Car accidents often cause soft tissue damage, for example, sprains, torn ligaments, contusions, and whiplash. These common injuries frequently result in pain, stiffness, and swelling and can restrict a person’s mobility and ability to work.
Victims of car accident-induced soft tissue injuries may be entitled to compensation. However, the average settlement for soft tissue injury car accident claims depends on your injury’s severity and the extent of your damages. Moreover, soft tissue injuries aren’t always easy to prove or quantify.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for lowballing soft tissue injury settlement offers. But that doesn’t mean you should settle for a settlement that fails to meet your needs. At Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, we understand how insurance companies work and can negotiate with insurers. Our skilled soft tissue injury attorneys can explain your rights, help you file a claim, and advocate on your behalf, ensuring you receive the settlement you need and deserve.
What Is Soft Tissue?
Typically, people use the term “soft tissue” to describe muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. However, soft tissues also include fat, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, lymph vessels, ligaments, tendons, and other fibrous tissues found all over the body. When soft tissues are injured, they can cause excessive wear and tear on the structures they support or contribute to organ damage, causing ongoing pain and dysfunction.
What Is the Average Settlement for Soft Tissue Injury Car Accident Claims?
The average insurance settlement for a soft tissue injury ranges between $2,500 to $10,000. However, this is just an estimate; settlement amounts vary widely based on differing circumstances. Factors affecting compensation in soft tissue injury settlements include:
- An injury’s severity—severe injuries will generally result in higher settlement amounts;
- Medical bills—the cost of doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, and other medical professionals, will factor in determining a settlement amount;
- Lost wages—if your injury caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages; and
- Pain and suffering—if you suffer physical or emotional pain after the accident, such as depression or anxiety, you may be entitled to compensation. Just remember that pain and suffering are often subjective, so damages vary greatly depending on the circumstances.
After an accident, prompt medical attention is critical. Taking this step ensures you receive the correct diagnosis and appropriate injury treatment. It also creates a record that may serve as documentation that bolsters your claim. Similarly, remember to keep accurate records while you move through the claims process.
Be sure to note the dates you missed work, the amount of money you would have earned during that time, and any sick or vacation time you used. Write down when you’re in pain and document the type of pain and suffering. These records will help you provide your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company with accurate information, magnifying your chances of a just settlement.
An experienced lawyer can also help you determine your damages and fight for what you deserve. At Mehta & McConnell, we’re skilled at looking at accidents wholistically, ensuring no stone is left unturned.
Does Physical Therapy Increase Settlement Offers?
Physical therapy can increase settlement amounts in some cases. Because insurance companies and courts don’t solely depend on your account after an accident, attending physical therapy and physical therapy records indicating your pain levels can serve as solid evidence that enhances your claim’s overall value.
What Happens with My Soft Tissue Injury Car Accident Claim After I File It?
Insurance companies typically follow a specific process for settling car accident claims with soft tissue injuries. The following is an overview of how it works:
- Initial claim evaluation—after filing a claim with your insurance company, a claims adjuster will assess your damage and injuries;
- Medical assessment—insurance companies may require a medical evaluation for soft tissue injuries to determine the severity and appropriate treatment;
- Negotiation—the insurance company will offer a settlement once it assesses your injuries. This first offer is often low, so you’ll likely need to negotiate for a fair amount; and
- Settlement agreement—if you settle, the insurance company will ask you to sign an agreement that releases them from further accident liability.
Insurance companies often try to settle soft tissue injury claims for less than their actual value. But, collaborating with a personal injury attorney can help ensure you receive a fair settlement. A skilled advocate can guide you through the negotiation process, protect your rights, and advocate for your best interests. They can also help you gather supporting evidence for your claim, such as medical records, witness statements, and accident reports. Don’t leave your future to chance—call Mehta & McConnell today.
Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, Your Car Accident Soft Tissue Injury Advocates
If you’ve experienced a soft tissue injury in a car accident, Mehta & McConnell can help you secure compensation. We are a highly respected law firm specializing in injury rights, known for our pride in delivering personalized client attention and professional, cost-effective services. With a combined legal experience exceeding 30 years, we can guide you through the oft-confusing process of pursuing compensation for soft tissue injuries.
Our team of advocates is committed to tireless advocacy, ensuring you receive support and a comprehensive strategy tailored to your needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to arrange a complimentary consultation. Our compassionate advocates are here to fight on your behalf, working diligently to secure a fair settlement for your soft tissue injury.
Viral Mehta
Viral Mehta is the managing attorney of Mehta & McConnell Injury Lawyers, a Charlotte, North Carolina Workers’ Compensation law firm. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, sports, and reading.
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