Damage to muscles, tendons and ligaments is quite common in car crashes. Victims may also suffer other soft-tissue injuries such as sprains, strains and bruising to the back, head and neck. These types of injuries can take many forms and cause a great deal of pain, discomfort and limited mobility.
However, soft-tissue injuries are not always immediately apparent. It can be harder to validate such injuries on imaging scans or get an objective medical opinion about a victim’s level of pain. That is why insurance companies often take soft-tissue injuries less seriously and dispute these claims.
At Sigman Janssen, we know how debilitating these injuries can be. We are ready to pursue maximum compensation for car crash victims who have suffered soft-tissue injuries due to another’s negligence. Our firm has successfully recovered millions on behalf of our clients. Below, we further discuss the challenges car crash victims may face in claiming compensation for a soft-tissue injury.
Call (877) 888-5201 for a Free Case Review.
How Insurance Companies View Soft-Tissue Injuries
Insurance companies are not interested in helping victims get the compensation they need after a car crash. They will do whatever it takes to prevent or limit a payout in order to save themselves money – that is their bottom line. Even valid claims get denied sometimes without any good reason.
That is why it is often difficult for car crash victims to recover fair compensation for a claim, especially those involving soft-tissue injuries. Insurance companies already consider soft-tissue injuries to be less serious than other injuries caused by car crashes. It also does not help that insurers know judges and jury members are also often skeptical about awarding damages for these injuries.
Soft-tissue injuries can be hard to document because they usually do not show up with diagnostic tools, such as an X-ray or MRI. Car crash victims must be their own health advocates and explain to their doctors how serious and debilitating their injuries are, as well as how they are responding to treatment.
Most insurance companies generally have a firm range of compensation they are willing to offer to settle a soft-tissue injury claim. If the offer is rejected, the insurance company may refuse another settlement. They may decide to take the case to court before a judge or jury instead.
The best way for car crash victims to recover the compensation they need for a soft-tissue injury is to receive medical care, thoroughly document all symptoms and follow the recommended treatment. Car crash victims who also retain legal representation can increase their chances of recovering more compensation.
Linking a Soft-Tissue Injury to a Car Crash
Soft-tissue injuries can be difficult to link to a car crash. Soft-tissue injury symptoms may be delayed. It could take hours or days to feel pain. Since some car crash victims may not initially seek medical care, there may not be an immediate connection documented between the injury and the car crash.
This is why it is important to have an experienced Appleton car crash lawyer by your side who is ready to protect your rights and have your best interests in mind. He or she can build a strong case for you.
Some evidence that may help prove your injuries and how they have impacted you include:
- Accident scene photos – Showing how the car crash occurred may help demonstrate how you could have suffered a soft-tissue injury.
- Pictures of your injuries – Soft-tissue injuries may have physical symptoms, such as visible bruising, swelling, or a lump or knot at the site of the injury.
- Imaging test results – Some imaging tests may show the presence of a soft-tissue injury.
- Medical records – Showing that you sought treatment and received follow-up care may help demonstrate the severity of your injury.
- Pain journal – Your lawyer may recommend keeping a daily pain journal to document the pain you have experienced since the car crash and how you are progressing through treatment.
Actions to Help Support Your Claim
A lawyer can manage the legal process on your behalf, but there are certain actions you can take to help support your claim. For instance, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible to document your soft-tissue injury. Having medical documentation will make it harder for an insurer to dispute your claim.
If you do not follow your doctor’s orders or stop treatment, this could hurt your chances of obtaining compensation. If you delay treatment after a car crash, the insurance company may question you about it and assume your injuries are not serious. You do not want to give them a reason to devalue or deny your claim.
Be sure to also not exaggerate your injuries when speaking with your doctor, the insurance company or your lawyer. Credibility is everything when it comes to securing a favorable settlement or verdict.
Call Sigman Janssen for Trusted Legal Help
If you have suffered a soft-tissue injury after a car crash, call our lawyers today. We have helped many car crash victims and their families pursue compensation for their medical bills, lost wages and more.
The initial consultation is free of charge and comes with no obligation to hire our firm. We charge zero upfront fees for our services. You only pay us if we help you obtain compensation for your car crash.
Millions Recovered. Proven Results. (877) 888-5201