The soft tissues refer to the non-bony parts of the body like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These can be stretched to the point of injury through any sudden, uncontrolled movement, which explains why they often result from car collisions. Drivers in Oklahoma will want to know more about the symptoms of soft tissue strain, sprains, and tears because they cannot be detected by any X-ray and are hard to diagnose.
A typical soft tissue injury will lead to chronic aches and pain as well as swelling and a loss of function in the affected limbs. In severe cases when the soft tissue is bruised, blood may well up inside. Symptoms may appear hours after a crash or several days after it. Because of this, many victims delay medical treatment and wind up hindering the healing process.
One common form of soft tissue injury is whiplash. When drivers are rear-ended, their head snaps back and forth, putting strain on the neck tissue and thus giving rise to the condition. Victims may experience shooting pains in the neck, a burning and tingling sensation in the injured area, and pain in the back and shoulders.
In severe cases, whiplash can lead to a slipped disc and joint dysfunction in the spine. Whiplash victims may even develop depression and anxiety as part of an accident-related PTSD.
After a car accident, victims might benefit from consulting with an attorney. They may only have a case if the other driver was negligent, but the lawyer may be able to hire investigators to build up the case with physical evidence found at the accident scene, police reports, and whatever else is required. Since soft tissue injuries may require continual medical care, the lawyer may negotiate for a settlement that includes such expenses. If the insurance companies deny payment, the lawyer may choose to litigate.