Common Soft Tissue Injuries Caused By Rochester Car Accidents

After a car accident in Rochester, you may not feel like you’re anything more than just a little sore. However, certain “soft tissue injuries,” especially those that happen as a result of a rear-end collision, may not show up immediately.

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Rochester, you are entitled to compensation form the other driver’s insurance company. This includes the cost of fixing or replacing your vehicle, as well as covering your medical bills and any aftercare treatment. If you are injured, getting prompt medical attention can be essential to any future case.

What Are Soft Tissue Injuries?

Soft tissue injuries are injuries to the “soft” areas of the body, including ligaments, tendons, and muscles. When your body is hit by a car, the trajectory can pull your tendons and ligaments farther than intended, resulting in sprains and strains. Your muscles may become bruised, or you may have deep tissue contusions.

Soft tissue injuries may not show up right away, especially damage to the neck and spine. Compressed vertebrae are common in these cases as are range-of-motion deficits in the neck, back, and lumbar spine. They can be somewhat difficult to diagnose from emergency treatment right after a wreck, so if you’ve been struck by a car, it’s important to have a proper medical evaluation.

Whiplash and Car Accidents

Whiplash is the most common soft tissue injury from car accidents. This cervical strain or hyperextension injury is caused when the impact from a rear-end collision causes your head to move back and forth violently, like a whip. Whiplash symptoms include stiffness in the neck or sharp pain, and back problems.

Although some cases may be minor, if left untreated, whiplash can lead to chronic pain and discomfort, inability to fully perform daily living tasks, and problems at work.

Why Should I Seek Medical Attention?

After a car wreck, and you suspect you were hurt, the longer you wait for diagnosis and treatment, the more difficult it can be for medical professionals to say the injuries were from the accident.

To file an insurance claim for your medical bills, you need documentation of treatment. Your car accident attorney can help you compile this, but you must take the initiative for scheduling your appointments. Without back-up from a doctor, the other driver’s insurance company may try to contest the claim that your injuries came from the crash.

The Law Offices of William Mattar can help if you’ve been hurt in a car wreck in Rochester. We have skill and experience protecting our clients’ interests and fighting big insurance companies all the way to the mediation table or the courtroom.