What Are Common Internal Car Accident Injuries?

Car accidents can cause a range of visible injuries, from serious cuts and lacerations to broken bones and burns, depending on the nature and severity of the accident. However, the injuries that are not visible often can be the most serious and potentially life-threatening. In fact, internal injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), organ damage, and internal bleeding are especially dangerous because the victim does not always experience symptoms right away, so they do not seek immediate medical attention. If the injury is not diagnosed and treated immediately, it can become more serious and challenging.

The extreme force of impact caused by a car accident can cause the occupants of the vehicles to be slammed against the windshield, dashboard, or steering wheel. The human body cannot safely absorb the force released in a car accident, particularly if the vehicles were traveling at a high speed at the time of the collision. This can result in a range of internal injuries, including the following:

• Fractured ribs: The force of impact from a car accident can cause the victims to suffer from broken ribs. There may be visible bruising in some cases, but symptoms generally include severe pain when breathing, coughing, or moving and tenderness or swelling in the affected area. This injury can become particularly serious if the broken rib punctures a vital organ like the lung, spleen, or liver.
• Internal bleeding: When a car accident causes trauma to the blood vessels in the body, it can prevent them from clotting and repairing themselves, leading to internal bleeding. Symptoms include abdominal or chest pain, lightheadedness or dizziness, fatigue, thirst, coldness, pale complexion, or nausea.
• TBIs: This is a common injury caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head. Depending on the severity of the injury, symptoms may include headaches, confusion, dizziness, mood fluctuations, memory problems, and unconsciousness. In severe cases, a TBI can result in permanent cognitive impairments, disabilities, and even death. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you suffer any type of head injury.
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung): When the force of impact causes a broken rib or other sharp object to pierce the lung, the lung can collapse. Symptoms include severe chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and fatigue. If this injury is not treated immediately, it can lead to respiratory failure or tension pneumothorax, which occurs when the pressure in the chest cavity increases, causing impaired cardiac function.
• Organ damage: Organ damage is another common internal injury in a car accident. Depending on the severity of the accident and the organ affected, symptoms include abdominal pain, bleeding, lightheadedness, and shock. Complications can lead to organ failure and internal bleeding.
• Ruptured spleen: The spleen helps filter the blood and right infections in the body. If the spleen is torn or ruptured in a car accident, this can cause pain in the upper left abdomen, left shoulder pain, confusion, lightheadedness, and blurred vision. Often, symptoms do not appear right away, but the injury can cause internal bleeding and other serious complications if left untreated.
• Abdominal aorta aneurysm: When the abdominal aorta is ruptured, it can cause massive internal bleeding, which is a potentially life-threatening complication that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include severe pain in the back or abdomen, a pulsing sensation in the abdomen, and signs of shock, which include cold, sweaty skin, rapid heart rate, and fainting.

What Are the Treatment Options for Internal Injuries?

Internal injuries are often more difficult to treat, particularly if the injured party did not seek immediate medical attention because the symptoms were not apparent. Unfortunately, the treatment delay usually makes the injury much more serious. There is a range of treatment options that healthcare providers can use to treat an internal injury, depending on the type and severity of the injury. The following are examples of treatments for internal bleeding and other internal injuries:

• IV: Intravenous fluids and blood transfusions to prevent or correct a significant drop in blood pressure.
• Exploratory laparotomy: The surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen and seal the ends of the leaking blood vessels.
• Thoracotomy: A surgeon makes an incision along the rib cage or breastbone so they have access to the chest. The surgeon will then identify and stop the bleeding and protect the heart and lungs from the pressure caused by the internal bleeding.
• Craniotomy: This procedure involves creating a hole in the skull to relieve pressure and reduce further injury to the brain.

What Damages Can I Get for an Internal Injury?

The costs associated with an internal injury can accumulate quickly, particularly if the injury requires surgery, ongoing follow-up care, or permanent impairments. This can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating, particularly if your injury prevents you from being able to return to work. You may be eligible for the following damages:

• All medical expenses associated with your injury, including hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, medical devices, and prescription medication
• Lost wages if you are not able to return to work for an extended period of time
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress from the trauma

Our Tolland County Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC Recover Compensation for Car Accident Victims With Internal Injuries

If you or a loved one suffered a serious internal injury from a car accident, do not hesitate to contact our Tolland County car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC. We will discuss the details of your case, determine who is responsible for causing the accident, and help you navigate every step of the claims process. To schedule a free consultation, call 860-872-7741 or contact us online. Located in Vernon, New Haven, and Waterbury, Connecticut, we serve clients in Tolland County, New Haven County, and Hartford County.