Soft Tissues Injuries In Low-Impact Motor Vehicle Accidents: What To Know

Soft-Tissue Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents

Most people know that injuries can happen in car accidents, which can range from minor cuts and bruises to broken bones and traumatic head and spinal cord damage. But most assume that major injuries are only the result of serious, high impact car crashes. The reality is that a driver or passenger can suffer serious injuries even at a low rate of impact. Some of the most debilitating injuries can be to the soft-tissue, which may not be as apparent as other bodily damage but can cause just as much pain and suffering. If you do suffer an injury in a low-speed collision, there are certain issues that you should be aware of. Here is a short guide to low-impact car crashes and how to approach soft-tissue injuries you suffer as a result.

How Soft-Tissue Injuries Happen

Studies show that an individual can suffer life-altering damage to soft tissue at much lower speeds than many assume. Even at speeds as low as 5 miles per hour, crash victims reported high rates of these injuries. Upon impact, the bones and joints are jolted quickly, and ligaments, muscles, and tendons can strain and snap as a result. Sometimes, a person can suffer from nerve damage from these injuries.

One of the most common car accidents is the rear-end collision. When the car behind impacts the car ahead, a person’s head can snap back, causing what is known as a whiplash injury. The result can be damage to a person’s neck and back, tearing muscles, ligaments, and even causing herniated disks and traumatic brain injuries in more serious scenarios.

How To Spot A Soft Tissue Injury

While the best way to diagnose injuries is by seeing a doctor, there are certain symptoms you can look out for if you think you may have one. When it comes to head trauma, look for symptoms of a concussion, including dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, balance issues, and memory spottiness. Additionally, if you feel stiffness or pain in your neck, back, or shoulders, you may need to see someone. When it comes to these types of injuries, better safe than sorry! See a doctor as soon as you can to get treatment started and ease your pain. If you don’t treat these injuries properly, you can have nerve damage, scar tissue, and other life-long debilitating effects.

Proving A Soft Tissue Injury

When you are seeking compensation from the liable party for your injuries, you will need to show proper evidence of those injuries. This can get a little tricky with soft-tissue injuries, as they can be invisible to the naked eye. Difficulty can arise when these injuries don’t show up on X-rays, CT or MRI scans, or any other objective medical method. This is why it is so important to see a doctor as soon as possible after a crash so that a doctor can properly document your injuries, so that the insurance company does not accuse you of fabricating or exaggerating an injury just to get more money.

Seek Legal Help!

If you are in a low-impact crash and suffer an injury like this, it is important to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney to give you the best possible chance at recovery.

Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Case Today!

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Purchase, George, and Murphey P.C. represent clients throughout Pennsylvania, including Erie, Meadville, and Edinboro, Pennsylvania. Call 814.833.7100 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2525 W 26th St., Erie, PA 16506, as well as offices at The Masonic Building 310 Chestnut St, Suite 111 Meadville, PA 16335 and at 68 East Main Street, North East, PA 16428.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.