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If you have sustained soft tissue injuries in a car accident, you deserve fair compensation. Our experienced Columbia car accident lawyers at Shealey Law Firm explain what you need to know about car accident soft tissue injuries in Columbia, SC.
What Is a Soft Tissue Injury After a Car Accident?
A soft tissue injury is bodily harm to the muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and other fibrous tissue of the body. Generally, soft tissue injury from a car accident is bodily injury other than to bones and organs.
Soft tissue is an umbrella term for groups of cells that support bodily functions and structure. Essentially, soft tissues hold the body together. A soft tissue injury after a car accident may include any tissues or a combination of tissue types.
What Are the Most Common Soft Tissue Injuries From Car Accidents in SC?
Some of the most common soft tissue injuries from car accidents include:
- Whiplash, muscle sprains, strains, and tears
- Ligament pulls or tears
- Tendon tears, inflammation
- Muscle spasms
- Joint dislocation, from soft tissue joint destabilization
- Internal bleeding and bruising, contusions
- Bursitis
- Nerve damage
Columbia is the capital of South Carolina and a busy metropolitan area, with approximately 870,000 residents in the greater Columbia area. The area is served by Interstate Highways 20, 26, 77, and 126. Nine state highways and seven U.S. highways, plus local roads, connect busy travelers. Car accidents occur at a variety of speeds and involve diverse mechanisms. A range of soft tissue injuries may result from a car accident in Columbia, SC.
Your soft tissue injuries may be common or uncommon. However, if you are hurt in a car accident in SC, you may deserve fair compensation.
What Are the Symptoms of a Soft Tissue Injury After a Columbia Car Accident?
Symptoms of a soft tissue injury after a Columbia car accident include:
- Pain
- Instability, weakness
- Difficulty moving
- Stiffness
- Muscle spasm, cramps
- Tenderness
- Irritability, general discomfort
- Fatigue
Signs of injury may appear immediately or symptoms may worsen over time.
Why Do Insurance Companies Dispute Soft Tissue Injury Claims in South Carolina?
Insurance companies dispute soft tissue injury claims in South Carolina primarily for two reasons. First, soft tissue injuries vary significantly. It’s not always easy to determine the severity of soft tissue injuries by looking at an X-ray or CT scan. The insurance company may not have sufficient information to value the case.
Second, insurance companies may improperly exploit the nature of soft tissue injuries to underpay. They may use the inherent nature of soft tissue injury as an excuse to underpay a soft tissue injury car accident claim. They may hope that the injured person doesn’t know how to pursue their case or doesn’t hire an attorney.
How Do You Prove a Soft Tissue Injury After a Car Accident in SC?
Proving a soft tissue injury after a car accident in SC may involve:
- Doctor evaluation
- Diary of symptoms and limitations
- Treatment records, including scans, surgeries, and consistent care over time
- Physical therapy, chiropractic care
- Witness testimony (non-medical)
- Medical care supplies like braces, mobility support, and prescriptions
Proving a soft tissue injury from a car accident often takes a multi-disciplinary approach, both medically and in general. Medically, a combination of imaging, testing, therapy, and multiple care providers may coordinate together to confirm a diagnosis. Plus, testimony from the injured person and others who know them, a diary of tracked symptoms, employment records, and other information can paint a complete picture.
How Much Is a Soft Tissue Injury Car Accident Claim Worth in Columbia, SC?
Soft tissue injury from a car accident in Columbia, SC, may impact a person financially, with medical bills, lost income, and incidental expenses. In addition, soft tissue injuries can be physically painful and can cause emotional anguish.
These injuries can be compensated according to their severity. What a case is worth depends on the extent of pain and suffering, disability, inconvenience, and other impacts. To receive compensation, the person must identify their damages.
How Long Do You Have To File a Soft Tissue Injury Claim in South Carolina?
Usually, you have three years to file a soft tissue injury claim in South Carolina. The filing timeline usually begins when the injury occurs. The South Carolina personal injury statute of limitations can vary, including shorter limitations periods, so don’t wait to talk to an attorney. Talking to the insurance company doesn’t extend the deadline, nor does it count as filing the case. Always talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
How a Columbia Personal Injury Lawyer Can Strengthen Your Soft Tissue Injury Claim
A Columbia personal injury lawyer can gather medical records. They can guide you to medical care to document injuries and support your claim. In addition, they can compile evidence through witnesses and journaling. Your lawyer negotiates with the insurance company on your behalf and can provide honest legal advice about the value of your case.
Talk to a Lawyer
Have you suffered from a soft tissue injury after a car accident? Shealey Law Firm makes it easy to get the legal help you need. Call or message us now.