Average Soft Tissue Injury Car Accident Settlement
Key Takeaways
- Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, strains, and sprains, commonly occur after being in a car accident.
- Some soft tissue injuries will heal with no issue, but others can leave you with chronic pain, discomfort, and limited mobility.
- Many soft tissue injury victims require medical treatments, physical therapy, and other interventions.
- Motor vehicle accident victims often face mounting medical expenses after suffering a soft tissue injury.
- Working with a Michigan personal injury attorney can help you obtain a sufficient amount of compensation to cover your financial losses and help offset your pain and suffering so you can get what you need.
Being involved in a car accident is distressing enough, but when it results in soft tissue injuries, the pain and inconvenience can linger long after the collision. Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, strains, and sprains, may not be immediately apparent but can cause significant discomfort, limited mobility, and chronic pain.
Ultimately, while there may not be a one-size-fits-all answer to the average settlement for soft tissue injury due to a car accident, proactive legal representation and a thorough understanding of the claims process can help victims achieve a resolution that reflects the true impact of their injuries.
With the right support and advocacy from Matz Injury Law, victims can confidently focus on their recovery, knowing their rights and best interests are being protected.
Average Settlement for a Soft Tissue Injury After a Car Accident
The average soft tissue injury car accident settlement typically ranges from $5,000 to $40,000. However, can be difficult to pinpoint how much a soft tissue injury is worth since every car accident case is different. The actual settlement amount depends upon several factors, including the severity of your injury and the financial impact on your life.
This is an important discussion to have with your attorney because they can examine the evidence and your personal injuries to estimate the value of your case.
What Qualifies as a Soft Tissue Injury in Michigan?
Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is common for accident victims to suffer contusions (bruises), sprains, and strains. Damage to affected areas can impact mobility and cause pain.
Some soft tissue injuries indicate other serious injuries. It is vital to seek medical care so your doctor can assess and diagnose your injuries. Complications can include, but are not limited to, damage to blood vessels, nerve damage, subcutaneous bleeding, or other underlying issues.
5 Common Soft Tissue Injuries After a Michigan Car Crash
Soft tissue is present throughout the body, and all soft tissue is subject to injury. The most common soft tissue injuries after a car crash are:
1. Sprains and Strains
A sprain is when a ligament (the soft tissue connecting two bones at a joint) is stretched or torn.
Strains are when a muscle or tendon (the soft tissue that connects muscles to bones) is stretched or torn.
Victims may feel intense pain and have difficulty using the affected body parts. Sprains and strains often sound minor, but some are very serious and may require surgery.
2. Whiplash
Whiplash is a very common auto accident injury that occurs when a victim’s head is suddenly pushed forward and slams backward. The ligaments and tendons in the neck and upper back are severely stretched. Symptoms of whiplash may not show up for several days after an accident.
Victims may feel intense pain, stiffness, and numbness, along with experiencing headaches and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Some people also have difficulty with memory and concentration after a whiplash injury.
3. Contusions and Lacerations
Contusions (bruises) occur when blunt force breaks blood vessels underneath the skin, causing blood to pool in the affected area. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and skin discoloration.
Lacerations are cuts or puncture wounds. They are common in car accidents due to shattered glass or when another sharp object comes into contact with the car accident victim.
4. Pinched or Compressed Nerves
Pinched and compressed nerves are common in car crashes. They occur when the soft tissue surrounding the nerve is injured, putting pressure on the nerve. Car crash victims suffer inflammation and often feel pain, tingling, or numbness with this injury.
5. ACL and PCL Tears
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament tear) and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) occur when the soft tissue ligaments in the knee tear. Caused by blunt trauma or overtwisting, an ACL tear is painful and significantly affects the ability to walk or put pressure on the leg as these ligaments stabilize your bones. Unfortunately, accident victims who suffer complete tears will most likely need surgery.
Other common soft tissue injuries include bursitis, rotator cuff (shoulder) tears, and hernias.
How Long Do Soft Tissue Injuries Take to Heal?
