Posted on Friday, February 10th, 2017 at 12:46 am
In the minutes and hours following a car accident, the flood of adrenaline and endorphins may mask some of your symptoms. It may appear that you were not injured in the car accident when in reality you suffered soft tissue damage.
Damage to your tendons, muscles, and ligaments can make itself known in the days and weeks following the accident. You may begin to experience reduced mobility in addition to increased swelling and pain. It is important not to ignore these symptoms of soft tissue damage. It is vital for your health and your accident claim that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after any accident. Only a trained medical professional can correctly evaluate your health and diagnose injuries sustained in a car accident.
The Problem with Soft Tissue Damage Claims
Unlike other injuries sustained in a car accident, soft tissue damage is not obvious. There may be no outward sign of trauma such as lacerations, bruises, or broken bones. However, the damage to your tendons, muscles, or ligaments can be severe. If left untreated, soft tissue damage can worsen. In most cases, soft tissue damage heals within a few weeks or months. However, some accident victims suffer severe whiplash, chronic pain, herniated discs, or joint dysfunction. These injuries can result in costly medical treatments and substantial lost time from work.
Unfortunately, soft tissue damage does not show up on x-rays or other diagnostic scans. Insurance companies understand that the severity of soft tissue damage can be exaggerated and victims can fabricate symptoms. For this reason, it is wise to consult with an experienced Sacramento car accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Because attorneys deal with cases involving soft tissue damage on a regular basis, they can give you guidance on the steps you need to take to protect your right to receive compensation for your injuries. In most cases, this includes immediate medical treatment by a trained medical professional with experience treating soft tissue damage.
Symptoms of Soft Tissue Damage
Knowing the symptoms of soft tissue damage is also important. While you should always be checked by a doctor following any car accident, you should definitely seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Swelling in the affected area
- Pain or discomfort that becomes worse with movement
- Tightness or decrease in mobility
- Bruising over the affected area
- Tenderness when pressure is applied to the area
- Loss of function (usually when there is a complete tear)
- Instability or weakness in the affected area
- Redness of the skin or heat that can be felt in the affected area
This is not an exhaustive list of signs and symptoms of soft tissue damage. If you experience any symptoms or pain, seek medical attention.
Call A Sacramento Car Accident Attorney for Help
If you are injured in a car accident, our attorneys can help you file an accident claim. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation and no-obligation case evaluation. Get the legal advice you need to make the best decision for you regarding your accident claim.
Call the Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website to ask questions or schedule your free appointment.
