Types of Soft Tissue Injuries from Car Accidents
Airbags and seatbelts can soften the impact of a car accident, but are often not enough to prevent internal injuries. Soft tissue injuries describe damage to the tendons, muscles, or nerves. The most common soft tissue injuries caused by car accidents are bruises, sprains, strains, and whiplash. Bruises can heal on their own, but sprains, strains, and whiplash can become worse if left untreated.
In severe cases, torn tendons or muscles may require surgery and medications that can cost thousands of dollars. You may not have to struggle with these expenses if the accident was caused by the other driver. Talk to a New York personal injury lawyer about determining negligence if you are concerned about your medical bills.
The Difference Between Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains involve damage to the muscles or ligaments. The pain experienced from a sprain originates from damaged ligaments. Any kind of violent force against a joint can result in ligament stretching or tearing. Severe ligament tearing usually requires surgery and prolonged rest. You may have to take off time from work for recovery if your job demands a lot of strenuous activity.
Strains occur when muscles are stretched too far or contacted too fast. Some strains involve muscle tearing, which also takes time to heal. Symptoms of both strains and sprains include:
- Swelling at the site of injury
- Bruising discoloration
- Pain when you move the area
Mild sprains and strains are treated at home with rest, placing ice on the area, applying pressure, and elevation. Most of these injuries heal within six weeks, but this can vary depending on the severity of your injury. Severe cases may require medications or surgery.
Prolonged Side Effects of Whiplash
Whiplash is the result of violent movements of the neck that damage muscles and nerves. Nerve damage may lead to chronic pain that can last years. Treatment for chronic pain often involves trial and error. Your doctor may try heat and cold first, then prescription pain medications or muscle relaxers if the pain continues. Injections of numbing agents are used in severe cases.
Prolonged whiplash pain can lead to:
- Neck stiffness
- Drowsiness during the day
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision or ringing ears
- Trouble with concentration and memory
- Depression
Pain can be greatly distracting during the day, but can also prevent adequate sleep at night. This can lead to lost wages and psychological distress. Some people exercise or undergo physical therapy, in addition to taking medication, to reduce pain or heal the area.
New York Car Accident Lawyer
Medical expenses for soft tissue injuries can be expensive if the injuries are severe or prolonged. Long-term care for whiplash, like physical therapy, is not free. If you are struggling with psychological distress or lost wages after a car accident caused by another driver, try consulting with a Central New York car accident attorney.
We have over 50 years of experience at Gattuso & Ciotoli in working with clients who have suffered a variety of injuries from car accidents. Our legal team works within four areas of practice in several locations in New York that includes Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn. Call (315) 314-8000 for a free consultation today and we will answer any questions you may have about your current situation.