Soft Tissue Injuries And Car Accidents

Sprains, strains, and tears can be painful and debilitating after a crash

Car accidents in Florida often result in serious injuries. Each year, an average of more than 160,000 sustain an injury in a car crash in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

Among the numerous car accident injuries, soft tissue injuries such as whiplash are both common and often misunderstood. Some individuals doubt the reality of these injuries, but they are indeed genuine. So, what exactly is a soft tissue injury, and how can you determine if you have one?

What is a soft tissue injury?

A soft tissue injury (STI) typically involves damage to various parts of the body that link bones, internal organs, and vital body components. This category of injuries affects muscles, tendons, blood vessels, nerves, and other connective fibers.

Commonly, soft tissue injuries manifest as contusions (bruises), sprains, or strains affecting these body structures. These injuries can be intensely painful, necessitating medical attention, much like other severe car accident injuries.

What is considered a soft tissue injury in a car accident?

Soft tissue injuries sustained in crashes can cover a wide range, including but not limited to:

Whiplash and Other Neck Injuries: Whiplash is a well-known example, but various neck injuries can result from the sudden jerking motion in a collision.
Contusions (Bruising) of Muscles, Concussions, and Brain Bruising: Car accidents can lead to muscle bruising and even concussions, affecting not just the body's exterior but also the internal structures, including the brain.
Strained Muscles and Tendons: The abrupt impact of a car crash can strain muscles and tendons, causing discomfort and restricted mobility.
Sprained Muscles and Tendons: Similarly, muscle and tendon sprains can occur, often leading to pain and swelling in the affected area.
Cuts and Lacerations: Car crashes may result in cuts and lacerations, particularly to the face, requiring medical attention to address both cosmetic and functional concerns.
Shoulder Injuries, Including Rotator Cuff Tears: The shoulders are susceptible to injury in car accidents, with rotator cuff tears being a potential consequence, affecting arm mobility.
Tendonitis: Tendonitis, characterized by inflammation of a tendon, can develop as a result of the trauma experienced in a car accident, causing localized pain and discomfort.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions bones and muscles or tendons, can occur, leading to pain and reduced joint mobility.
Torn ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament): The knee's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), connecting the tibia to the femur bone, can tear during a car collision, often necessitating surgical intervention.
Torn MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament): The inner knee's medial collateral ligament (MCL), linking the femur to the tibia, can also tear in a car accident, resulting in pain and instability in the knee joint.

How do car accidents cause soft tissue injuries?

Car accidents can lead to whiplash and other soft tissue injuries through a complex interplay of forces and rapid movements. Here's an explanation of how these injuries occur:

Sudden Deceleration: When a car abruptly stops or changes direction, as is common in rear-end collisions, the vehicle occupants experience a sudden deceleration. This rapid reduction in speed causes the body to continue moving forward due to inertia while the head lags behind momentarily.
Hyperextension and Hyperflexion: The mismatch in movement between the body and the head results in hyperextension (overarching) of the neck followed by a rapid rebounding motion, leading to hyperflexion (excessive forward bending) of the neck. These forceful movements put immense strain on the soft tissues of the neck.
Stretching and Tearing: The neck's soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, tendons, and even nerves, can stretch beyond their normal limits during this rapid motion. This stretching can cause micro-tears or more significant injuries to these delicate structures.
Compression and Impact: In some cases, especially in more severe accidents, the neck may be compressed or impacted, further increasing the risk of soft tissue injuries. This compression can affect not only the neck but also the upper back and shoulders.
Varied Directions of Impact: Depending on the angle and direction of impact, soft tissue injuries can occur in various locations within the neck and upper body. For example, lateral impacts may result in different injuries than rear-end or frontal collisions.
Delayed Onset of Symptoms: Soft tissue injuries like whiplash often exhibit delayed symptoms. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, adrenaline and shock may mask pain and discomfort. It's not uncommon for symptoms to emerge hours or even days later, leading some individuals to underestimate the severity of their injuries.

What are common soft tissue injury symptoms?

As noted above, many soft tissue injuries exhibit delayed symptoms that may take several hours or even days to become evident.

Common signs of a soft tissue injury after a car accident include:

Pain in the Affected Area: Persistent pain localized in the injured region is a common symptom of soft tissue injuries.
Difficulty with Mobility: Struggles with movement and other mobility challenges are often observed in individuals with soft tissue injuries.
Limited Range of Motion: Soft tissue injuries can result in a noticeable reduction in the ability to move joints or body parts through their full range of motion.
Muscle Spasms: Muscular spasms or involuntary contractions can be indicative of soft tissue injuries.