The majority of soft tissue injuries heal within about six weeks. However, for others, it could take a few months for symptoms to settle or even longer if the injury causes chronic conditions. In those cases, it can take a year or longer. Following doctor’s orders will go a long way toward helping your injuries heal.
Case Study
Amidst medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress, victims often find themselves grappling with uncertainty about their financial recovery. Take a look at what happened to this Reddit user who suffered from lasting soft tissue pain and continued to be at medical and legal crossroads.
How to Treat Soft Tissue Injuries
Acute soft tissue injuries are typically initially treated with the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Some accident victims may need advanced treatment options, such as injections, physical therapy, or splinting. You should also follow any treatments or advice suggested by your medical professional.
Factors That Influence the Settlement Amount for a Soft Tissue Injury
Several factors impact how much of a settlement you can receive for a soft tissue injury in Michigan.
- Severity of the injury: More severe injuries usually result in a higher settlement than minor injuries since they typically result in higher medical bills, more lost time at work, and worse pain and suffering.
- Insurance policy of the liable party: The insurance policy of the responsible motorist will impact your settlement amount; generally speaking, the higher the limit, the more compensation you may be able to recover.
- Strength of your case: The more medical evidence you have to support your injury claim, the more likely you are to receive a settlement from the insurance company for your damages.
- Impact of the injury on your life: Settlement amounts for soft tissue injury cases can also be influenced by how the injury affects their daily life. For instance, if you can no longer work or do the activities you enjoy, this might warrant more compensation.
- Your lawyer: Studies show that clients who retain lawyers are more likely to win their settlement. On average, that settlement is 4x larger than claimants who advocate for themselves. Additionally, your lawyer’s contingency fee will impact how much money you take home. Most personal injury lawyers charge 33% of your settlement. At Matz Injury Law, we charge 22%. That means you keep more money.
Keep more of your settlement. Call Matz Injury Law.
How Do You Get a Soft Tissue Injury Settlement?
After a car accident resulting in a soft tissue injury, follow these three steps to pursue a settlement.
1. File a Personal Injury Claim
It is essential to file an insurance claim to collect compensation for personal injuries resulting from a car accident. You’ll need:
- Medical records
- Police accident report
- Medical bills
In some cases, you may be able to file a personal injury case in court if the other driver was to blame and caused your injuries. Michigan’s system is complex, so you should speak with a knowledgeable Michigan car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
2. Negotiate a Settlement
Once you submit evidence to support your claim and the insurance adjuster reviews the information, they will determine whether to make a settlement offer. If you agree with the payout amount they suggest, you do not have to take any further steps to negotiation.
That said, insurance companies are notorious for undervaluing claims and are likely to make you an insufficient offer for the soft tissue damage you have suffered. In this case, you will have to renegotiate. Have a skilled Michigan personal injury lawyer at your side to fight for a fair settlement.
3. Take Your Case to Court
In some cases, an out-of-court accident settlement cannot be reached and you may need to take your case to court to receive fair compensation. This process is not quick, but if you work with a car accident attorney, you increase your chances of winning a case against the insurance company and/or at-fault driver.
How Long Does a Michigan Car Accident Settlement Take?
A car accident settlement in Michigan can take weeks or months, even in cases where liability is clear, injuries are not disputed, and the insurance policies are sufficient to cover the soft tissue injury claim. A personal injury lawsuit takes, on average, one to two years.
Does Physical Therapy Increase My Settlement Amount?
Yes, if your minor or severe soft tissue injuries need physical therapy, this does increase the potential settlement amount of your car accident claim. Here’s what you need to know:
Document Your Physical Therapy
Soft tissue injuries are prime candidates for physical therapy (PT) since they can greatly diminish your ability to move or engage in daily routines. For example, neck pain can be debilitating, and other soft injury tissue injuries can significantly decrease your range of motion.
