How to Recognize Soft Tissue Injuries After an Illinois Car Crash

 Posted on February 18, 2020 in Car Accident

Soft tissue injuries are some of the most common injuries that can occur in car accidents. If you have been the victim of a vehicle collision, it is important to not ignore sprains and strains or dismiss them as minor injuries. Additionally, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with how to increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for any losses that you or your loved ones have experienced in a crash caused by a negligent driver.

What Is a Soft Tissue Injury?

Soft tissue injuries are caused by a sudden, uncontrolled overextension of muscles. Such injuries typically occur in crashes because of the jarring motion of a collision or because a part of the body became entrapped. Injuries like these are classified as either sprains or strains. Strains are injuries to the ligaments, while sprains are injuries to either the tendons or the muscles themselves.

Signs and Symptoms

The effects of a soft tissue injury can be felt almost immediately, but the adrenaline rush of an accident can sometimes mask the sensations. Stiffness, soreness, and swelling may occur 24 to 48 hours after the incident. A victim may find it difficult to use the injured part of his or her body, especially if it is weight-bearing. It is critical that victims pay attention to their symptoms and seek medical attention. A physician’s report or a record of any doctor visits will be helpful in proving a personal injury claim.

Most Common Soft Tissue Injuries

While almost any part of the body may experience a soft tissue injury, the ones most commonly affected involve the back, neck, and extremities like the arms or legs. Injuries that affect the hips, ankles, or knees may have a significant impact on the life of the victim, keeping him or her out of work for possibly days, weeks, or even months. Whiplash injuries, which are soft tissue injuries to the neck, may also have a lasting effect on the victim’s day-to-day functions.

Recovery

Healing time varies for strains and sprains depending on the exact nature and severity of the injury. A victim's age, health, and occupation may also have an impact. However, medical science does provide us with some guidelines. Level one sprains and strains (the least severe) typically heal within one month. More serious injuries can take several months -- if not years -- to fully heal. Physical therapy may be necessary, and the victim’s medical bills could be extensive.

Contact an Arlington Heights Car Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love has suffered a soft tissue injury in a car collision, contact a skilled, experienced Schaumburg personal injury attorney who will fight for the compensation you deserve. Newland & Newland LLP will aggressively pursue damages for any medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering you have experienced. Call us today at 847-797-8000 and schedule a free phone consultation and learn how we can help with your recovery.

Source:

https://thephysiotherapyclinics.com/soft-tissue-injuries/