As you make your way from Point A to Point B, your main focus is on scratching off the next item on your to-do list. However, all of a sudden, a negligent driver strikes your car from behind, and you feel pain. Now, your to-do list is the least of your worries.
Common kinds of car crash injuries — particularly in rear-end car accident situations — are soft tissue injuries. Here is a glimpse at what soft tissue injuries are and what your rights are if you suffer these types of injuries due to another motorist’s negligence.
Injuries to your soft tissues
Various types of these injuries exist, such as sprains, bruises, strains and whiplash. Sprains occur when joints are overextended, thus causing ligaments to be damaged. Strains, on the other hand, happen when people overuse their muscles or tendons.
A soft tissue injury can cause significant discomfort. For instance, you may feel sore, stiff, bruised and swollen. This is because a car accident can easily jolt you and bump you around.
Whiplash in particular
Whiplash remains among the most commonly occurring type of soft tissue injury. Also called cervical strain, cervical sprain or a hyperextension injury, this type of injury can happen if your head moves back and forth rapidly in a crash. A few indicators of a whiplash injury are as follows:
- Cognitive issues, for instance, concentration or memory problems
- Sharp pain in the neck
- Issues with the back
These symptoms might show up immediately, or they could appear several days after your crash. Either way, as soon as you experience these symptoms, it is in your best interests to see a doctor and call your local auto accident attorney. Your doctor can diagnose your injuries and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your situation.
Your rights following an accident leading to a soft tissue injury
If somebody else’s negligence resulted in your whiplash injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation through the civil court system. Competent proof of negligence is necessary to establish liability before the court hearing your civil case.
In a successfully fought claim, a court might award you financial damages that may help with addressing your health care bills as well as other losses stemming from the accident. A damage award might also help you to address pain and suffering, as well as any emotional distress that your accident caused you.
