Understanding Internal Injuries after a Car Accident
The blunt trauma from a car accident can cause severe internal damage. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Organ Contusions
The human body is not designed to absorb the force of a motor vehicle accident. As a result, a number of internal organs can be damaged during a car crash, for instance, the liver, spleen, and kidneys. However, internal organ bruising can be challenging to diagnose. Therefore, victims should watch for abdominal pain, soreness, back pain, and reduced blood pressure.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding, which can also be described as intracranial or intra-abdominal bleeding, must be treated promptly. However, symptoms can take several hours to appear. The signs to watch for include blood in urine or stool, large bruises or skin discoloration, vomiting or coughing up blood, headaches, feeling light-headed or fainting, confusion, slurred speech, weakness, and low blood pressure.
Rib and Torso Injuries
When the intense gravitational force from a car accident is applied to the chest and rib area, a variety of injuries can occur. If left untreated, internal soft-tissue injuries can be severe and even fatal. For example, when three or more ribs are broken in two or more places (flail chest injury), the chest wall becomes unstable, affects breathing, and is life-threatening.
Traumatic Brain Injury
A violent blow or jolt to the head can cause the brain to be pushed against the inside of the skull. The resulting damage to the brain can range from a concussion that clears up in a few weeks to severe brain damage that causes permanent impairments and the victim needing continuing care and assistance. Common symptoms include loss of consciousness, headache, confusion, dizziness, and slurred speech. However, some individuals who suffer a brain injury do not experience loss of consciousness, and symptoms can develop over 48 hours.
The Danger of Internal Injuries after a Car Accident
While internal injuries are less likely to be fatal if caught and treated quickly by a medical professional, not all types of trauma present immediate symptoms. As a result, if victims wait to seek medical care after a collision, a treatable condition can quickly turn life-threatening. However, even when internal injuries are caught, victims often suffer long-term repercussions, such as additional surgeries, and ongoing issues with pain management and mobility. In addition, physical or vocational therapy is usually required.
Legal Rights After a Car Accident Internal Injury
If you or a loved one suffers a severe internal injury in a car accident, you have the right to hold the at-fault party accountable. However, that does not mean their insurance company will automatically offer the compensation you are owed. An Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer can help you with every aspect of your claim, including filing, gathering evidence, determining who is liable, and negotiating with the insurance companies. They will ensure you recover the compensation you deserve and need to make a full recovery or improve as much as medically possible.