Three Common Soft Tissue Injuries After a Car Accident

A soft tissue injury is any injury that affects your body’s soft tissues. Soft tissues include muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Three common soft tissue injuries that could be sustained in a car accident include:

Injury #1: Whiplash. Whiplash occurs when a sudden force, like a car collision, causes the head and neck to jerk backward or forward. It affects the neck and back, but it could also cause a head concussion. Effects could include pain and stiffness, nerve damage, headaches, and cognitive issues.

Injury #2: Contusions. A contusion is a bruise that occurs from blunt force or impact. It affects the underlying muscle and tissue. Contusions can cause inflammation, swelling, and mobility issues. Depending on the severity of the accident and without medical attention, contusions could cause permanent damage to the body’s soft tissue.

Injury #3: Herniated Disc Injuries. Some accident survivors experience back pain. The back is full of soft tissue that is especially vulnerable in the event of a collision. Herniated disc injuries could occur when force is placed on the back and moves a spinal disc out of place. The spinal disc could put pressure on surrounding nerve tissue, causing sharp pain in the back and other limbs.

Should I Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident?

Yes. First, soft-tissue injuries are not visible. Soft tissue injuries can have delayed symptoms for up to a few days, making it challenging to identify the source of your pain. Unlike a broken bone, soft tissue injuries cannot be seen using X-rays. Since soft-tissue injuries are not visible like other car accident injuries, speaking with a doctor is even more critical when you want to file a claim with your insurance company or against another driver. Proof that you have received medical attention is essential because insurance companies use medical history to assess the validity of your injury. You should continue seeking medical attention if your injury symptoms persist.

Need a Lufkin Car Accident Attorney?

If you have been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver or entity, contact the car accident attorneys at Mike Love & Associates, LLC. We advocate for victims of car accidents in Lufkin and the surrounding East Texas areas. You could have a viable case to recover compensation for your injuries. Call us today at (936) 632-2000 to discuss your situation.

Common Causes of Texas Distracted Driving Accidents

“Supernatural” TV star and Austin native Jensen Ackles recently spoke about the dangers of distracted driving in a PSA for the Texas Department of Transportation, or TxDOT. The ad is part of a new “Heads up, Texas” campaign launched by TxDOT in response to recent distracted-driving accidents in Texas involving mobile phone use. Ackles raised awareness about the dangers of texting while driving and how your phone can cause serious accidents. It’s also now against the law in Texas.

Why Distracted Driving Is Dangerous

A texting-while-driving ban passed the Texas Senate last year. House Bill 62 was passed as a statewide ban on reading and sending electronic messages from a cell phone while operating a vehicle. This ban is in response to alarming statistics relating to distracted driving in Texas. Roughly 100,000 of the reported car accidents in Texas last year, or 19 percent, involved some distracted driving. These distracted driving accidents resulted in 452 deaths statewide. Keep in mind that some Texas cities have different restrictions on phone use while driving. For example, Austin has a stricter ordinance that completely prohibits cell phone use while driving in city limits. If you have been involved in a car accident due to someone else’s distracted driving, you could potentially seek compensation for your injuries. Contact Mike Love & Associates, LLC for a free consultation with a car accident attorney about your situation.