When you are involved in a car accident you may sustain a wide variety of injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe and sometimes deadly ailments. Internal injuries often occur in auto accidents but go undetected because they are not visible and may not present symptoms right away. After being in a car accident, understanding the signs of internal injuries can help you identify and seek treatment for a potentially life-threatening issue. To learn more about your legal rights regarding compensation for your associated damages, contact a York County, PA car accident attorney today.
What Are Internal Injuries?
Internal injuries are any injuries that occur beneath the skin and cannot be seen from outside of the body. Scrapes, lacerations, bruises, sprains, and breaks are all fairly easy to identify and diagnose as there are physical and visual signs. Internal injuries are caused by physical trauma and may not present symptoms for days or even weeks.
What Are the Most Common Internal Injuries?
Internal injuries can affect various parts of the body. Some of the most common types sustained in car accidents include the following.
- Abdominal injuries: These injuries can include damage to the abdominal organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, or intestines. Depending on the details you could sustain bruising, tearing, ruptures, puncture wounds, bleeding, etc.
- Chest injuries: Trauma to the chest can cause damage to the lungs, heart, or ribs. Conditions like a collapsed lung, broken or fractured ribs, or aortic aneurysm are common internal injuries.
- Brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are some of the most damaging internal injuries that can be sustained in a car accident, occurring if your head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, window, etc. during the collision. Concussions, skull fractures, bleeding in the brain, and more could arise.
- Internal bleeding: When physical trauma causes blood vessels to be crushed or torn, internal bleeding can occur almost anywhere in the body. This is a serious injury and often goes unnoticed.
How Can You Identify Internal Injuries After a Car Accident?
One of the most dangerous things about internal injuries is the potential for them to go unnoticed, undiagnosed, and untreated. While these injuries may not be immediately visible, there are several signs and symptoms that can be used to identify a more serious problem underneath the surface.
- Severe, sharp, and localized pain
- Swelling and bruising in one area
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness and confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pale skin
- Rapid heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Changes in bowel movements
- Blood in urine, stool, or vomit
- Feeling cold or clammy
If you experience any of the above symptoms it is crucial that you seek medical attention right away. Internal injuries can worsen quickly and develop into serious and life-threatening conditions.
Even if you do not suspect anything is awry after your accident, it is better to be safe than sorry. It is always advisable to get medically evaluated after a crash as shock, adrenaline, or delayed symptoms could mask a serious issue.