Coordinate With Your Attorney
Your lawyer can establish causation between your injury and PT requirements. Make sure they receive:
- Detailed reports from your physical therapist
- Any diagnostic X-rays or MRIs
- Other evidence to support your claim
It is very common for insurance companies to deny your need for physical therapy, but proof can negate their attempts to undercut your case.
Who is Responsible for Pain And Suffering Damages in a Michigan Car Accident?
Michigan has an “order of priority” that governs personal injury protection (PIP) insurance rules. This means you file with your own insurance company first. After that, depending on the nature of your injury and the percentage of fault in the accident, you can pursue the at-fault driver for additional compensation.
Why Are Soft Tissue Claims Difficult to Pursue?
Soft tissue claims can be difficult to pursue because of suspicions your insurance company may have about your injury. In many cases, the full extent of this type of injury is not readily apparent. It is common for soft tissue injuries to get progressively worse over time.
Insurance companies know this, so they might try to rush through a claim and offer a lower payout before you know the extent of your injuries.
It is in your best interest to get checked out after the injury, watch for soft tissue injury symptoms, and work closely with a Michigan personal injury lawyer.
Let us be an ally in your car accident settlement. Call Matz Injury Law today.
Navigating Suspicion: Insurance and Your Soft Tissue Injury Claim
Unlike broken bones or severe cuts, soft tissue injuries are invisible. Insurance companies tend not to take anyone at their word, citing the following.
- Insufficient evidence of soft tissue injury
- History of claimant fraud
- Belief your claim is for pre-existing conditions
Essentially, insurance companies create reasons why they should deny your soft tissue injury claim since they are not visible wounds. We can help you prove yourself when the insurance company fights your claim.
Conclusion
After a car accident, settlements for soft tissue injuries can range from $5,000 to $40,000 in a favorable result. In specific cases with permanent or more severe injuries, settlements may exceed $100,000.
Related Articles on Soft Tissue Injuries From Car Accidents
- Michigan Personal Injury Attorneys for Fractures, Sprains & Soft Tissue Trauma: Soft tissue injury claims are challenging to navigate. Working with an experienced Michigan personal injury lawyer can help you win your case.
- Understanding Whiplash and TMJ After a Car Accident: One of the most common soft tissue injuries after a car accident is whiplash. If you experience jaw or neck pain after an accident, you may deserve compensation.
Partner With Us, and We’ll Beat This Together.
Steven Matz and his team have been practicing law in Michigan for decades, leveling the playing field against insurance companies and advocating for clients suffering from car accident injuries.
When you work with us, you’ll always work directly with a Matz, not a paralegal or other assistant. You will get to know our attorneys, and we will get to know you very well. We are a lower-fee personal injury firm, which means we only collect 22%, not the standard 33 1/3% other law firms charge.
Testimonials
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Suffering From A Soft Tissue Injury After A Car Accident?
Don’t let pain and uncertainty rule your life. There is help when you work with our car accident lawyers. Matz Injury Law is committed to helping Michigan’s injured. Contact us now for a free consultation, and let us fight for your justice while you focus on healing. Call us at 1-866-22Not33 (866-226-6833) or use our online contact form to discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no reliable estimate for minor car accident injuries. This will depend on the extent of your injuries, the available insurance coverage, and several other factors. We can provide a more accurate estimate during your free consultation when we learn the details of your case.
- CT and MRI scans
- Physician testimony
- Photos (if applicable)
- List of medications
- Police report
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Witness testimony
- Medical bills
- Employment records
- Pain journal
Healthcare professionals classify soft tissue injuries because this helps them diagnose, assess the level of injury, and know what type of treatment to prescribe. There are three classifications.
- Mild (Grade I): Accident victims generally have minor instabilities, low levels of swelling, and tenderness. Healing generally takes a week or two.
- Moderate (Grade II): Moderate soft tissue injuries cause pain, some stability, and moderate tenderness. Healing usually takes three to four weeks.
- Severe (Grade III): Victims usually experience complete tears and suffer substantial pain, moderate to severe swelling, high discomfort levels, and high instability. Recovery can take months or longer.