Car Crash Internal Injuries

What Are Internal Injuries and Internal Bleeding?

Following an automobile accident, it is not uncommon for those involved to sustain injuries. Internal injuries, such as internal bleeding, affect thousands of people involved in accidents every day. Internal injuries can be especially dangerous because they don’t always reflect symptoms obvious to the injured person. Internal injuries, including internal bleeding, cannot be detected without a medical exam.

Dangers of Internal Injuries

After an accident takes place, you’ll naturally self-assess for injuries, but internal injuries are easy to miss without a medical professional performing X-rays, CT scans, or carefully examining the patient. Victims cannot always see or feel internal injuries themselves.

Types of Internal Injuries

Several points of impact can take place in an auto accident. Cars have significant force and momentum when moving at fast and even slow speeds. Severity of impact and injuries can depend on speed and additional factors in the accident. The following are common types of internal injuries sustained in auto accidents:

• Fractured or broken ribs
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage such as kidney or liver damages
• Brain bleeding
• Ruptured spleen
• Traumatic brain injuries

Severity of internal injuries will vary depending on which part of the body is impacted by the accident, and the level it is affected. The sooner you receive a medical examination, the sooner your internal injury can be cared for and treated.

Symptoms of Internal Injuries Following an Auto Accident

While the injuries may be difficult to find unless you’re a medical professional, there are common symptoms that may allude to internal injuries:

• Pain – higher-impact accidents can injure internal organs, leading to serious complications. If victims are feeling pain or tenderness in any particular area, it is recommended they receive an examination
• Nausea – it is common for victims of auto accidents to feel dizzy or nauseous following an accident due to several factors. Vomiting after an accident may signal something is wrong, especially in cases where blood is found in the vomit
• Bruising – bruising is a very common reaction in victims of auto accidents. Severe bruising can signal internal bleeding and should be monitored and examined
• Feeling cold – if a person is bleeding internally, it can affect their body temperature
• Lightheadedness – internal bleeding can trigger a person into shock or extreme lightheadedness if the bleeding is severe and advancing quickly

Treatment for Internal Injuries

Internal injuries may not show up immediately. It is imperative you receive an examination immediately following an accident to ensure you have no underlying internal injuries or internal bleeding that has gone unnoticed due to lack of symptoms.

Steps to Take Following an Auto Accident

If are involved in auto accident in Indiana, whether or not with another car or a semi, the first priority is to get to safety. Once you are safe, follow these steps:

• Stay calm
• Check for injuries
• Call the police
• Document the accident
• Collect information
• Seek medical care
• Inform your insurance company
• Call an attorney

Following these steps after an accident will not prevent internal injuries, but it will increase your chances of safely treating any internal injuries before they become more advanced without you knowing.

Compensation for Internal Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents

If you or a loved one sustain internal injuries in an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Compensation can be paid in two forms: compensatory damages, and punitive damages.

Compensatory damages will cover medical costs including ongoing care for permanent injuries, lost wages or loss of future wages, physical pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Punitive damages are typically awarded to a victim if the accident or injuries were caused by negligence of another party. Punitive damages punish the defendant for their negligent behavior.

Contact WKW Today

If you or a loved one have sustained internal injuries in an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. The attorneys at Wilson Kehoe Winingham have years of experience handling auto accident cases. We work diligently to ensure you or your loved one reach the justice they deserve. Contact us today for a no-obligation case evaluation.

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