Soft Tissue Injuries Some of The Most Common in Wrecks

If you were involved in a collision with another motorist, one common source of post-accident pain is soft tissue injury. The “soft” areas of the body consist of the ligaments, muscles and tendons. Often these injuries may include:

• Contusions (bruises)

• Sprains

• Strains

Most soft tissue injuries will resolve over time, both with and without treatment, although seeking medical care for your injuries can make you more comfortable and the injuries resolve faster.

What causes soft tissue injuries?

Force from the accident’s impact can leave victims’ bodies sore and battered. This may be true even when the driver and passengers were securely belted in at the time of the accident. The seatbelt itself can leave vivid bruising and redness from the effects of the restraints.

One of the more common terms associated with soft tissue injuries is whiplash. Known medically as either a hyperextension injury or cervical strain or sprain, whiplash can vary considerably in degrees of severity. Its symptoms may show up as:

• Neck pain or stiffness

• Pain in the upper and/or lower back

• Cognitive problems, e.g., finding it difficult to remember or concentrate

It’s important to understand that your symptoms might take days or even weeks to manifest. That’s one reason why it’s essential to document your medical condition if you intend to pursue compensation for your injuries from an accident caused by another at-fault driver.

That way, you have a clear link between your recent accident and any subsequent injuries and/or damages that you may suffer. Without corresponding medical records, you may have a hard time holding anyone liable for your medical bills and other related expenses.