Last Updated on November 10, 2022 by Anup Kumar Dey

Accidents with cars are quite common nowadays. There are numerous reasons for car accidents. Accidents can be minor or fatal. Some Car accidents can cause soft tissue injuries that are difficult to notice at first. That’s because, in addition to muscles, bones, and organs being injured in a car crash, soft tissues such as tendons, and ligaments can also get wounded. These tissues can bruise or bleed without you noticing for days. Sometimes they get worse when you make a repetitive motion over time until that tissue finally breaks down.

When you notice a soft tissue injury belatedly, it is a good idea to see a medical professional. Your car accident attorney can recommend the right one for you. The doctor can perform imaging scans and a physical exam to determine the problem’s source.

Car Accident Injuries

Some of the most common car accident injuries you might not immediately notice include the following:

1) Sprains

A stretched or damaged ligament results in a sprain. Ligaments are connective tissues between bones at the joints. A sprain can be caused by falling, overextension, tripping, or even being struck. A pop or tearing sensation may be felt when the damage occurs. Sprains of the wrist and ankle are common. Symptoms include joint immobility, discomfort, edema, and bruising. One or more ligaments could be injured in a sprain.

2) Strains

A strain occurs when a muscle’s attachment to a bone is stretched, pulled, or torn. Tendons are the tissues that link bone to muscle. A strain can result from twisting or tugging the soft tissues. Strains may manifest quickly or gradually. Muscle strains in the back and neck are typical in car accidents. Swelling, soreness, spasms, pain, and difficulty moving the affected muscle are some of the symptoms.

3) Tendinitis

Tendon inflammation is referred to as tendinitis. Between your muscles and bones, there are segments of connective tissue called tendons. Acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) tendinitis are both possible. The most frequent cause of tendinitis is repetitive, light impact on the afflicted area. Tendinitis can also be brought on by a sudden, more severe injury, such as one sustained in a vehicle accident. Your knee, shoulders, hip, Achilles tendon, knees, and thumbs are commonly affected locations.

4) Contusions

When a blunt object strikes a region of the body, the underlying muscle fibers, and connective tissue can get crushed without the skin being broken. Getting hit or hurled against a hard surface can cause a contusion. In addition to limiting mobility, contusions induce inflammation, pain, and swelling. The dark blue and black discoloration is caused by ruptured blood vessels.

A damaged muscle may feel stiff and weak. Occasionally, a pool of blood gathers within injured tissue, causing a hematoma lump to develop over the wound.  Internal organs can also be harmed by abdominal abrasions and contusions that cause internal bleeding.

5) Bursitis

Bursitis develops when bursae sacs in the body swell due to injury. The bursa can be damaged by an intense force that results in injury and inflammation. For example, your knee or shoulder can absorb the impact during a car accident. This causes the painful swelling of tiny fluid-filled sacs called a bursa. These sacs normally rub against muscle, skin, or tendons. Bursitis typically affects the joints and mostly occurs in the knees, heels, shoulders, hips, elbows, and big toes.

6) Hairline Fractures

A little break or significant bruising within a bone is referred to as a hairline fracture, also known as a stress fracture. Although car accidents might occasionally cause this injury, athletes experience it more often. The second and third metatarsals of the foot are most often impacted. Typically, the pain increases with activity and decreases after rest. Additional symptoms of a hairline fracture include tenderness, swelling, and bruising.

Filing A Settlement Claim After Noticing an Injury

If you weren’t at fault for your car accident, you should seek damages for your injuries. This is because your medical bills, pain, suffering, or other damages need to be covered. It’s recommended that you see a doctor as soon as you’ve been in a car accident. The results of the examination can be linked to your car crash. This will allow your attorney to prove you were injured due to another’s neglect.

It can still be challenging to prove injuries are tied to a car crash weeks later, but with evidence and a doctor’s testimony, it is still possible to receive compensation. Speak to your car accident attorney as soon as possible if you recently discovered injuries long after your car crash.