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Do you believe you have a soft tissue injury from a car accident? This type of injury commonly happens after car accidents but is challenging to detect and diagnose. Some accident victims might therefore find it harder to get compensation compared to other types of injuries. Our experienced team of Columbia personal injury attorneys at Shealey Law Firm is ready to fight for you to get the compensation you deserve.
Potential Soft Tissue Injuries From a Car Accident
Soft tissue injuries result from damage sustained by the body’s muscles, ligaments, tendons and other non-bony parts. Most often, these result from sudden, jarring impacts. This makes them a frequent consequence of car accidents. Here are some of the most common injuries to look out for:
- Strains
- Sprains
- Whiplash
- Herniated disc
- Contusions
People often mistake such damage as less severe than broken bones or head trauma.
However, soft tissue injuries can lead to extensive pain, reduced mobility and prolonged recovery periods. Left untreated, they can cause lasting harm or permanent disability.
Why You Should Get Medical Care as Soon as Possible
After a car accident soft tissue injury often doesn’t always show up immediately. With the adrenaline rush of the accident, you might feel well enough to go home or go to work without seeking medical care.
However, refusing to see a doctor can come back to haunt you later. Not only could you find yourself in severe pain, but you could also become liable for potentially worsening the injury when you declined or delayed medical care.
Even at the doctor’s office, detecting muscle strain after a car accident can be challenging unless you have already begun to feel pain. A soft tissue injury from a car accident might not have obvious symptoms initially, and your doctor might not see it in MRI or CT scans. If your doctor asks you to come back for another checkup at a later date, follow those instructions.
Factors That Affect Compensation for a Car Accident Soft Tissue Injury
People commonly experience soft tissue injuries in many other instances, such as straining at the gym or work. Consequently, proving the accident directly caused a strain or other damage can be challenging. The longer you wait to seek medical attention, the more difficult it becomes.
Pre-existing conditions can also complicate matters. For example, if you previously had back pain from an injury at work, negligence for worsened back pain after a crash becomes difficult to calculate. An experienced attorney can put forward a strong case on your behalf.
How To Prove Your Soft Tissue Injury Is From a Car Accident
Your medical records will likely provide the bulk of proof for your compensation claim. Because soft tissue injuries are difficult to visualize, your attorney might focus on the severity of the accident and the way pain levels affect your daily life.
Some attorneys recommend keeping a medical journal. Document the medications taken and the pain level you experience throughout the day. This journal can also help your doctor determine what treatments work so he or she can fine-tune a recovery plan for your soft tissue injury from a car accident.
Here are additional sources of proof your attorney might seek for use in negotiations or court:
- Photographs of the accident
- Testimonies from your medical doctor and other healthcare professionals
- Your medical records, including bills
- Employment records to show loss of income
- Photos of your other injuries
- Photos of swelling, bruising or other physical signs of soft tissue injuries when you have them
- Dash cam or CCTV footage of the accident
Why You Should Resist Posting on Social Media
It’s relatively common to share life updates on social media. Posting about your accident and injuries might seem like an innocent update, but insurance companies could use this against you later. One misconstrued statement or photo is all they might need to cast doubt on your injuries or the level of pain you feel.
How To Get Compensation for Your Soft Tissue Injury From a Car Accident
Trust is everything, and our legal team does all we can to earn yours. We handle your legal case while you recover from your soft tissue injury from a car accident. As attorneys with considerable trial experience, we’ll be in your corner all the way if your claim goes to court. Are you ready to see what our legal team can do for you? Schedule your consultation with Shealey Law Firm today.