For New York drivers hurt in an accident, it is easy to point visible evidence of certain types of injuries. For example, it’s not difficult for an individual to provide proof of a broken arm or lacerated forehead. However, many injuries from vehicle accidents don’t have any visible symptoms. Soft tissue injuries frequently result from vehicle accidents and include sprains, strains and muscle soreness.
The sudden change in the direction that a human body experiences during a vehicle accident can be a significant cause of soft tissue injury. These collisions rapidly strain and sprain muscles and ligaments. These injuries often worsen when a person braces for impact, which tightens muscles and reduces their elasticity. The sudden stretching and twisting that muscles and tendons endure in a collision can lead to pain, stiffness, and a loss of mobility. Inflammation in soft tissue could linger for days or weeks, leading to widespread and long-term pain and discomfort.
While soft tissue injuries occur frequently, they are not quickly diagnosed. Unlike damage to bones or joins, soft tissue damage cannot be detected through X-rays. In addition, the manifestation of symptoms may naturally be delayed by hours or days. It’s not uncommon for a person to leave the scene of an accident in perfect health only to be disabled with pain a few hours later.
An individual who has suffered soft tissue injury from a vehicle accident might have a claim for damages against the responsible party. These damages may include medical bills, personal property damage, pain and suffering, and lost time at work. An attorney with experience in personal injury law might help that individual negotiate a settlement with the responsible party or their insurance company. An attorney may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue damages through the court system in cases where a settlement isn’t possible.