Internal injuries are one type of serious ailment that can be sustained after being involved in a car accident. While some internal injuries can be easily treated, they often go unnoticed by both the victim and medical professionals. To learn more about these injuries and your legal rights and options after a crash, keep reading and reach out to a Pike County, KY car accident lawyer.
What Are Internal Injuries?
Internal injuries are any type of damage done to the body’s interior. They are generally not visible like external injuries which typically are accompanied by obvious pain, cuts, bruises, etc. Internal injuries may go unnoticed for days or even weeks if symptoms do not
present themselves or are brushed off as soreness or shock from whatever accident they were sustained in.
Can Internal Injuries Be Sustained in a Car Accident?
Yes, internal injuries are often sustained as a result of a car accident. Internal injuries can be caused by a variety of issues but in a car accident, the following three types of trauma are generally responsible for the development of these ailments.
- Blunt trauma: Blunt trauma can be caused by the body forcefully colliding with another object. This often occurs during car accidents as the small interior of the vehicle leaves little room to avoid impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, side door, or seat. This type of trauma can cause damage to the internal organs and result in internal bleeding or other complications.
- Penetrating trauma: Penetrating trauma occurs when a foreign object enters the body. If an object inside the car or a piece of glass from a shattered window, for example, pierces the skin it could cause an internal injury if it lacerates or punctures an internal organ.
- Decelerating trauma: Decelerating trauma is common in car accidents as it is a result of the body rapidly coming to a halt after traveling at high speeds. The internal organs may continue moving despite the fact that the body has decelerated which creates a force that can result in internal damage.
Car accidents often result in the above types of trauma, meaning that internal injuries are common.
Examples of Internal Injuries
Common examples of internal injuries sustained in car accidents include the following.
- Internal bleeding
- Ruptured spleen
- Punctured or collapsed lung
- Liver damage
- Heart damage
- Kidney damage
- Fractured or broken ribs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
The above injuries can be life-threatening if left unattended for too long so it is crucial that you get medically evaluated after being involved in a car accident. Symptoms to look out for can include chest or abdominal pain, bruising, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, drop in blood pressure, or blood in the urine, stool, or vomit.
Even if you feel fine after an auto accident it is better to be safe than sorry. Head to a doctor or hospital to be evaluated and contact an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal options.
