Soft tissue injuries often result from the blunt force impact experienced during an auto accident. Although not immediately apparent, these injuries consist of damage to muscles, tendons or ligaments and can vary in severity and duration. Depending on their seriousness, the victim may be entitled to monetary damages.

The following are the most common types of soft tissue injuries suffered in car accidents:

• Whiplash — This type of injury happens when the neck is rapidly jerked forward and backward, such as in a rear-end collision. The violent motion puts strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms, including neck pain and stiffness, can develop days after the accident and can sometimes be misidentified as arthritis.

• Contusions — Bruises and welts occur when blunt force causes small blood vessels under the skin to rupture. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling and discoloration. While surface contusions can heal on their own, deep tissue damage requires medical treatment.

• Tendonitis — Repetitive strain or direct trauma can cause inflammation of the fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. Symptoms of tendonitis include pain, tenderness and restricted movement in the affected area.

• Bursitis — Bursae are small sacs filled with fluid that cushion bones, tendons and muscles near the joints. Bursitis is inflammation of those sacs brought on by blunt force trauma. symptoms include swelling, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder, elbow, hip or knee.

• Muscle tears — Ranging from mild strains to complete ruptures, these tears result in pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty using the affected muscle. The worst cases can bring prolonged disability and require surgical intervention.

Soft tissue injuries have a tendency to linger, producing chronic pain, recurrent discomfort and, in some cases, long-term disability. Because the symptoms of soft tissue injuries may not be immediately apparent, accident victims should seek prompt medical evaluation. This involves obtaining a detailed diagnosis, which may include medical imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds to detect internal damage.

Victims of soft tissue injuries can pursue varied types of damages, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. An experienced automobile accident attorney is vital to proper presentation of your claim. An attorney can gather medical evidence, calculate damages and take action to obtain fair compensation.

Hope & Causey, P.C. in Conroe, Texas represents victims of motor vehicle accidents throughout Montgomery County, San Antonio, Houston, and the surrounding areas. For a free initial consultation, call 936-441-4673 or contact us online today.