Common Types of Internal Injuries from Car Accidents
Every year, millions of people throughout the United States are injured in motor vehicle accidents.
While some injuries are generally easy to see with the naked eye — such as abrasions, burns, and broken bones — this doesn’t hold true across the board.
Internal injuries are also common, and in many ways, they’re more dangerous. Since you can’t see an internal injury from the outside, you may assume that there’s nothing wrong with you. However, if you don’t treat these injuries immediately, it can result in additional harm and even death.
With that in mind, here’s a list of common types of internal injuries from car accidents:
1. Bleeding in the Brain
Bleeding in the brain doesn’t always present immediate symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose without medical attention.
This is why you should receive care even if you think you’ve escaped your accident without injury. Your medical team can order a variety of tests, such as an MRI and CT scan, to determine if there’s bleeding in the brain and/or a related injury.
2. Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax is an injury caused when a rib punctures a lung. Subsequently, the lung deflates, collapses, and releases air into the chest.
While not always the case, pneumothorax is typically associated with a broken rib (or ribs).
3. Organ Damage
Any internal organ is at risk of injury, especially in the event of a severe motor vehicle accident. Organ damage can cause internal bleeding, poor function, and organ failure.
Some of the most common types of organ damage include kidney damage, liver lacerations, respiratory distress, hepatic damage, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
4. Internal Bleeding
This goes along with many of the injuries on this list. For example, organ damage can lead to internal bleeding.
With internal bleeding, blood vessels struggle to clot and repair themselves. This can cause bleeding which leads to symptoms such as fatigue, pain and discomfort, lightheadedness, and a pale complexion.
5. Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm
An abdominal aorta aneurysm can occur if the stomach is compressed in a car accident. For instance, this could happen if your vehicle is struck from behind and your seat belt puts extreme pressure on your stomach.
This is one of the most serious types of internal injuries, as an abdominal aorta aneurysm almost always results in death.
How to Diagnose Internal Injuries After a Car Crash
As a general rule of thumb, you should never attempt to diagnose your own injuries after a car crash. This is a dangerous practice, as you don’t know what you’re looking at. Furthermore, not all injuries present immediate symptoms.
The best way to diagnose internal injuries is to receive immediate medical attention. This starts with calling 911 to request an ambulance. The responding paramedics will take your vital signs and begin to treat you on the scene and on your way to a local hospital.
Upon arriving at a hospital, your medical team will continue with their evaluation. They’ll run a variety of tests, based on their findings and the information that you share.
X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans give medical professionals a detailed look at the inside of your body, thus allowing them to make an accurate diagnosis.
Internal injuries are among the most dangerous, so you don’t want to delay in receiving treatment.
If you or a loved one suffered internal injuries in a motor vehicle accident, you’re well aware of the following:
- Internal injuries are painful
- Internal injuries can cause various other health problems
- Internal injuries often take a long time to heal (which can result in large medical bills)
As you focus on your health, well-being, and recovery, take steps to protect your legal rights. You don’t want to be on the hook for the financial implications of an accident caused by a negligent party.
At The Law Offices of Pardy & Rodriguez, P.A., Attorneys at Law, we have the experience necessary to help you receive compensation for your internal injuries. Contact us online or via phone at 407-602-6216 to set up a free consultation.
