The physical damage resulting from car accidents can be both visible and invisible. While some injuries will make themselves apparent immediately, others may not show symptoms straight away but could still be serious or potentially even life-threatening. Internal injuries can pose a significant risk because they may not be immediately identifiable but can lead to serious complications and long-term damage if not treated. Understanding the common signs of internal injuries can be vital after being involved in a car accident. Reach out to a skilled Memphis car accident lawyer to discuss your situation and learn about your legal rights to compensation after a collision.
What Are Internal Injuries?
An internal injury refers to any physical ailment that cannot be seen from outside of the body. These injuries are particularly dangerous as they generally involve internal bleeding or damage to organs like the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. Perhaps the most hazardous part of these injuries is the fact that they often are not diagnosed or treated promptly. When there are no visible signs of an injury victims of an accident may assume they are fine and forgo medical attention.
What Are Some Common Signs of Internal Injuries After a Car Accident?
Below are some of the most common signs of internal injuries that individuals involved in a car accident should be aware of.
- Pain: Though it may sound obvious, seemingly unexplained pain is a good sign of an internal injury. Blunt force to the chest or abdomen could cause damage to internal organs. Sharp, persistent, and localized pain may indicate internal bleeding or organ damage.
- Difficulty breathing: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing could be a sign of a rib fracture, punctured lung, or other internal injury. Trouble breathing paired with pain or tightness in the chest could point toward a serious ailment.
- Dizziness: Dizziness, lightheadedness, or confusion after a car accident can indicate internal bleeding. Blood loss can lead to shock, disorientation, or difficulty staying alert.
- Bruising: Visible bruising and swelling could be indicative of external injuries but they can also point toward internal trauma. Organ damage, ruptures, and internal bleeding can cause swelling and noticeable bruising in the injured area.
- Nausea: Nausea and vomiting after an accident could be a sign of serious internal injuries like damage to the spleen, liver, or intestines along with internal bleeding that causes the individual to feel nauseous or throw up.
- Blood: Blood in the urine, stool, or vomit after an accident is a clear sign of an internal injury. Damage to the kidneys, bladder, or other internal systems can result in blood appearing in excretions.
- Pale or clammy skin: Pale skin, excessive sweating, clamminess, or feeling unusually cold are all signs of shock that can result from internal bleeding. While some may assume the shock occured as a result of being involved in a car accident, the culprit may also be significant bleeding.
There are many physical symptoms of internal injuries so if you were involved in a car accident it is important that you understand what to look out for. For more information on your legal rights to compensation for your medical and other expenses, work with an experienced personal injury attorney today.
