Car accidents in Texas happen in seconds, but the pain can last much longer. Many people leave a crash thinking they are fine, only to wake up the next day with stiffness, headaches, or sharp pain. These symptoms are classic signs of soft tissue injuries caused by car accidents and can affect your work, your sleep, and your daily routine.
Because these types of injuries do not always appear on an X-ray, insurance companies often treat them as something minor. However, they do cause real medical problems. With the right medical care and a well-presented claim, you can seek compensation for the harm you suffered in the crash.
What Are Soft Tissue Injuries After a Car Accident?
Soft tissue injuries affect the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues. During a crash, the body moves back and forth suddenly. That force can stretch or tear soft tissues, even if you do not hit a hard surface or notice bruising immediately.
Common soft tissue injuries in car accidents include:
- Whiplash and neck strain.
- Sprains or strains in the back.
- Shoulder injuries.
- Sprains in the knees and hips.
- Muscle tears and deep bruising.
These injuries can occur in rear-end collisions, side impacts, rollovers, and even low-speed accidents in parking lots.
Why Soft Tissue Injuries Are Frequently Misunderstood
Soft tissue injuries do not always cause immediate pain. Adrenaline can mask symptoms during the first few hours after a crash. You may feel shaken but think you were lucky. Later, when the body calms down, the stiffness and pain begin.
They also do not always appear clearly in basic diagnostic studies. An X-ray can rule out fractures but does not rule out a severe sprain or strain. This leads to frustration when doctors discharge patients quickly or when an insurance adjuster acts as if nothing serious happened.
Insurance companies sometimes use this confusion to their advantage. An adjuster might say your pain should have already disappeared or suggest you had a pre-existing problem. Detailed medical records and consistent treatment help prove your injuries were caused by the accident.
Signs and Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
After a crash, watch for symptoms related to soft tissue injuries, which may include:
- Neck stiffness and difficulty moving it.
- Middle or lower back pain.
- Headaches that start after the crash.
- Pain in the shoulders, arms, or legs.
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness.
- Trouble sleeping due to pain.
If you notice these symptoms in the following days, take them seriously. Soft tissue injuries can become chronic if not treated correctly.
Steps to Follow After a Texas Accident If You Suspect a Soft Tissue Injury
The steps you take after an accident affect both your recovery and your personal injury claim:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible: A doctor can evaluate injuries, order studies, and recommend treatment like physical therapy, medication, or rest. Early care improves results and creates a useful medical record linking your symptoms to the crash.
- Follow the treatment plan: If your provider recommends therapy or follow-up appointments, try to attend all of them. Skipping appointments can give the insurance company a reason to claim your injury is not serious.
- Document everything: Save copies of medical records, bills, and prescriptions. Note your pain levels, days of work missed, and activities you can no longer perform.
- Be cautious when speaking with insurance: They may ask for a recorded statement or pressure you to accept a quick settlement. You do not have to guess your symptoms or accept an offer before understanding the true extent of your injuries.
How Soft Tissue Injuries Affect a Texas Personal Injury Claim
In Texas, you can claim compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused directly by the accident. Important factors include:
- How soon you sought medical care.
- Whether you followed medical recommendations.
- How injuries limit your work and daily activities.
- Whether there were pre-existing injuries in the same area.
- The amount of available insurance coverage.
How Long Can Soft Tissue Injuries Last?
Recovery time varies widely; some people improve in weeks, while others deal with pain for months. In severe cases, pain can become chronic and affect employment and family life.
Recovery depends on factors like your age, health, the force of the impact, and your consistency with treatment. Be aware of legal deadlines; Texas law limits the time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Injured in a Texas Car Accident? Contact Lobo Ley
Soft tissue injuries can change your life immediately. If a negligent driver caused an accident that left you with soft tissue injuries in Houston, Texas, Lobo Ley can help you understand your options. The team can handle insurance communication so you can focus on your recovery. Call (713) 481-0072or complete the online contact form to schedule a consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.