Car accidents, even ones that seem minor, can result in severe injuries both visible and invisible. Internal injuries can be dangerous and generally require quick diagnosis and treatment. Identifying the signs of internal injuries after a car accident can be challenging, especially for those without a background in medicine, but spotting the signs is crucial to ensure your physical safety and health. Work with a personal injury lawyer experienced in dealing with car accident cases for skilled representation and legal advice during the aftermath of your collision. Enlist the help of a knowledgeable attorney at Stathis & Leonardis, LLC today.
What Are Internal Injuries?
Internal injuries are injuries that are contained inside the body and are generally not visible without medical devices that allow insight into the interior of the body. Trauma can cause damage to the body’s internal organs, tissue, or blood vessels. These injuries often do not present symptoms immediately and are not as identifiable as external injuries, making them difficult to diagnose and treat.
Common examples of internal injuries sustained in car accidents include the following.
- Abdominal injuries to organs like the spleen, liver, kidneys, intestines, etc. These organs could have sustained bruising, ruptures, puncture wounds, tearing, etc.
- TBI (traumatic brain injuries) often result from car accidents when there is a significant blow to the head
- Injuries to the chest can arise through damage to the heart, a punctured or collapsed lung, fractured or broken ribs, and more
- Internal bleeding is also a common and damaging injury sustained in car accidents, resulting from blunt or penetrating trauma
These internal injuries are often undiagnosed after an accident. If you get into a car crash and do not see visible injuries on your body and generally feel fine, you may decide not to seek medical attention.
How Can I Identify the Signs of Internal Injuries After a Car Accident?
If not diagnosed and treated promptly, internal injuries can be life-threatening and cause permanent damage. Understanding what to look for after a car accident can help ensure you are protected both physically and in terms of your legal rights.
Below are some of the warning signs of internal injuries.
- Pain or tenderness in the abdomen
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue or dizziness
- Bruising or discoloration of the skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blood in the urine, stool, or vomit
- Loss of consciousness and fainting
- Pain or numbness in the limbs
Individuals with internal damage often brush off these symptoms and assume they are a result of the shock of being involved in a car accident or hope that the feeling will go away. Although internal injuries may not present themselves immediately after a car accident, knowing what to look for can help you detect and get treatment for these injuries as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment could potentially save your life. For more information and to obtain representation during a claim or lawsuit, reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer today.
