Wilmington Soft Tissue Injury Attorneys

Vehicle Accident Soft Tissue Injuries

If you are injured in an accident, it is critical that you seek medical treatment. Many injuries are not apparent at first, especially those to the soft tissues of the body. For this reason, you should see a doctor after an accident, whether or not you "think" your injuries are serious or not. In order to get compensation to treat those injuries, you should speak to a seasoned North Carolina car accident attorney.

The accident lawyers at Rhine Law Firm, P.C., have provided successful representation for many years. If you were injured by a negligent driver, we encourage you to contact us without further delay.

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What Are Soft Tissue Injuries?

The crashing impact of a car accident often damages soft tissues. These injuries occur in tendons, ligaments, and muscles and may lead to pain and prolonged discomfort including swelling, soreness, stiffness, and bruising. In severe cases, the injuries may require significant time to heal, medical treatment, and surgery. Soft tissue injuries can be either acute (caused by a sudden blow) or overuse (develop over a period of time).

In a car wreck, soft tissue damage is almost always acute:

• Whiplash: Injuries that occur from a jerking movement of the neck are whiplash injuries. Rear-end collisions commonly lead to this injury. Typically, the victim will first exhibit pain and stiffening in the neck, with or without a headache. Depending on the whiplash, it can take several months to recover from and require medication for pain, exercise, and therapy. Longer-term chronic neck discomfort and related difficulties could persist. Other potential symptoms include:
  • Pain upon moving the neck
  • Reduced range of motion in the neck
  • Tenderness in the upper part of the back and/or shoulders
  • Feelings of numbness in the arms
  • Dizziness
• Sprained Ligaments: When ligaments (connective tissue between bones) are extended or torn, the result is a sprain. Ligaments are vital for stabilizing the joints in the body and the most frequently injured are in the wrist, knee, or ankle. There are three basic levels of sprain:
  • Grade 1: A mild injury from stretched fibers
  • Grade 2: A moderate injury from a partially torn ligament that loosens the joint, which may require a brace to facilitate recovery
  • Grade 3: A severe injury where the ligament is completely torn, rendering the joint unusable; surgical procedures are usually necessary
• Strains to Muscles or Tendons: A strain occurs when a muscle and/or tendon is damaged. Tendons provide a rubber-like link between muscles and bones, and injuries are common in the feet, legs, and back. Strains can be minor, such as when a muscle or tendon is stretched, or severe, when either is torn. The symptoms are usually muscle spasms, weakness, swelling, and cramps. Although surgery may be needed for severe strains, many are simply treated with RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
• Contusions (Bruises): A contusion occurs when the body receives a blow that injures the muscle and tissue underneath without breaking the skin. These are common in motor vehicle accidents and can usually be managed using RICE. The site of the impact will often be discolored, due to a mass of blood that gathers underneath. Surgical treatment is rarely necessary.

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What to Do After an Accident

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, try to proceed calmly. Check whether you have been injured and provide assistance to others if you are qualified to do so. Contact 911 and if moderate or severe injuries have occurred, request emergency medical responders. Follow the instructions of law enforcement. Remember that there is no benefit to making opinions about or admitting fault. At this time, you should focus exclusively on your medical condition and even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor. Many symptoms of soft tissue injuries take hours or days to surface. Seek assistance from a qualified personal injury attorney for a consultation when possible.

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Lawyers for North Carolina Car Accident Victims

Rhine Law Firm, P.C., has the knowledge and experience necessary to deliver results for clients injured in vehicle accidents. We offer a complimentary consultation to review the details of your case. Make the call to (910) 772-9960 or (866) 772-9960 today.

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Additional Information

• Car Accidents and Catastrophic Injury
• Sprains, Strains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries
• Neck Injuries - Neck Disorders - MedlinePlus