Soft Tissue Injuries from Car Accidents

Soft Tissue Injuries from Car Accidents

By Pyle Law, Reviewed by E. Thomas Pyle July 13 2020 1:18 pm

Car accidents can be dangerous, and one of the common injuries that result are soft tissue injuries. Because these injuries are not visible, they can go undetected, undiagnosed, and untreated until they lead to more serious health concerns and become more difficult to effectively treat. Because early diagnosis is closely associated with improved prognosis, it is important to seek medical attention after a car accident of any serious magnitude. If another driver’s negligence leaves you with a soft tissue injury, consult with an experienced Kansas car accident attorney today. 

Soft Tissue Injuries 

Soft tissue injuries refer to damage to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments, and while these injuries can be caused by overuse, they can also be the result of sudden trauma – the kind experienced in car accidents. Such soft tissue injuries are known as acute injuries, and they often lead to considerable pain, swelling, and bruising and can seriously diminish the range of motion in the affected area.

Those Soft Tissue Injuries Most Common to Car Accidents 

While the circumstances of the accident dictate the seriousness and kind of injuries suffered, those soft tissue injuries most closely associated with car accidents include:

1. Whiplash – Whiplash refers to a soft tissue injury that occurs when the head is forcefully whipped back and forth on the neck. Initial signs of whiplash often include a stiff neck, sharp pains in the neck, back problems, and/or cognitive issues. A serious case of whiplash can lead to chronic pain and even to permanent disability. Whiplash can be slow to present with symptoms, which makes seeing a doctor after a car accident a good idea – even if you are not experiencing any physical symptoms. 
2. Sprains – Sprains refer to a stretched or torn ligament. Your ligaments are flexible bands of connective tissue that fasten your bones together. Once a ligament becomes overstretched or torn, the joint affected becomes less stable and supportive. Those areas of the driver’s body that are most susceptible to sprains are his or her ankles, knees, and wrists – due to their proximity to the protruding steering wheel, dash, and pedals. Sprains are graded from one to three, with three being the most severe and indicative of a complete tear in the affected ligament. A Grade 3 sprain leaves the affected joint nonfunctional. 
3. Strains – Strains are much like sprains and refer to a stretch or tear (either partial or complete) in a muscle or tendon. They are most common in the feet, legs, or back. Symptoms can include pain, weakness, swelling, inflammation, and cramping. 

An Experienced Kansas Car Accident Attorney Can Help

If you’ve suffered a soft tissue injury as a result of another motorist’s negligence, the formidable car accident attorney at Pyle Law in Kansas is committed to fighting for your rights and for your rightful compensation. Our dedicated legal team is on your side, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 620-374-9299 for more information today.