Some injuries are obvious after an accident. For example, most people can tell when a bone is broken. However, some injuries are hard to see and even harder to diagnose. Soft tissue injuries often stay hidden. As your car accident attorney in Birmingham, AL, we ensure that justice is served through appropriate legal compensation.
Soft tissue injuries are one of the most common car accident injuries. This article will answer some frequently asked questions about soft tissue injuries. Let’s learn what soft tissue injuries are, how to identify them, and how they can affect your car accident claim.
What Are Soft Tissue Injuries?
The human body is composed of many parts. There are organs like the brain and heart. The body’s bones and teeth are considered “hard tissues.” But the organs need support and the bones need to be able to move. The body’s “soft tissues” perform these functions.
“Soft tissue injury” refers to any damage to the body’s soft tissues. The soft tissues include
- Fat.
- Muscles.
- Tendons (fibrous tissues that attach muscles to bones).
- Ligaments (fibrous tissues that attach bones to bones).
- Bursa (fluid-filled sacs that help joints move).
Common Soft Tissue Injuries in Alabama Car Accidents
Soft tissue injuries are quite common in car accidents. Here are some of the most frequent soft tissue injuries:
- Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when a forceful, rapid motion (either back-and-forth or side-to-side) strains the ligaments and muscles in the neck.
- Strain: A strain is a stretch or tear of a muscle or tendon.
- Sprains: A sprain involves the tearing or stretching of a ligament.
- Rotator cuff injuries: A rotator cuff injury involves damage to the muscles and tendons that support the shoulder.
- Bursitis: Bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa.
Injuries to the skin and blood vessels, such as scrapes (abrasions), bruises (contusions), and cuts (lacerations) are also considered soft tissue injuries.
What Are the Symptoms of Soft Tissue Injuries?
The symptoms of soft tissue injuries vary based on the type of injury, its severity, and its location. But some common symptoms include
- Pain.
- Stiffness.
- Swelling.
- Tenderness.
- Reduced range of motion.
For example, feeling a sharp pain in your ankle when walking normally could be a sign of a sprain or strain. Neck pain, stiffness, and loss of motion are common symptoms of whiplash.
While some soft tissue injuries will be noticeable immediately after a car accident, others may not appear for hours, days, or even weeks after the crash. So, even if you aren’t in pain after your car accident, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment will not only help you feel better, but they will also help your Alabama car accident attorney build a strong case on your behalf.
Can I Get Compensation for My Soft Tissue Injuries After an Alabama Car Accident?
Yes. Because most are not life-threatening, many people believe that soft tissue injuries are not as serious as “real” injuries. However, soft tissue injuries can significantly impact every part of your daily life. Pain, stiffness, and limited mobility can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, work, or participate in activities you enjoy. Soft tissue injuries can also lead to long-term complications such as chronic pain, muscle weakness, and scar tissue formation.
If a careless driver caused your soft tissue injuries, you have the right to compensation for your injuries. Some of the costs you might be able to recover include
- Medical bills.
- Pain and suffering.
- Lost wages (including lost future wages).
- Reduced quality of life.
To help your Birmingham car accident attorney maximize your compensation, make sure that you carefully document your injuries and costs.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help Me Get Compensation for My Soft Tissue Injuries After an Accident?
Navigating insurance claims and securing fair compensation can be challenging, especially if you’re still healing from your injuries. A car accident attorney can help you by
- Evaluating your case.
- Assigning your case a fair value.
- Investigating and gathering evidence.
- Dealing with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Negotiating a fair settlement for your injuries.
- Representing you in court if your case goes to trial.
Birminhgam Car Accident Attorney at Collins Law
If you or a loved one have suffered a soft tissue injury or any other type of injury after a car accident, please contact Collins Law, LLC. Our firm will work hard to get you the compensation you need while treating you with the compassion you deserve. If you need help after an accident, use our website’s online scheduling tool or call 205-588-1411 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with the Collins Law team.
