Soft Tissue Injury

What Is Considered a Soft Tissue Injury After a Car Accident?

A soft tissue injury is any type of injury that affects the tendons, muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues in the body. These injuries are often hidden and cannot be seen on X-rays or CT scans. The only indication that you have been injured after a soft tissue injury car accident is the soreness or pain you feel. However, the source of your injury could be in a different location from where you are experiencing soreness or pain.

Common Types of Soft Tissue Injuries

• Whiplash: Whiplash occurs from the head being forcefully moved back and forth during the impact force of a car crash. Some of the signs and symptoms of whiplash after a crash are headaches, neck stiffness, and pain.
• Sprains: When there is tearing or stretching of ligaments, it causes sprains. Typical locations of sprains after a car accident are the wrists, ankles, and knees. 
• Strains: When tendons or muscles are injured, they cause strains, which can lead to spasms and discomfort. Common locations of car accident strains include the shoulders, back, and legs. 
• Contusions: When blood vessels are broken, they cause contusions (bruising), which do not always appear initially following a car crash. 
• Pinched nerves: The force of the impact from a car crash can cause pressure on the nerves in surrounding soft tissues, which can then seize up. When a nerve is pinched, it can cause pain in a different area of the body. For instance, a pinched nerve in the lower back can cause shooting pains up and down the legs and arms.

What Documentation Is Needed To Prove a Soft Tissue Injury Claim in Colorado?

Proving a soft tissue injury car accident claim in Colorado can be challenging due to the nature of the type of injury, especially when you have delayed symptoms after a car accident.

Documentation you should have includes:

• Medical documentation: You will need documentation from your doctor indicating the type of soft tissue injury, the severity of the injury, and any MRI imaging showing the injury. You also need documentation for any treatment you are receiving, such as physical therapy.  
• Police report: You should have a copy of the police report that indicates who was at fault, and other information that can support your claim.
• Witness statements: Witness statements can help support your claim by providing details about the accident, and who was responsible for the crash.
• Photos and videos: You should have pictures and videos of the accident scene, as they show the extent of damage to each vehicle and can support your soft tissue injury claim. 

How Do You Calculate Damages for Soft Tissue Injuries?

Calculating the damages for soft tissue injuries depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Economic damages are easier to calculate as they are your actual financial losses, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damages

Non-economic damages are slightly more difficult to calculate because they involve:

• The severity of your injury
• The extent of pain and suffering
• The impact on your life

Generally, a multiplier is used that ranges between 1.5 and five, and is based on the severity of your injuries and the impact they have on your daily activities. 

Why Do You Need a Lawyer If You Have Soft Tissue Injuries From a Car Accident in Colorado?

Proving common car accident injuries in Colorado, such as broken bones, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and slipped discs, is easier because these injuries show up on X-rays and CT scans. Soft tissue injuries are more complex and challenging to prove because they are not visibly noticeable, even though they can be rather painful.  As a result, insurance companies will often try to downplay the seriousness of these types of injuries to minimize your settlement.

Some of the reasons you need a soft tissue injury lawyer include:

• Gathering the evidence required to support your claim.
• Building a solid claim based on the extent of your injuries.
• Understanding the tactics insurance companies use to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
• Handling all negotiations with the insurance company so you can focus on healing and recovery.
• Ensuring you receive maximum compensation.

What To Expect When Working With a Personal Injury Attorney on a Soft Tissue Case

When you get help from a soft tissue injury lawyer for your injury case, you can expect:

• Free initial consultation and case evaluation: Your attorney will review your case, answer your questions, estimate the value of your claim, and discuss your legal options for securing a settlement.
• Investigation and gathering evidence: If you retain the attorney, they will conduct their own investigation and gather the evidence needed to support your claim. 
• Prepare a demand for payment from the insurance company: They will submit your claim to the insurance company on your behalf, and the amount you are seeking for compensation.
• Negotiations: Your lawyer will handle all negotiations and advise you when to accept a settlement offer. 
• Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, they will file the necessary paperwork for a lawsuit against the responsible driver and their insurance company. They will litigate the case in court and submit evidence to support your claim for a verdict in your favor. 

Why Choose Bachus & Schanker for Your Soft Tissue Injury Claim in Colorado?

Some of the reasons to choose Bachus & Schanker for your soft tissue injury claim are:

• Expertise in car accident injury claims
• Results-driven approach
• Free consultation and case evaluation
• No upfront fees
• Comprehensive and personalized legal representation
• Client-centric approach and emotional support
• Aggressively advocates for their clients to secure maximum compensation
• Reputation
• Community involvement
• Trial experience
• Resources and state-of-the-art technologies to secure favorable settlements

At Bachus & Schanker, we have successfully recovered more than $1 billion for our clients. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve for your soft tissue injuries by scheduling your free consultation and case evaluation now. Even if you have already received a settlement offer from the insurance company, do not accept it until you speak to us and get free legal advice to ensure it is a fair offer. 

Related Car Accident Resources