissue damage is categorized in an auto insurance claim, so you can maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you need to recover and get your life back in order.
Car Accidents and Soft Tissue Damage
Depending on the type and form of the crash, a car accident victim could sustain damage to their ligaments, tendons, or muscles. Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and contusions. A sprain is classified as damage to a ligament due to overextension of a joint, while strains are the result of the overuse of a muscle or tendon. Contusion is another word for bruise.
While soft tissue damage may seem less severe than other car accident injuries, it has the potential to result in significant pain and discomfort. A patient could experience soreness, swelling, bruising, and stiffness.
One of the most common soft tissue injuries resulting from a collision is whiplash. This happens when the force of a crash causes a person’s neck to whip forward and backward quickly, causing strain to that area of the body. Whiplash can take months to recover from, all while the victim has to deal with stiffness, sharp neck pain, back pain, and cognitive issues like problems with memory and concentration.
Proving the Presences of a Soft Tissue Injury
Soft tissue injuries may not be immediately apparent after a car accident, which is why it’s so important for victims to seek medical attention. Not all soft tissue injuries show up on diagnostic tests like X-rays, so it can be challenging for doctors to determine the extent of the damage right after a crash. It some cases, complete injuries cannot be assessed until some time has passed.
When it comes to proving you sustained soft tissue damage after a car accident, there are a number of factors you should consider. It will be important to have your medical records that show you sought medical treatment and received a diagnosis. Also, keep track of how your mobility has been limited and whether or not you had to miss work because of your injuries and pain.
With the right evidence, you’ll be able to prove you’ve suffered soft tissue damage as a result of the car accident. You’ll use the information you’ve collected to prove that you’re owed compensation for your suffering.
Insurance Companies and Soft Tissue Damage
When a car accident victim tries to seek compensation for soft tissue injuries, they often run into hurdles with the insurance company. An insurance adjuster may claim that soft tissue damage is not a recoverable injury when compared to surgery cases and costs associated with more severe injuries like broken bones or head trauma.
When you file a claim, the insurance adjuster is likely to closely scrutinize any soft tissue injury claims. If they ask you how you are and you respond fine to make polite conversation, they could use that against you later to say you’re not suffering from injuries.
In order to ensure you receive the compensation you’re rightfully owed for your car accident injuries, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney. A lawyer with the proper knowledge and resources can make all the difference when it comes to receiving full and fair compensation.
Maximize Your Compensation with Todd W. Burris
If you’re dealing with soft tissue injuries after a car accident, you may run into issues with your auto insurance claim. Whether the insurance adjuster doubts the validity of your injuries or is unable to properly value them, a car accident attorney can guide you through the claims process and ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
Our firm won’t let an insurance adjuster take advantage of your situation. Through a thorough investigation, we’ll determine what you’re owed for your injuries—including any soft tissue damage. To learn more about your legal options and how a law firm can help you maximize your compensation, contact us today.
