Car accidents place tremendous force on the human body. Even a “minor” collision can cause lasting soft tissue damage. These injuries impact connective tissue such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
They can result in chronic pain and discomfort. Victims deserve justice. However, sadly, insurance companies often downplay the seriousness of soft tissue damage. You need to take a proactive approach to secure full and fair compensation. Within this article, our Lexington car accident lawyer provides a guide to handling soft tissue injuries after a crash in South Carolina.
Soft Tissue Injury Car Accident? Seek Immediate Medical Attention
All car accident injuries should be evaluated and treated by a doctor. If you suffered any type of soft tissue damage in a crash, you must seek professional medical care right away. Soft tissue injuries may not appear immediately because swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility often develop hours or even days later. Your health and well-being must be a top priority after a crash.
Do not assume that you are fine. You may be more severely hurt than you initially realize. Delaying treatment can both worsen your condition and create problems in your legal claim. In South Carolina, insurance adjusters frequently argue that delayed medical care is evidence of a less serious injury. By seeking prompt attention from a qualified physician, you establish a clear medical record linking the crash to your injuries.
Know the Most Common Types of Soft Tissue Injuries in Motor Vehicle Collisions
A study cited by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that car crashes lead to more than one million soft tissue injuries in the United States each year. Soft tissue damage can take a wide range of different forms. Some of the most common soft tissue injuries in South Carolina include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is an injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head. It strains neck muscles and ligaments. Whiplash is most common in rear-end collisions and may result in headaches, dizziness, and long-term neck pain.
- Sprains: Sprains happen because of the stretching or tearing of ligaments. They may impact ankles, knees, wrists, or other joints. The severity of a sprain can vary. In the worst cases, surgery may even be required.
- Strains: A strain is damage to muscles or tendons caused by overstretching or sudden force. Victims may experience spasms, weakness, and prolonged mobility restrictions. Some strains are very severe injuries.
- Contusions (Bruises): Trauma to the underlying tissue due to blunt force impact. While many heal in weeks, deep contusions can lead to hematomas and ongoing discomfort. A car accident victim could be left with serious pain for months or even longer.
South Carolina is a Fault-Based Car Accident State
South Carolina is a fault-based car accident state. The party (driver or otherwise) who is responsible for causing the crash is legally obligated to compensate victims for damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Every car accident in Lexington should be carefully investigated by an experienced attorney to determine what exactly went wrong. All at-fault parties must be identified.
Note: South Carolina also applies a modified comparative negligence standard (S.C. Code § 15-38-15). If you are found partially at fault for the collision, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. Further, you cannot recover damages if you are more than 50 percent responsible for your own accident.
Insurance Companies Often Downplay Soft Tissue Damage
Insurance companies often downplay soft tissue damage because these injuries are harder to prove than broken bones or visible wounds. Adjusters may argue that pain is subjective, that symptoms are exaggerated, or that the injuries were pre-existing rather than caused by the crash. They rely on the fact that soft tissue injuries do not always show up on X-rays or other imaging tests. A Lexington car accident lawyer can help you fight back.
For soft tissue damage cases, proving causation and the extent of injury is crucial. Insurance companies often argue that symptoms are exaggerated or unrelated to the crash, relying on the subjective nature of pain. To counter this, injured victims must present objective evidence such as medical evaluations, physical therapy records, and testimony from treating physicians. The more medical evidence that you have, the better positioned you will be to prove the existence and severity of your soft tissue injury.
Can Soft Tissue Damage Be Permanent?
Yes. Although many soft tissue injuries resolve within weeks or months, others may become long-lasting or even permanent. Chronic pain conditions, scar tissue development, and recurring inflammation are common in cases involving serious accidents. When pursuing compensation, it is important to account for both current and future damages. South Carolina law allows recovery for projected medical expenses, ongoing therapy, and diminished earning capacity. Testimony from medical experts can establish the likelihood of permanent impairment.
Why Trust the Lexington Auto Accident Lawyers at Smith & Jones Law
Car accident injury claims are complicated, especially for those who suffered a soft tissue injury. At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, we have the professional experience needed to hold big insurance companies accountable. Our case results tell the story best. With a law office that is conveniently located in Lexington, we are proud to serve the entire community, including the suburban and outlying areas. Lexington’s 29072 zip code covers much of the town center and surrounding neighborhoods. Families in this area enjoy community events at the Icehouse Amphitheater and easy access to the shops and restaurants along Main Street.
Contact Our Lexington, SC Car Crash Attorneys for a Free Initial Case Review
At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, our Lexington car accident attorneys have the knowledge, skills, and proven legal experience that injured victims can trust. If you were hurt in a crash and you suffered a serious soft tissue injury, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation. With an office in Lexington, we handle motor vehicle accident injury claims across the broader region.