Though internal injuries are not all serious, they are often considered silent killers because they are not visible and can have delayed symptoms. As a result, victims with internal injuries may refuse emergency medical care and simply go home after an accident, assuming they are fine. Unfortunately, if not treated right away, internal injuries from car accidents can quickly worsen and lead to serious complications.

Even if you feel fine, it is always best to seek immediate medical attention following an accident. You never know what your body could be experiencing internally without a full medical exam. Proof of your injuries from doctor statements and medical documents can also benefit your personal injury case should you decide to file a claim for compensation.

If you sustain internal injuries from a car accident, an experienced attorney can help walk you through the process to ensure you get the full compensation you deserve. Internal injuries may require expensive medical treatments, but compensation from an injury claim can help you cover your expenses and other damages related to the accident.

Common Internal Injuries From Car Accidents

Generally, internal injuries are considered any sort of injury or damage that is not visible from the outside of your body. For this reason, they can be difficult to detect without a medical exam and scans.

Some of the more common internal injuries from car accidents include:

Internal Bleeding

Blood vessels can easily rupture when the body experiences forceful trauma. When this occurs, blood can pool within the body without you knowing, leading to a loss of blood and circulation in parts of the body that need it. Internal bleeding is a serious condition that can result in death if not treated right away.

Damaged Internal Organs

There are many internal organs that can also get damaged easily in a car accident that do not initially cause any pain or other symptoms. The kidneys, liver, and spleen are commonly damaged internal organs, but you can also injure your lungs or your stomach. For example, you can suffer a collapsed lung without any pain or breathing issues, but the injury can be deadly if it is overlooked. You could also suffer an abdominal aorta rupture, which occurs when the stomach is crushed or compressed.

Fractured Ribs

Broken ribs can heal on their own, which is why some people will simply deal with the pain and avoid medical care. However, in some cases, a fractured or broken rib can cause further damage, such as rupturing blood vessels or puncturing a lung. So it is always best to have this type of injury checked out just to make sure there are no complications or other damage.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are actually quite common in car accidents. They can range from mild to severe but are often initially undetected when it is a closed head injury (meaning nothing punctured the skull). While mild brain injuries can heal on their own, severe brain injuries require immediate medical attention. Brain bleeding, for example, can cause the brain to swell, which can lead to death if the pressure is not relieved.

Signs and Symptoms of Internal Injuries After a Car Accident to Watch Out For

You should always get checked out by emergency medical responders following an accident or go to the hospital yourself. Even if you feel fine, symptoms of internal injuries are not always immediately present, and when symptoms do begin to appear, it may be too late.

If you do notice any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Severe weakness
• Vision problems
• Loss of feeling or numbness
• Trouble staying conscious
• Severe bruising in the abdominal area
• Feeling cold
• Sweating
• Rapid heart rate
• Severe headache
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Abdominal pain

How the Poynter & Bucheri Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help

If you suspect you have been injured after a car accident, your health and safety should be your primary concern. Delaying treatment when you have sustained internal injuries after a car accident can have tragic consequences. Even if you have financial concerns, you should worry about your health first.

After seeking medical attention, a personal injury attorney can help you file a claim to ensure you get the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses. Without an attorney, insurance companies will try to offer you a quick settlement that is typically much less than you deserve. However, insurance companies are more likely to pay you what they owe you if you have an attorney advocating for your rights. 

Contact the accident recovery experts at Poynter & Bucheri today for help with your personal injury claim. Our fee is only 25% compared to the higher 40% rates with other attorneys. We will ensure you are properly compensated for your car accident injuries and losses. Don’t hesitate — one of our experienced attorneys can assist you right away. Contact us today or Call 1-800-265-9881 for a free case review.