Our Family Has Given A Voice To The Injured For Over 50 Combined Years
Car accidents in the bustling streets of Newark, from the congested lanes of McCarter Highway (Route 21) to the high-traffic intersections of Broad and Market Streets, frequently result in soft tissue injuries. These injuries affect the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. According to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, while fatal crashes saw a decline in 2025, Essex County remains one of the highest-ranking counties for traffic-related injuries in the state.
While these injuries may not be immediately visible on a standard X-ray at a facility like University Hospital or Saint Michael’s Medical Center, they can cause significant pain and reduced mobility. In New Jersey, understanding these “invisible” injuries is vital for protecting your health and your legal rights under the state’s complex insurance laws.
What Is a Soft Tissue Injury?
A soft tissue injury involves damage to the body’s connective structures: muscles, tendons, or ligaments. These often occur when the body is forced to move suddenly or unnaturally during a collision—a common occurrence in rear-end collisions near the Prudential Center or merging accidents on the Garden State Parkway.
Common Types of Soft Tissue Injuries
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Strains (Muscles and Tendons)
A strain occurs when muscle fibers or tendons are overstretched or torn. In Newark, we frequently see victims suffering from strains in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Whiplash is a specific type of neck strain caused by the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head during an impact.
- Symptoms: Muscle spasms, stiffness, and weakness.
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Sprains (Ligaments)
A sprain affects the ligaments that connect bones at your joints. These often occur when a joint is twisted or forced beyond its normal range, such as an ankle or knee hitting the dashboard.
- Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, and “joint instability” (feeling like the joint will give out).
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Contusions (Deep Tissue Bruising)
A contusion is caused by a direct impact, such as hitting the steering wheel or being struck by a side-impact door. While most people think of a bruise as minor, deep muscle contusions can lead to permanent tissue damage or internal bleeding if left untreated.
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Tendon and Ligament Tears
Severe force can cause connective tissues to tear partially or fully. Common sites include the rotator cuff (shoulder) or the ACL/MCL (knee). These often require advanced imaging and potentially surgical intervention.
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Bursitis
Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints. Traumatic impact at an intersection like Springfield Avenue and Bergen Street can cause immediate inflammation in the hips or shoulders, leading to chronic achiness.
Why Early Treatment and Documentation Matter
Under New Jersey’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) laws, your medical bills are generally covered by your own insurance, but there are strict rules for documenting your “Care Path.”
One of the most important steps you can take after an accident is obtaining your official police report. If the Newark Police Department responded to your crash, you may need to file a records request through the City of Newark’s Official Website or visit City Hall. Having this official documentation is the first step in linking your soft tissue injuries directly to the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I still get compensation if my injury is “just” a soft tissue injury? However, New Jersey law often involves a “Verbal Threshold” (Limitation on Lawsuit). You may need a medical professional to certify that your soft tissue injury has resulted in a permanent injury to pursue a claim for pain and suffering.
- Which Newark intersections are most common for these injuries? Our team frequently sees cases originating from Raymond Boulevard, McCarter Highway, and the New Jersey Turnpike exits. The high speeds and heavy congestion in these areas often lead to the “whiplash” force required for soft tissue damage.
- How long do I have to see a doctor? While there isn’t a “hard” 24-hour rule, insurance adjusters look for any gap in treatment. To protect your PIP benefits, you should seek a medical evaluation within 48 hours of the accident, even if you only feel minor stiffness.
Moving Forward: Contact Our Newark Car Accident Lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP
Soft tissue injuries can disrupt your life long after the initial crash. Understanding these injuries highlights the importance of early care and thorough documentation. Our Newark car accident lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP assist individuals by pursuing maximum compensation and protecting their rights under New Jersey law. Call 973-675-8277 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are located in East Orange, NJ.
