Auto Accident Injury FAQs

Despite their dubious reputation, soft tissue injuries can be very real and can cause a lot of pain and suffering. If you experience a soft tissue injury, it is important to see a medical professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment. You may also need to speak with an attorney about your legal rights.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that occurs in the neck. It is also referred to as neck sprain, neck strain, hyperextension/hyperflexion injury, and acceleration/deceleration injury. This type of neck injury typically occurs following a rear-collision auto accident or truck accident, at low or high speed. The unexpected motion from the collision (or other impact) causes damage to the muscles, tendons, nerves and vertebrae in the neck.

What is soft tissue damage?

Soft tissue damage is the general term used to describe injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, like the damage caused during whiplash. In many cases, the damage cannot be seen by the naked eye, which is what adds to the skepticism of some people regarding whiplash and other soft tissue damage. Even though soft tissue damage does not affect bones or organs, these types of injuries can be very painful.

Can symptoms be faked?

Various studies show that most people do not know enough about the true symptoms of soft tissue damage and whiplash to fake a neck sprain. A medical professional will also be able to verify the victim's injury in whiplash cases. The symptoms of whiplash may occur immediately following an accident or several days after an accident.

Are there available treatments?

Medical treatment for whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can include physical therapy, chiropractic care, the prescription of pain medication, muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory drugs, and other therapies.

What should I do if I have been injured?

If you have been in an accident, seek medical care immediately. It is important that you also contact a personal injury attorney with experience in car accident litigation before you sign anything your insurance company wants you to sign. Because the effects of soft tissue damage can linger, it is important to make sure you are properly compensated.