Car accidents can be extremely physically damaging to those involved, inflicting injury to virtually any part of the body. Blunt-force trauma or penetrating injuries involving a victim’s chest or abdomen can result in internal injuries – many of which may not be immediately noticeable. This is why it is crucial to visit a doctor immediately after an accident, and one of the first questions your Las Vegas car accident lawyer will ask when you bring a case forward.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, can arise if a car accident victim hits his or her head on an object inside the vehicle (or the asphalt, if the occupant is ejected from the car). TBIs can range from minor concussions to medical emergencies, such as swelling or bleeding in the brain. Common symptoms include persistent headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, memory loss, confusion and loss of consciousness.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding or hemorrhaging can occur if blood vessels sustain injury in a car accident, causing them to break or rupture and leading to a collection of blood inside of the body. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Internal bleeding can occur anywhere in the body, but is most often found in the chest or abdomen after a car crash. Damage to the aorta or major blood vessels can also occur due to blunt-force trauma or penetrating injuries.
Broken Ribs and Punctured Lungs
Any impact to a victim’s chest in a car accident, including contact with a seat belt, could cause one or more broken ribs. Rib fractures can result in trouble breathing, severe chest pain and coughing. Broken ribs pose a risk of puncturing nearby organs, including the lungs. A punctured lung can lead to a life-threatening condition of a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). Broken ribs can also cause damage to the spleen or liver.
Organ Injuries
The internal organs can suffer damage from impact with the steering column, dashboard, seat belt or other objects within the vehicle in an automobile accident. They can also sustain damage from being thrown against one another inside of the body from the forces of a crash. Common organ injuries suffered in car accidents include:
- Damage to the liver or kidneys
- Torn or ruptured spleen
- Organ damage or bruising
- Heart injuries
- Organ failure
Organ damage can result in symptoms such as abdominal pain or tenderness, swelling, blood in urine or stools, dizziness, low blood pressure, fainting, and bruising. If not treated promptly, organ injuries can lead to organ failure and death.
How Do You Know If You Have an Internal Injury After a Car Accident?
Some internal injuries are noticed immediately by car accident victims due to obvious signs or symptoms, but others may not be discovered right away. It is imperative to see a doctor as soon as possible after a motor vehicle accident, even if you initially feel fine. You may be suffering from hidden internal injuries, such as bleeding or organ damage, that require immediate treatment.
Contact a Lawyer for Help With a Car Accident Involving Internal Injuries
If you are diagnosed with an internal injury after getting involved in a car accident in Las Vegas, contact an attorney for legal advice and assistance. A Las Vegas personal injury attorney‘s representation during the insurance claims process can ensure that you receive a fair settlement for the full extent of your losses, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Your attorney can help you prove your internal injuries and their connection to the automobile accident for maximum compensation.