The moments and hours after a car accident can feel like a whirlwind. Between calling the police, assessing the damage to your car, and checking on your passengers, you may not even notice your own injuries. This is especially common with internal injuries, which aren’t always immediately obvious.

Unfortunately, these injuries can also be fatal if they aren’t identified and treated in time. Learn more about internal injuries, symptoms to watch out for, and your next steps. For more personalized advice regarding your claim, call Pack Law Group at 540-586-7225.

Brain Bleed

You may suffer a brain bleed from an open or closed head wound. An open head wound can obviously place pressure on the brain and leave you at risk of infection. However, you can also suffer a brain bleed from a closed head wound that isn’t immediately apparent. Blunt force trauma can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull, leading to swelling and bleeding. Subsequently, the brain does not have access to the oxygen it needs. Even short periods without oxygen can leave accident victims with permanent brain damage.

Broken Ribs and Pneumothorax

The ribs can break fairly easily in a car crash, even one that occurs at a low speed. In some cases, broken ribs can heal on their own with a long period of rest and recuperation. The worse outcome is when the broken rib moves out of place and punctures a lung. The lung deflates and pushes air out into the chest. This condition can be fatal, and often requires needle aspiration, a chest tube, or surgical treatment.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is one of the most dangerous outcomes of a serious car accident. Damage to any of the organs can cause blood to leak into the body’s cavities, putting you at risk of death. Unfortunately, fatal bleeding is rarely immediately visible, so victims may not know that they need medical care until it is too late.

Ruptured Spleen

One condition that often leads to internal bleeding is a ruptured spleen. Blunt or penetrating trauma to this organ can lead to permanent damage. Depending on the severity of the injury, it may require surgical repair or removal.

Other Organ Damage

While damage to the lungs and spleen may be more common in accidents, any organ can be injured in a car collision. Your organs are prone to serious damage, whether from a penetrating injury or blunt force trauma. The outcome for each different type of organ injury depends largely on the organ’s function, how quickly the injury is identified, and how promptly you receive treatment.

Common Symptoms

Since internal injuries aren’t always visible to the naked eye, it’s important to take note of your symptoms and know when to seek medical treatment. Some common signs of an internal injury include:

• Blood in your urine
• Sudden changes in mood or behavior
• Inappropriate or atypical outbursts
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision and slurred speech
• Pain in the muscles
• Low blood pressure
• Bloody vomit
• Limit joint movement
• Deep purple bruising around the abdomen

Many of these symptoms are also commonly reported after mild injuries, which makes it difficult for victims to know whether or not something is serious. The solution is to seek immediate medical care after any car crash. Without a strong medical background and the proper diagnostic equipment, you simply cannot know if your injuries are mild, moderate, or life-threatening.

Going to the doctor cannot hurt. If your injuries are mild, you’ll only have lost whatever time it takes to get checked out. If your injuries are severe or life-threatening, you are able to get treatment promptly, improving your prognosis.

Not sure what to do after suffering an internal injury? Your personal injury attorney can help you navigate the process of fighting for compensation. If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

Choose Pack Law Group for Your Personal Injury Claim

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, we can help you through your personal injury claim. If someone else caused your injuries, you shouldn’t be left with a stack of medical bills, no income, and lingering injuries. Set up a consultation now by calling us at 540-586-7225 or reaching out to us online.