Soft-tissue injuries can be painful, inconvenient and debilitating. After a car accident, these injuries can interfere with your ability to enjoy daily life and engage in productive work. It is important not to underestimate the cost of a soft-tissue injury as a crash victim in New York. You may need help from an experienced Forest Hills car accident attorney to negotiate the settlement you deserve.
What Is a Soft-Tissue Injury?
Soft-tissue injuries describe damage to the tendons, ligaments, muscles, blood vessels and connective tissues. In a car accident, a victim’s soft tissues can suffer harm from sudden impact, blunt-force trauma, torsion, overextension and deep bruising.
Common soft-tissue injuries from car accidents include:
- Whiplash (a neck injury)
- Sprains and strains
- Torn ligaments
- Back injuries
- Disk injuries (herniation, slipped disks, ruptures)
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Bruising or contusions
- Burn injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
Every car accident is unique. A crash survivor in New York may experience one or multiple soft-tissue injuries, which may or may not be accompanied by injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, spinal cord injuries and brain injuries.
Symptoms of Soft-Tissue Injuries
Sometimes, soft-tissue injuries can be overlooked after an automobile accident. Symptoms may not arise for hours or even days after the crash. Common symptoms include pain in the affected area, limited movement or mobility problems, stiffness, swelling or inflammation, bruising, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, and back pain.
Soft-tissue damage can also cause secondary symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, tingling or numbness due to nerve damage, or blurred vision. The possibility of a hidden or delayed injury is why you should go to a hospital after a New York car accident without delay, even if you feel fine at first. You may have a soft-tissue injury that is hidden by shock or adrenaline.
What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement for a Soft-Tissue Injury in New York?
Soft-tissue injury settlements in New York can range from $2,500 for minor injuries to over $1 million for severe injuries, but no “average” car accident settlement amount can accurately reflect how much your case is worth.
Many factors influence case values, including the severity of the injury, how much it will impact the victim, the amount of medical care needed, and whether the injury will take the victim out of work temporarily or permanently. Discuss your case with an attorney for an accurate estimate.
How Hiring an Attorney Can Benefit You
Soft-tissue injury claims can be difficult to prove. Car insurance companies may argue that you are exaggerating your symptoms, your injuries are less severe than you are reporting, you had pre-existing injuries or even that you were not injured at all. The most effective way to protect yourself is by hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you.
A lawyer will direct you to the right doctors in your area for soft-tissue injury treatment and help you document your injuries for insurance purposes. Your lawyer can take over the claims process, negotiating with insurance claims adjusters to help you achieve a fair settlement. An attorney can hire qualified medical experts and other specialists to strengthen your case, as needed.
If you recently suffered a soft-tissue injury in a New York car accident, contact Abaev Law Firm, PLLC without delay for a free initial consultation.