Signs of Internal Injury After a Car Accident

What Causes Internal Injuries in Car Accidents?

No matter the type of car accident you’re involved in, the force of impact that follows is what leads to internal injuries. In a car accident, there are generally two types of forces that result in injuries. They include blunt force trauma and penetrating trauma.

Blunt force trauma involves a violent strike to your body that does not penetrate the skin. During a car crash, you might be thrown against the steering wheel, against the window, or door frame. While wearing your seatbelt can limit the severity of blunt force trauma, your seatbelt or deployed airbags can still act as a part of the blunt force that causes your injuries. When blunt force trauma happens, your internal organs can get damaged even if the skin is not penetrated.

Unlike blunt force trauma, penetrating trauma occurs when an object penetrates the skin, resulting in both exterior and internal injuries. The penetrating object might be glass, wood, or other sharp or hard objects that can cause lacerations and/or organ, tissue, and bone damage.

Most Common Internal Injuries From Car Crashes

Different types of car accidents tend to yield different types of internal injuries, but the theme is consistent. The more severe the car accident, the more severe the injuries will be. Some of the more common internal injuries that happen from car crashes include the following:

• Internal bleeding (hemorrhaging).
• Rib fractures.
• Collapsed lung due to a rib fracture or blunt force trauma that tears the lung tissue.
• An aortic injury, where the body’s main artery is torn after a high-speed impact.
• Bruising to your organs.
• Lacerations or ruptures in your organs.
• Ruptures to your diaphragm.

Chest and Abdominal Trauma Specifics

Some of your most vital organs live in your chest and abdominal cavities. When blunt force trauma occurs in this region of the body, there can be a variety of internal injuries that follow.

Trauma to your chest cavity can impact your heart and lungs. Bruised muscles can disrupt how blood flows from your heart, while a bruised lung can impair your ability to breathe properly. Rib fractures are also common internal injuries within your chest cavity.

In your abdominal region, potential internal injuries typically involve organs like your spleen, liver, kidneys, or reproductive organs. Everything from bruising to hemorrhaging to torn tissue are examples of internal injuries to your abdominal area.

Early Warning Signs of Internal Bleeding After Car Crash

Internal injuries are not always identified immediately, but there can be signs that indicate an internal injury has happened.

Some of these early warning signs include the following:

• Abdominal pain or tenderness that worsens over time or doesn’t seem proportionate to the visible injury you might have. Your abdominal area might also feel rigid or tight to the touch.
• Deep localized pain, such as persistent pain in your chest, abdominal area, shoulders, or on your sides.
• A visibly swollen or bloated abdomen can be a sign of internal injuries.
• Skin discoloration, such as unexplained bruising along your abdominal area or sides.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea might indicate you’re suffering from blood loss.
• Vomiting or urinating blood can be an indication that internal bleeding has occurred.

Every Crash Deserves Serious Representation

Not every accident makes the news, but even moderate injuries can disrupt your life. We specialize in representing clients with whiplash, soft tissue injuries, or other moderate auto injuries, and treat each case with attention, professionalism, and respect. Just because your crash is not catastrophic, it does not mean you should not have strong legal support.

Signs of Shock After an Auto Accident

When your body is unable to circulate blood to vital organs, it will go into shock. This can occur when internal bleeding is at play. If your body goes into shock, you need medical care immediately.

There are some symptoms that may present themselves that indicate shock, but because they can go undetected, it’s crucial that you get medical care after your accident, even if you don’t think you’ve suffered any injuries.

Some common signs of shock include:

• Skin that feels cool, clammy, or looks pale.
• A weak or rapid pulse.
• Unexplained lethargy, confusion, or agitation.
• Extreme thirst or dry mouth as a result of lost fluids.
• Lips or fingernails that appear bluish due to a lack of oxygen.

It’s critical that shock symptoms after an auto accident are addressed immediately so that further health complications don’t follow.

Delayed Internal Injuries: Why Symptoms Appear Hours or Days Later

Symptoms for delayed internal injuries after a crash in Las Vegas can appear hours or days after the car accident. This might happen because adrenaline is masking the pain. This is your body’s fight or flight response at play.

Slow internal bleeding, as well as swelling and inflammation, can also take time to result in symptoms.

Symptoms of Internal Organ Damage You Shouldn’t Ignore

Understanding the signs of internal injury after a car accident is essential. Some of the symptoms of organ damage after a car wreck that you should not ignore include:

• Pain in your abdomen, chest, back, or shoulders that remain persistent or progressively get worse.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, which can indicate you have a collapsed lung or bleeding around your lungs.
• Changes to your vision or cognitive abilities. Repeated faintness and dizziness can be a sign of blood loss or neurological issues.
• Blood in your urine, stool, or vomit.
• Weakness or fatigue that is out of character.
• A feeling of impending doom is another symptom many victims of severe internal injuries have reported experiencing after a car accident.

Dangers of Untreated Internal Injuries From Car Wrecks

The severity of an internal injury after a car accident is compounded when you leave the injury untreated. For many victims, this happens because they fail to seek appropriate medical care after a car accident.

The dangers of untreated internal injuries can range from minor complications to more severe issues that may result in permanent paralysis, permanent organ damage, and, in extreme cases, death.

Seatbelt and Airbag-Related Internal Trauma

Seatbelts and airbags are safety features that unfortunately also act as a double-edged sword. When properly used, they can severely minimize the injuries victims suffer in accidents.

However, in high-speed collisions, seat belts and airbags can deliver blunt force trauma that results in internal injuries.

When To Seek Immediate Medical Attention Post-Accident

Even after your car accident has happened, you should still seek medical care, even if days have passed. Delaying medical treatment not only delays the essential medical care you need, but it can also potentially hurt your argument that the injuries you’re suffering were the result of the car accident.

Proving Internal Injuries for Car Accident Compensation

When pursuing a personal injury claim against the driver that caused your accident, an experienced attorney will know how to build a case that proves your internal injuries were the result of the car crash. Seeking out medical care immediately is essential because it helps build your credibility, making it harder for insurance adjusters and liable parties to deny your claims.

Related: Car Accidents Without Insurance in Nevada.

Treatment for Internal Injuries After a Car Crash

Victims who seek medical care will undergo treatment according to their specific recovery needs. For many victims, physical therapy plays an important role in the recovery process. From learning how to use your body properly after organ failure or nerve damage to rebuilding muscles and regaining your strength, physical therapy is an essential part of your journey to healing.

Why Adam S. Kutner Handles Internal Injury Cases

At Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, our team has helped countless victims who have suffered senselessly because of the negligence of another driver. If you’ve been the victim of a car accident that’s resulted in internal injuries, reach out to our team today to learn more about your legal rights and options.

Internal Injury After a Car Accident FAQs