What Are the Most Common Soft-Tissue Injuries From Car Accidents in New Jersey?

Soft-tissue injuries affect your muscles, tendons or ligaments. These tissues are essential for the stability and full functioning of various body parts, like your knees, neck, shoulders and elbows. While soft-tissue injuries are often dismissed as minor, these injuries can be devastating to your mobility, while causing significant pain.

If you suffered a soft-tissue injury from a New Jersey car accident, you have the right to pursue compensation for your damages. Let our knowledgeable New Jersey car collision lawyers help you file an insurance claim to pursue the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.

We represent crash victims on contingency, which means there are no upfront costs with our services.

Below, we discuss some of the most common types of soft-tissue injuries that may result from a car crash caused by another driver’s negligence.

Whiplash

One of the most common types of soft-tissue injuries after a car accident is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when a person’s head is rapidly jerked back and forth, causing the muscles and ligaments in the neck to be strained.

Symptoms of whiplash include the following:

• Neck pain, which worsens with movement
• Stiffness
• Numbness in your arms
• Tenderness in your shoulder or upper back
• Headaches
• Restricted range of motion

In severe cases, individuals may experience:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Cognitive difficulties
• Blurry vision
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Trouble sleeping

Seeking immediate medical attention is extremely important, as early intervention can prevent long-term complications.

Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are another common type of soft-tissue injury that can occur in a car crash.

A sprain refers to the stretching or tearing of ligaments. This is the connective tissue holding one bone to another, which stabilizes the joint. Any damage to the ligament can impede bending and other motions.

A strain involves damage to muscles or tendons. The tendons are what attach muscles to the bone. When there is damage to a tendon, range of motion is also limited, as is the strength of one’s muscles. This could affect a person’s ability to lift even the lightest of items.

Impact or sudden movement during a collision can cause sprains or strains in various parts of the body, including the following:

• Shoulders
• Back
• Arms
• Legs
• Neck

Some symptoms to look out for include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Limited mobility

Rest, physical therapy, and rehabilitation exercises are often recommended for recovery. However, more severe injuries, such as torn ligaments, may require surgery and more extensive rehabilitation.

Contusions

Contusions, better known as bruises, are very common after a car crash.

Bruises occur when the body experiences a direct blow, causing blood vessels to rupture beneath the skin. Contusions can be painful, discolored and swollen.

While they typically heal on their own within a few weeks, severe or deep contusions may require medical attention. Applying ice, keeping the injured area elevated and taking over-the-counter pain relievers may help manage symptoms.

Generally, contusions accompany other more serious injuries, so it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible after a crash.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon. This is another soft-tissue injury that can result from a car accident.

The sudden impact or repetitive motions during the crash can strain tendons, leading to pain, tenderness and swelling.

Tendonitis often affects the shoulders, elbows, wrists and knees. A doctor may recommend physical therapy to help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Some at-home care may also include applying an ice pack to the affected area and getting rest.

Herniated Discs

A herniated disc is one of the more severe types of soft-tissue injuries. It is also very common after a car accident.

The force exerted during a car accident can cause herniated discs. This occurs when the soft cushioning discs between the spinal vertebrae are compressed to the point that the jelly-like substance in the middle seeps out onto the nerves around the spine.

Herniated discs result in pain, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness. Depending on the severity, treatments may include physical therapy, pain management and in some cases, surgical intervention.

If the herniated disc occurs in the cervical vertebrae (the neck), the spinal cord may be compressed to cause paralysis in the upper or lower extremities. The compression of the spinal cord is called spinal stenosis.

It is important to note that a lot of accident victims may not feel the symptoms of a herniated disc for days or weeks after the crash. Early diagnosis and appropriate medical care are crucial for successful recovery. That is why it is important to get to a doctor as soon as possible after an accident.

What Are My Legal Options For Recovering Compensation After a Soft-Tissue Injury?

New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state. This means that after an accident, you should turn to your own Personal Injury Protection insurance to seek compensation for medical expenses and other economic damages, regardless of who is at fault.

However, this system has limitations. If your damages exceed the limits of your insurance policy or if your injury is severe, you may have the option to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance.

Depending on the type of insurance plan you have, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for additional damages, like pain and suffering.

Need Help Filing a Claim? Call Us Today

Soft-tissue injuries are a common consequence of car accidents in New Jersey. These types of injuries result in pain, discomfort and reduced mobility, which can seriously impact a person’s life.

These are all damages that should be compensated if they were caused by another person’s negligent actions. Our attorneys are prepared to help you pursue the compensation you need, at no upfront cost to you. Our firm has recovered millions on behalf of our clients.*

Call 800-518-0508 to schedule a free consultation today.