After enduring the trauma of a car accident, you may think your injuries are obvious and on the surface. However, internal injuries are often unseen yet can be life threatening if left undiagnosed. As a victim of a car crash, you could have internal bleeding, organ damage, or other internal injuries that may not produce symptoms right away. The force of impact during a collision can cause internal organs to rupture or tear, even if there are no visible external wounds.
While first responders and emergency room doctors will check for signs of internal bleeding or damage, some injuries may not appear for hours or even days after the accident. It is critical that you and your doctors remain vigilant in monitoring your health for symptoms in the days and weeks following a crash. Seeking prompt medical care for any concerning symptoms could help diagnose internal injuries early and prevent permanent damage or even save your life. Also consider reaching out to a car wreck law firm after your accident injury.
Symptoms of Internal Injuries Sustained in a Car Accident
If you have been in a car accident, it's critical to recognize symptoms of internal injuries as soon as possible. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Abdominal pain or swelling. Internal bleeding in the abdomen can lead to life-threatening conditions.
- Chest pain. Damage to internal organs like the heart or lungs require emergency care.
-Nausea or vomiting. This can indicate internal bleeding or organ damage.
-Dizziness or lightheadedness. Low blood pressure from internal bleeding reduces oxygen to the brain.
-Difficulty breathing. Injuries to the lungs or chest wall make it hard to inhale fully.
-Blood in urine or stool. This signals bleeding in the kidneys, stomach, intestines or other digestive organs.
Back or neck pain. Damage to the spine must be properly diagnosed and treated to avoid permanent injury. See a doctor right away for an accurate diagnosis and course of treatment. They may order CT scans, MRIs or exploratory surgery to determine the severity and source of internal injuries.
You may feel fine after an accident due to adrenaline and shock, but internal injuries can be life-threatening if left untreated. Don't delay in getting checked out. Your health and safety should be the top priority after any auto collision. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, many internal injuries can heal over time. However, some may require hospitalization, medication, physical therapy or other interventions to recover fully. The key is catching them early before significant harm occurs. Seek help right away if you've been in an accident - your life could depend on it.
Diagnosing Internal Injuries: What Tests May Be Required
To properly diagnose any internal injuries sustained in a car accident, your doctor may order a variety of tests. The specific tests will depend on your symptoms and the details of your accident.
Diagnostic Imaging
Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are commonly used to examine the internal organs and tissues for signs of damage. X-rays provide basic images of the chest and abdomen, CT scans give a more detailed 3D view, and MRIs use radio waves and magnetic fields to provide the most comprehensive images.
Blood Tests
Your doctor may order blood tests to check for internal bleeding or organ damage. A complete blood count can detect blood loss, while liver function tests and electrolyte panels help determine if there are any issues with your major organs or chemical balances.
Exploratory Surgery
In some cases, especially if there are signs of severe internal bleeding or organ rupture, exploratory surgery may be necessary to fully assess and repair internal damage. The surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen to gain access and visually inspect the internal organs and tissues. They can then perform any necessary repairs, drain excess fluid, or stop active bleeding.
The results of these tests will help determine if any internal injuries require immediate treatment like surgery, hospitalization, or medication. Early detection and treatment of internal injuries are critical to preventing life-threatening complications and minimizing long-term health issues. If you experience symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, or dizziness after an auto accident, see your doctor right away for a full evaluation.
Common Types of Internal Injuries From Car Accidents
Internal injuries can be some of the most serious and life-threatening results of a car accident. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but require immediate medical attention. Some of the most common internal injuries from car accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Your brain is especially vulnerable during a car crash. Even with a seatbelt, your brain can impact the inside of your skull, causing bruising, bleeding, and swelling. Symptoms of a TBI include loss of consciousness, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision. Seek emergency care right away for any signs of head trauma.
Internal Bleeding
The high forces involved in a car accident can cause blood vessels and organs to rupture, leading to dangerous internal bleeding. This can occur in the chest, abdomen, pelvis or brain. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, dizziness or loss of consciousness. Internal bleeding is a medical emergency and requires immediate surgery or blood transfusions to prevent life-threatening blood loss.
Damaged Organs
Violent collisions can damage organs like the spleen, kidneys, liver, and intestines. You may experience pain specific to the injured organ, as well as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal rigidity. Organ damage should be treated as quickly as possible to minimize complications like infection, blood loss or organ failure. Diagnostic tests like CT scans, MRIs and blood work are needed to determine the extent of the damage.
