An internal injury is any damage not visible from the outside of the body. These types of ailments mostly include damage, tears, or ruptures to the spleen, liver, heart, lungs, and kidneys, as well as internal bleeding. After being involved in a car accident in Bergen County, understanding how to identify the often elusive symptoms of internal injuries is critical to your health and well-being. Prompt identification of these injuries is essential not only to ensure you can be treated for potentially life-threatening issues but also to protect your legal rights to compensation. For more information and to obtain skilled representation, reach out to a Bergen County injury lawyer today.
What Are Internal Injuries?
An internal injury is any injury sustained within the body that cannot be seen from outside. Unfortunately, because these injuries are not visible, they can be difficult to identify, making them incredibly dangerous. Injuries to the organs, soft tissue, or blood vessels are most common and often require medical imaging to diagnose.
- Commonly impacted organs include the liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, and lungs
- Internal bleeding is common and incredibly serious
- Symptoms of injuries may be delayed or worsen over time
Unfortunately, because these injuries are harder to identify due to the fact that they are not easily visible, they are often overlooked in the aftermath of a collision.
It’s important to understand that some internal injuries, like mild strains or light bruising, may resolve on their own with basic care and adequate rest. However, significant internal injury required immediate medical intervention to reduce the risk of long-term injury or death.
How Do Car Accidents Cause Internal Injuries?
An internal injury can arise from a car accident in Bergen County or anywhere in New Jersey due to the sudden, violent force when the vehicles collide.
- Sudden deceleration can cause organs to shift and collide with each other or surrounding bones
- Blunt force trauma from doors, steering wheels, or center consoles can cause injury
- Seatbelts and airbags can result in compression injuries to the chest and lungs
- Internal injuries may result from ejection or partial ejection
Even crashes that occur at low speeds on local roads or during heavy commuting traffic may still result in internal injuries, especially in older adults or those with health conditions.
How Can You Identify Internal Injuries After a Car Accident?
Identifying internal injuries can be difficult due to their hidden nature, but they may have symptoms that should be taken seriously. As such, if you experience any of the following, it’s imperative to seek immediate medical attention.
Pain and Physical Discomfort
Physical pain can be a sign of internal injuries. Though you may brush it off as soreness from the crash, pay attention to the details of the pain, especially if it is in the abdominal or chest area. If the pain is severe, long-lasting, and localized to one specific area, there is a chance that there is an internal injury.
- Chest pain or pressure
- Pain localized to one specific area
- Pain that does not get better with rest
- Intense or worsening pain, especially in the abdomen
Visible and External Warning Signs
While injuries are not visible, some external signs could indicate serious issues.
- Deep and spreading bruising
- Seatbelt or impact marks associated with pain and tenderness
- Swelling in the chest or abdomen
Neurological and Systemic Symptoms
Because internal injuries can impact your blood flow or oxygen levels, it’s not uncommon to experience neurological symptoms following an accident in which you’ve suffered serious internal injury. Additionally, you may suffer a Traumatic Brain Injury during the collision, which can have lasting impacts.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Blurry or double vision
- Sudden onset weakness
- Prolonged fatigue
- Confusion or disorientation
Digestive and Urinary Red Flag
Remaining alert to potential signs related to your digestion or urination is critical to quickly identifying internal injuries.
- Blood in urine
- Difficulty, pain, or inability to urinate
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Naseua or vomiting
Breathing and Circulatory Symptoms
If you suffered a serious impact to your chest, you may experience signs that can disrupt your breathing or circulation.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Paleness
- Feeling cold or clammy
- Low blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
Why Internal Injuries are Especially Dangerous
As mentioned, because internal injuries are not visible and may not immediately appear, they can be incredibly dangerous. Unfortunately, these injuries may progress with no signs, until the sudden onset of shock. As such:
- Shock can become life-threatening
- Delayed treatment increases the risk of organ damage or failure
- If left untreated, internal organ damage can result in death
What To Do if You Suspect an Internal Injury After a Car Accident in New Jersey
If you have been involved in a car accident in Bergen County, seeking immediate medical attention is in your best interest, even if you feel okay. As such, if you have any of the aforementioned signs, you should:
- Immediately go to the emergency room or call 911
- Do not wait for symptoms to worsen
- Inform the medical providers of your recent car accident
- Request imaging if symptoms do not improve
- Adhere to all medical advice and treatment plans
How Prompt Medical Care Can Protect Your Legal Rights
While seeking immediate medical attention following a car accident or suspected internal injury is critical to your health, you should also understand that this is critical in the event you want to pursue compensation in the future.
Going to the doctor immediately after an accident can:
- Establish a link between the accident and your injuries
- Prevent insurers from claiming your injuries are unrelated
- Prevent insurers from claiming your injuries were not serious since you failed to seek immediate medical attention
- Helps preserve your right to compensation
Contact Our Glen Rock Personal Injury Firm Today
If you experience any of the above after being involved in a car accident, it is crucial that you head to a hospital or medical professional as soon as possible. It is better to be safe than sorry. To learn more about your rights and legal options after an accident, contact a skilled personal injury attorney at Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC today.
