Soft tissue injuries are common consequences of car accidents in Atlanta. When your body’s soft tissues are damaged, it can cause a lot of pain that doesn’t always show up on x-rays or MRIs. Insurance companies often doubt or discount these types of injuries, but they can cause serious, long-term complications for any victim.
If you are making a claim for soft tissue damage after an accident you didn’t cause in Atlanta, it’s important to compile the right evidence and build a strong case. You deserve compensation for all the damages caused by someone else’s negligence.
What are Examples of Soft Tissue Damage After an Accident?
Soft tissue damage can refer to whiplash, sprains, strains, deep bruises and anything else that affects your body’s tissues. Your soft tissues surround, connect and support the organs and other structures throughout your body. They include your muscles, tendons, nerves, ligaments, fat, fascia, blood vessels and more.
You can have soft tissue damage just about anywhere, including in common areas like your neck, back, shoulders, elbows, wrists, ankles, knees, hips and thighs.
A very common soft tissue injury in car accidents is whiplash. The force of a crash can propel your neck and back forward, stretching, straining or tearing the soft tissue. Whiplash can take a while to fully develop, but it can cause a lot of pain that needs time to heal.
Why Soft Tissue Damage Is Harder to Prove After an Accident in Atlanta
Many injuries you receive during a car accident can be diagnosed through tests like x-rays, MRIs or CT scans. However, whiplash and other soft tissue damage do not usually show up on these tests.
In addition, soft tissue injuries can take time to develop. You may not feel the full pain from them until hours or sometimes days after your accident. Since they are harder to recognize and diagnose, they can present challenges when filing an insurance claim for compensation.
Insurance companies may try to say you are exaggerating or even faking your soft tissue injuries. They might use it as a bargaining chip to deny your claim or make you feel like a lowball settlement is all you deserve. Don’t let this discourage you. Soft tissue injuries are very real and can, in fact, greatly affect your life by requiring medical attention and time to heal.
What to Know About Making an Injury Claim for Soft Tissue Damage
To seek full compensation for all your damages, including soft tissue damage, you will need strong proof and a solid insurance claim. A personal injury claim allows you to seek financial recovery for costs like:
- Medical bills including surgeries, tests or physical therapy
- Emergency room visits, doctor visits or specialist visits
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
Liability for Your Damages
In Atlanta, the person or party whose negligence (a legal term for carelessness) leads to injuries is liable for all damages. Damages—which are losses like medical expenses and lost wages—are given as compensation for the injury as per GA Code § 51-12-4 (2018).
In most cases, the insurance company of the at-fault party pays for these damages. For example, if you are injured in a car accident in Atlanta caused by another driver, you would file a car accident claim with that driver’s auto insurance company in order to seek damages.
How to Build Up Your Injury Claim
Some of the best things you can do when building an injury claim for soft tissue damage include:
- Compiling evidence of the accident and your injuries
- Being careful what you say to the insurance company
- Not taking a low settlement
- Calling a car accident lawyer in Atlanta
The insurance company will need to see evidence of your injuries, even if they affect your soft tissues. So, make sure you see a doctor as soon as possible. Tell them about any and all pain you feel, even if it is minor. If you start to feel more pain later, go back to the doctor right away for an update.
Also, take pictures of any visible injuries or vehicle damage. Keep track of all bills and other expenses you face from the accident. Document everything, and be as detailed as possible.
Lastly, make sure you have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. You cannot trust the insurance company, even if they make you feel like you can. Do not give any recorded statements, accept any settlement, admit any blame, or sign anything until you have a lawyer. Your lawyer can talk to the insurer on your behalf and help negotiate a fair settlement.
Need Help with Your Claim for Soft Tissue Damage in Atlanta?
Soft tissue damage after an accident can make the insurance claim process more difficult. However, it does not make you any less entitled to compensation for your damages. Don’t miss out on your chance for financial recovery.
At John Foy & Associates, we are here to help you. We have been helping injury victims build successful claims and get what they deserve for over 20 years. For a FREE consultation with a car accident lawyer in Atlanta, call (404) 400-4000 now.
