The moments after a car accident are often a blur. You might feel shaken, but relieved if your car looks okay and you don’t see any blood on you. It’s easy to brush off any aches and pains, telling yourself it was just a small fender bender. But what about the injuries you can’t see?
What are soft tissue injuries?
Soft tissue injuries refer to damage to muscles, tendons and ligaments – the tissues that connect, support and control your body’s movement. The most common soft tissue injuries people get after a car accident include:
- Whiplash: This is perhaps the most well-known soft tissue injury associated with car crashes. Whiplash occurs when a sudden force causes the head to jerk forward and backward. It causes strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms include pain, stiffness and headache.
- Sprain and strain: Sprains and strains are injuries that involve the overstretching or tearing of ligaments and muscles and tendons, respectively. They can result in swelling, pain and limited mobility.
- Contusion: More known as bruises, contusions happen when blood vessels burst and are damaged due to a direct blow. This can cause pain, swelling and discoloration.
These can be deceptive because they don’t always show up on X-rays. You may feel fine initially, only to experience escalating pain and stiffness in the days and weeks that follow.
Why you should be worried
Ignoring soft tissue injuries can have long-term consequences. In addition, these injuries can also aggravate underlying conditions, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. Untreated whiplash, for example, can lead to chronic pain, headaches and limited range of motion. Beyond the physical discomfort, these injuries can also impact your quality of life.
Will insurance cover these injuries?
The answer is that it depends. While some insurance companies may be willing to cover soft tissue injuries, others may be more resistant, citing the lack of objective evidence. This is why it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. A medical professional can document your injuries and provide evidence to support your claim.
Don’t wait before seeking help
The aftermath of an accident can feel overwhelming. An educated insight of your injuries and your rights can help you make a full recovery. Seeking guidance from professionals with background in motor vehicle accidents may help protect your health and secure the compensation you deserve.