If you've been in a car crash, you may have suffered injuries even if there are no outward visible signs. Soft tissue injuries can result from the blunt force trauma caused by a collision. These internal injuries often linger, producing chronic and recurrent pain and sometimes disability. If another driver was at fault for the crash, you may be able to recover monetary damages by asserting a legal claim. 

The following are the main types of soft tissue injuries that can be suffered in an accident:

• Whiplash — This syndrome is caused by the neck's rapid back-and-forth motion due to an impact. It can bring headaches, neck pain, stiffness, loss of range of motion in the neck and tingling or numbness in the arms.

• Sprains and strains — A sprain occurs when a ligament, the tough band of tissue that connects bones at a joint, is overstretched or torn. Similarly, a strain happens when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn. Both can cause significant pain, swelling, muscle spasms and instability. 

• Contusions (bruises) — Tiny blood vessels (capillaries) can rupture due to an impact. The blood leaks into the surrounding tissues, leading to swelling, pain and discoloration.

• Tendonitis — This condition is characterized by the inflammation of a tendon, often caused by an acute trauma. It leads to pain, tenderness and swelling.

• Bursitis — This is inflammation of the bursae, the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, muscles and tendons near the joints. Symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness.

To be awarded compensation, you'll need medical evidence of the existence and severity of your injuries. Obtaining this evidence requires a thorough diagnosis, which starts with a doctor’s physical examination to determine if there is swelling, tenderness, pain, restriction of range of motion and/or instability of joints. The doctor likely order medical imaging tests such as X-rays, an MRI, a CT scan or an ultrasound to detect internal damage.

If your injuries are proved, you could be entitled to recover compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses — These include past and future costs related to your injuries, including doctors' visits, diagnostic tests, medications, surgical procedures and physical therapy.

• Other Expenses — You could also be entitled to reimbursement for other out-of-pocket costs related to your injuries, such as transportation to and from medical appointments and accommodations for any continuing disability.

• Lost wages — You can seek compensation for past and future lost income and for diminished earning potential resulting from the injuries.

• Pain and suffering — This encompasses the physical discomfort, emotional distress and reduced quality of life caused by your injuries.

Success in recovering compensation also requires proving that the accident was not your fault. An experienced auto accident attorney can assess the value of your claim, negotiate with insurance companies and if necessary take your case to trial.

The attorneys at Pikrallidas & Probasco in Fairfax represent victims of auto accidents in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Call us at 703-267-2600 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation.