Whether minor or severe, car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. While some injuries like cuts, bruises, and broken bones are visible and immediately noticeable, others may not be as easily identified. Victims of a car accident often sustain internal injuries which can be extremely damaging and even life-threatening under certain circumstances. It is crucial that you understand not only the injuries you could sustain in a car crash but also your legal rights and options in the following weeks and months. Consult with a Bergen County car accident lawyer to discuss your situation and obtain skilled representation during your case.
What Are Internal Injuries?
Internal injuries refer to any damage done to the body that is not visible from the outside. Injuries to the body’s organs, tissue, or blood vessels that are not immediately visible and require medical tools and devices to see are considered internal. These ailments are harder to detect than external injuries and are therefore often overlooked.
Internal injuries can affect various organs including the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, and intestines, or could generally cause internal bleeding. Some internal injuries may be minor and heal on their own over time but others could be life-threatening and require immediate attention and surgery. The fact that these injuries are not visible and may not show symptoms right away is a serious challenge for victims and medical professionals.
Can a Car Accident Cause Internal Injuries?
Yes, car accidents often cause internal injuries to drivers and passengers. Car accidents are often violent and forceful and the impact of a crash can cause the body to be thrown aggressively in or out of the vehicle.
When a car collides with another vehicle or object the passengers generally decelerate suddenly as a result of the car stopping. This can cause internal organs to hit against surrounding bones or other organs which could result in bruising or tearing.
Blunt trauma can also result in internal injuries like if the body is forced against the steering wheel or dashboard. In addition, though seatbelts are necessary for reducing the risk of serious injuries, they can also contribute to internal injuries because of the pressure of the belt against the passenger’s chest and abdomen.
What Are Some Signs of Internal Injuries After a Car Accident?
Recognizing when you have an internal injury can be difficult because symptoms may not present themselves immediately. However, some common signs that can point to internal injuries include the following.
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Chest pain
- Difficult breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Bruising
- Drop in blood pressure
- Blood in urine, stool, or vomit
- Blurred or double vision
Being able to identify the signs of an internal injury could be the difference between life and death. Even if you feel fine after an accident it is imperative that you get checked out by a medical professional to ensure you do not have underlying injuries.