Remember, many soft tissue injuries exhibit delayed symptoms that may take several hours or even days to become evident. That’s why seeking immediate medical attention after a crash is essential, even if you don’t have any noticeable pain or symptoms.

How are soft tissue injuries diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosing and treating soft tissue injuries involves a multifaceted approach tailored to the specific nature and severity of the injury. Here's an overview of the typical procedures involved:

Diagnosis

Clinical Evaluation: A healthcare provider will conduct a thorough clinical assessment. This involves discussing the details of the accident, reviewing medical history, and performing a physical examination to identify the affected areas and assess the extent of the injury.
Imaging Studies: In many cases, imaging studies such as X-rays, MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), or CT scans may be ordered. These imaging techniques help visualize the soft tissues, bones, and any structural abnormalities, providing a clearer picture of the injury.
Specialized Tests: Depending on the suspected injury, additional specialized tests like ultrasound or arthroscopy (for joint injuries) may be recommended to aid in diagnosis.

Treatment

Rest and Immobilization: In less severe cases, rest and immobilization of the injured area may be sufficient for recovery. This allows damaged tissues to heal naturally.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitating soft tissue injuries. A customized exercise and stretching program is designed to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion while reducing pain.
Pain Management: Pain relief measures can include over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, as well as modalities like heat and cold therapy to alleviate discomfort.
Bracing and Supports: In certain cases, the use of braces, splints, or supports may be recommended to stabilize and protect the injured area during the healing process.
Injections: Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be administered to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Surgery: For severe soft tissue injuries, surgery may be necessary. This is typically reserved for cases involving significant tears or ruptures that cannot heal on their own. Surgical procedures aim to repair or reconstruct the damaged tissues.
Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are essential to monitor progress, adjust treatment plans, and ensure the injury heals properly.

It's important to emphasize that the specific approach will depend on the injury's location, severity, and the individual's overall health. Early intervention and adherence to the recommended treatment plan are crucial for a successful recovery from soft tissue injuries sustained in car accidents.

What is the average settlement for a soft tissue injury in a car accident?

Determining the average settlement for a soft tissue injury resulting from a car accident is a complex matter, primarily because settlements can vary significantly based on a multitude of factors. It's important to emphasize that there is no fixed or standard amount for such settlements, as individual circumstances and the unique details of each case influence them.

How severe is the injury?
One of the most critical factors impacting the settlement amount is the severity of the soft tissue injury itself. The extent of the injury, including the level of pain experienced, the necessity for medical treatment, and the duration of the recovery process, all have a substantial bearing on the settlement figure. Generally, more severe injuries tend to result in higher settlement amounts.
How much are medical expenses?
Additionally, the total cost of medical expenses plays a pivotal role in determining the settlement. This includes expenditures associated with doctor visits, physical therapy, medication, diagnostic tests, and any necessary medical procedures. A higher cumulative medical cost typically correlates with a larger settlement.
What other losses did the victim suffer?
Economic factors, such as lost income due to missed work or disability caused by the injury, are also considered in settlement negotiations. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life, also contribute to the final settlement figure. The impact of the injury on the victim's daily life is closely evaluated in these cases.
What insurance coverage is available?
Insurance coverage held by the at-fault party can significantly limit the maximum available settlement. The availability of adequate insurance coverage is a crucial factor in determining the potential settlement amount. Furthermore, establishing liability or fault in the accident plays a pivotal role, as clear evidence of the other party's negligence strengthens the case for a higher settlement.

Given these variables, crash victims often seek help from a car accident lawyer to assess the true value of their claim or lawsuit. An attorney can assess the unique circumstances of the case, provide guidance, and work toward securing a fair settlement or court verdict that addresses the specific details of the injury and its impact on the individual's life.

A car accident lawyer can help you recover compensation

In most cases, crash victims only have one opportunity to obtain the compensation they deserve for a lifetime’s worth of expenses. This is why insurance companies make quick, lowball settlement offers. They hope the crash victim will accept their offer and go away – before the full extent of the victim’s losses becomes known.

At Armando Personal Injury Law in Tampa, we know how to deal with insurance companies and hold negligent drivers accountable. That’s why we have such a strong track record of success.

Make sure your soft tissue injury claim gets the attention it deserves. Contact our law firm and schedule a free case evaluation with a Tampa car accident attorney who gets results. Our office is conveniently located on East 5th Avenue in Tampa.

Click here to download a printable PDF of this article, "Soft Tissue Injuries and Car Accidents."