Recognizing and Treating Internal Injuries from Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause serious internal injuries that aren't always obvious right away. Some common internal injuries from car accidents include brain injuries, internal bleeding, and damage to organs like the liver or lungs. The severity of these injuries depends on how strong the crash was and where passengers were sitting. It's very important for anyone involved in a car accident to get medical help quickly. This is because some injuries inside the body can become very dangerous if they're not treated soon.

Symptoms to watch for include headaches, stomach pain, or feeling dizzy, which might seem minor at first but could indicate more serious problems. Understanding the potential dangers of internal injuries can help individuals be more aware of the signs and symptoms, seek medical attention promptly, and prevent further complications.

Common internal injuries from a car accident

Car accidents can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. While external injuries are often visible and receive immediate attention, internal injuries are equally, if not more, dangerous and require prompt medical attention. Injuries inside the body can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and their severity can range from minor to life-threatening. 

The Dangers of Internal Injuries

Internal injuries resulting from car accidents can pose significant dangers to individuals involved. Traumatic brain injury (TBI), internal bleeding, and organ damage are some of the most common internal injuries resulting from car accidents. These injuries are not always immediately visible, and their severity can vary depending on the impact of the collision, the position of the occupants, and other factors. 

The danger of car accident internal injuries lies in their potential to cause severe health complications, including shock, infection, and death, if not detected and treated promptly. It is essential for individuals involved in car accidents to seek medical attention immediately to ensure that any internal injuries are identified and treated effectively. If you suffered internal injuries, early intervention can help prevent further damage and increase the chances of a successful recovery.

Causes of Internal Injuries in Car Crashes

Car crashes can result in internal injuries due to a collision's sudden and violent impact. The force of the impact can cause the body to move suddenly and forcefully, leading to internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. 

The severity of an internal injury can vary depending on the impact's speed and force, the occupants' position, and other factors. It is crucial for individuals involved in a car crash to seek immediate medical attention, as internal injuries can be life-threatening and require prompt treatment.

internal Injuries Caused by Seat Belts

Wearing a seatbelt incorrectly can be dangerous. In an accident, your entire body weight could crash against the belt resulting in severe internal injuries. Victims may suffer damage to muscles of the torso area along with vital organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, heart, and bowels. Thus, proper seat belt use is essential to ensure maximum protection during car crashes.

Causes of Internal Injuries in Car Crashes

Car accidents can result in internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. It is essential to be aware of the symptoms of internal injuries and seek medical attention promptly if you experience any of the following:

Headaches

Persistent headaches or headaches that worsen over time may indicate a traumatic brain injury.

Abdominal pain or swelling

Abdominal pain or swelling may indicate internal bleeding or organ damage.

Dizziness or confusion

Dizziness or confusion can be a symptom of a traumatic brain injury.

Chest Pain

Chest pain or difficulty breathing can indicate a collapsed lung or other lung injuries.

Numbness or tingling

Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs or other body parts can be a symptom of a spinal cord injury.

Bruising or discoloration

Unexplained bruising or discoloration may be a sign of internal bleeding.

Back pain

Back pain from a car accident can be a sign of a spinal cord injury or other internal injuries.

It is essential to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about possible internal injuries caused by car accidents. Prompt medical intervention can prevent further damage and increase the chances of a successful recovery.

Types of Internal Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in various internal injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent. Here are some of the most common types of internal injuries that can result from a car accident:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBI occurs when the brain is damaged due to a sudden impact, such as hitting the windshield or dashboard. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including headache, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
• Organ Damage: Car accidents can also cause damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Depending on the severity of the injury, symptoms can range from mild pain to organ failure.
• Spinal Cord Injury: The sudden impact of a car accident can also damage the spinal cord, leading to symptoms such as paralysis, loss of sensation, and difficulty breathing.
• Fractured Ribs: The force of impact during a car accident can cause ribs to fracture or break, leading to pain and difficulty breathing.
• Lung Damage: Car accidents can also cause lung damage, including collapsed or punctured lungs, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing.
• Internal Bleeding: Internal bleeding occurs when blood vessels inside the body are damaged, leading to bleeding in the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including pain, swelling, and low blood pressure.

Cause of internal bleeding

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including internal bleeding. Some of the common causes of internal bleeding after a car accident includes:

• Blunt Trauma: Blunt trauma from the impact of a car accident can cause internal bleeding in various parts of the body, including the abdomen, chest, and head.
• Seat Belt Injuries: While seat belts are essential for preventing injuries in a car accident, they can also cause internal bleeding if worn incorrectly. The sudden and forceful impact of the body against the seat belt can cause internal bleeding in the chest and abdomen.
• Organ Damage: The force of the impact in a car accident can cause damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, leading to internal bleeding.
• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can cause bleeding in the brain, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
• Pelvic Fractures: Pelvic fractures can cause internal bleeding in the abdomen and pelvis.

It is essential to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident, even if you feel fine. Internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately; delayed treatment can lead to serious complications or death.

Treatment and Compensation for Internal Injuries

It is important to understand that symptoms of internal injuries may not show up immediately after a car accident, which is why seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for a better chance of recovery. After a car accident, if you sustain internal injuries, getting checked out by a doctor is essential, even if you feel fine. 

Internal injuries can be life-threatening and may not show symptoms until too late. In addition to seeking medical attention, it is crucial to contact a personal injury attorney to help determine the value of your case. 

If you have sustained internal car accident injuries, you deserve compensation for the following:

• Medical Costs, including ongoing care or adaptive devices that may be necessary to cope with permanent injuries
• Lost Wages
• Pain and Suffering & Emotional Distress

An experienced Philadelphia injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your deserved compensation. Contact us today to get started.