Broken Bones
While broken bones are not technically internal injuries, rib and pelvic fractures can cause internal damage. Broken ribs may puncture lungs or other organs, and a fractured pelvis can cause massive internal bleeding. Seek medical care right away for any broken bones resulting from a car accident to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
If you experience any symptoms of internal injuries after a car accident, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical to minimize damage and increase the chances of a full recovery. Be sure to get follow up care from specialists for severe or life-threatening injuries.
Treatment Options for Internal Injuries
If you have suffered internal injuries from a car accident, there are several treatment options available depending on the severity of your injuries. Seeking prompt medical attention is critical to avoid life-threatening complications.
Hospitalization
For serious internal bleeding or organ damage, hospitalization may be required. Doctors will run diagnostic tests like CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds to determine the extent of your injuries and monitor your condition. You may need blood transfusions, surgery, or other procedures to stop internal bleeding and stabilize your vital signs. Intravenous fluids and medications will also be administered to support your recovery.
Medication
To treat pain, inflammation, and promote healing, doctors may prescribe pain medication, steroids, antibiotics, or other drugs. Be sure to follow the dosage and usage instructions carefully to avoid dependence or side effects.
Rest and Physical Therapy
For less severe injuries, rest and physical therapy may be recommended. Rest allows your body to heal while physical therapy helps strengthen surrounding areas, improve mobility and range of motion. As pain and symptoms improve, light exercise can be resumed under the guidance of a doctor or physical therapist.
Follow-up Care
Follow-up visits with your doctor are important to monitor your recovery, check for any new or worsening symptoms, and determine if additional treatment or lifestyle changes are needed. Diagnostic tests may need to be repeated to check for internal bleeding or other complications before resuming normal activities. Recovery can take weeks or months depending on the nature of your injuries.
By seeking prompt treatment from medical professionals and carefully following their recommendations for rest, medication, therapy, and follow-up care, most people with internal injuries from auto accidents are able to recover successfully. However, some may experience long-term effects that require ongoing management and treatment.
Seeking Compensation for Internal Injuries: How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you have suffered internal injuries in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury lawyer can help you pursue legal action against the at-fault party.
Diagnosing Internal Injuries
Internal injuries can be difficult to detect and diagnose. You may not experience symptoms until hours or days after an accident. It is critical to get examined by a doctor as soon as possible following any car crash. They can perform tests like CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds to check for internal bleeding or damage to organs.
Establishing Liability
To recover damages, you must prove that another party was liable for your injuries. Your attorney will investigate the accident to determine fault and gather evidence like photos of vehicle damage, witness statements, police reports, medical records, and bills to build your case.
Calculating Losses
The compensation you receive will depend on the extent of your injuries and losses. This could include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages. Your lawyer can calculate a fair settlement amount to cover both economic and non-economic losses.
Negotiating a Settlement
Most car accident cases are resolved through negotiated settlements before going to court. Your attorney will handle all communications with insurance companies and negotiate the best possible settlement on your behalf. If an agreement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Hire a Lawyer?
Trying to navigate the legal process alone after suffering internal injuries can be difficult and stressful. An experienced personal injury lawyer has the knowledge and resources to advocate for your rights, deal with insurance companies, and work to obtain fair compensation for your losses so you can focus on recovery.
Fletcher Law Can Help With Your Internal Injury Case
If you have suffered internal injuries in a car accident, you may face significant medical bills, lost wages, and a lengthy recovery process. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Fletcher Law have successfully represented clients with internal injuries in car accident claims. We understand the complex medical issues involved and will fight to get you the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Medical Treatment and Diagnosis
The first step is to seek immediate medical attention after an accident to assess the extent of your injuries. Internal injuries can often be difficult to detect at first and may require multiple tests, scans, and procedures to properly diagnose. It is critical that you follow all recommended treatment plans and medical advice to avoid complications or worsening of injuries. Keep records of all medical visits, tests, and correspondence regarding your treatment and condition.
Building Your Personal Injury Claim
To build a strong claim for compensation, we will gather evidence to prove negligence and substantiate the severity of your injuries. This includes obtaining police reports, witness statements, medical records, bills and expenses, information on lost work and wages, and documentation of the impact your injuries have had on your daily life. We will consult with medical experts to understand prognoses, future medical needs, and the potential for permanent effects. All of this evidence will be used to demonstrate the full scope of losses and damages in your case.
Seeking Fair Compensation
Our attorneys have a proven track record of securing favorable settlements from insurance companies for clients with internal injuries from car accidents. However, if an adequate settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. We will seek financial recovery for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any permanent disabilities. You deserve compensation that will adequately provide for your needs now and into the future.
The team at Fletcher Law is here to guide you through the legal process after suffering internal injuries in a car crash. We will advocate on your behalf to hold the negligent party responsible and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Please contact us today for a free consultation about your case.