Soft tissue injuries are among the most common injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents—and yet, they can be some of the most challenging to prove.
Soft tissue injuries occur when muscles, ligaments, or tendons are bruised, stretched, or torn. Ligaments connect bones to bones, while tendons connect muscles to bones.
In contrast, hard tissue injuries involve damage to hard structures, such as broken bones. Unlike hard tissue injuries, soft tissue damage is not easily detected by a CT scan
Why can’t soft tissue injuries be seen on an x-ray?
While X-rays reveal bones, they cannot capture images of tendons, ligaments, muscles, or cartilage. If you experience back or neck pain after an accident, your doctor may still order X-rays to rule out other injuries, such as spinal fractures.
Whiplash is the most common type of soft tissue injury. Often caused by rear-end collisions, whiplash injuries happen when the force of impact violently jerks the head and neck back and forth.
Symptoms of a soft tissue injury may include:
Questions? Our knowledgeable staff is available at (877) 284-6600.
Recovery depends on factors such as the type of injury, your overall health, and age. While soft tissue injuries may not leave visible scars, they can linger for a long time, causing discomfort and making daily activities—like exercising, playing with your children, or cooking—more difficult. These injuries can significantly impact your quality of life.
The best way to prove these kinds of injuries is through your medical records — showing that you sought treatment and received a diagnosis — along with testimony from medical experts.
Additional ways to prove your injury include:
Our team has extensive experience with motor vehicle accident cases. We know how to document and present the full scope of your injuries.
Have you or someone you know been seriously injured in a car accident? Don’t face the aftermath alone. The best advice is to speak with an attorney who understands the pain and suffering associated with soft tissue injuries, one who can help you understand your legal options.
Call the experienced personal injury attorneys at Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation case review.
Past results afford no guarantee of future results and each case is different and is judged on its own merits. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on February 20, 2017. It was reviewed on March 5, 2025, for content and accuracy, and re-published.
