Car accidents can result in a variety of injuries, some obvious and others less so. Among the most dangerous are internal injuries, which can often go unnoticed until it is too late. This article provides comprehensive information about the most common types of internal injuries sustained during car accidents, their symptoms, and the importance of immediate medical attention.
What Internal Injuries Can You Get from a Car Accident?
Internal injuries occur when the impact from the accident causes damage to the organs inside the body or internal bleeding. These injuries are not always visible and might not present immediate symptoms, making them especially dangerous.
Some of the most common types of internal injuries include:
Broken ribs. The force of an accident can fracture the ribs, which can then puncture vital organs.
Pneumothorax. This injury, also referred to as a collapsed lung, happens when air collects in the space around the lungs.
Organ damage. Organs such as the liver, kidneys, or heart can be bruised or ruptured upon impact.
Ruptured spleen. This is one of the most common internal injuries and can lead to severe internal bleeding.
Abdominal aorta aneurysm. This type of internal injury is a rupture in the main artery of the body, leading to massive internal bleeding. It is often fatal.
Brain bleeds. Also known as intracranial hemorrhage, this injury occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding in the surrounding tissues.
How Do You Know If You Have Internal Injuries After a Car Accident?
Internal injuries are not always immediately apparent, and symptoms can take days to develop, which is part of what makes them particularly dangerous. While it is impossible to accurately self-diagnose internal injuries, being aware of unusual symptoms can help you decide when to seek medical attention. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, or if your condition worsens, go to an emergency room immediately.
Here are some of the signs of internal injuries after a car accident:
Abdominal pain or swelling
Deep bruising
Dizziness, fainting, or feeling lightheaded
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting (especially if the vomit is bloody)
Severe pain in the chest, head, or abdomen
Weakness or paralysis
Ignoring potential internal injuries can lead to serious complications, including organ failure and death. Even if you feel fine after an accident, it is essential to get checked by a healthcare professional to rule out any hidden injuries.
How Internal Injuries Are Treated
Medical professionals may use several tests to diagnose internal injuries:
X-rays, to identify fractures and damage to the chest or abdomen.
CT scans, to provide a more detailed view of organs, bones, and other structures.
Ultrasounds, to detect internal bleeding or damage to organs.
MRI, to obtain high-resolution images of injuries to tissues, ligaments, and organs.
Treatment for internal injuries depends on the severity and type of injury. It may involve surgery, medication, or other interventions. Rehabilitation may also be necessary to regain strength and functioning.
How Internal Injuries Can Impact a Person’s Life
Internal injuries are often considered catastrophic injuries as these injuries can have a profound impact on a person’s life, and the repercussions of internal injuries can range from physical discomfort and disability to emotional distress and mental health challenges. Living with an internal injury is a complex journey that requires navigating a labyrinth of treatments, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments.
Depending on the severity and location of the injury, individuals may need to undergo surgeries, engage in long-term physical therapy, or take medications to manage pain and other symptoms. This can cause a significant disruption to daily life, making routine tasks challenging and potentially leading to a decrease in overall quality of life.
Dealing with an internal injury can also take a mental toll on those suffering from such injuries. The constant worry about the injury itself, the stress of medical appointments and treatments, and the potential loss of independence can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Skilled Catastrophic Injury Attorney
At the Law Offices of Charles R. Gueli, we are committed to offering our clients high-quality legal counsel and helping them obtain the best possible settlement offer. If you or a loved one have suffered a catastrophic injury, such as internal injuries, in a car accident, our firm can help you begin filing your claim and support you throughout the entirety of your case.
Contact our firm online or via phone at (516) 628-6402 to get started on your case today.