Whenever someone drives in a negligent fashion, whether they drive recklessly, they drive impaired, or they commit some other type of negligence, that can put other motorists in serious danger. Other drivers will be at risk of suffering severe internal injuries that could be life-threatening. What makes internal injuries caused by car accidents so dangerous? That’s what you’ll learn in this article.
If you’ve been hurt due to a negligent driver, get in touch with a Sand Law car accident attorney as fast as you can. We’ll investigate the accident, gathering all of the facts needed to determine exactly how much compensation you should receive. If you would like to learn more about how we may be able to help, schedule a free evaluation of your case by contacting us online or giving us a call at 701-609-1510.
Common Internal Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
No matter what the cause of your car accident, there’s a very good chance that you suffered some sort of internal injury. You may have hit the steering wheel or the dashboard, or the airbag may have deployed. These are just some of the many types of internal injuries that can result from a wreck.
- Ruptured spleen – The force of an impact in a car accident can be so great that it causes a ruptured spleen. Since the risk of severe internal bleeding is so high, the spleen will oftentimes need to be removed.
- Broken ribs – A broken rib is painful enough on its own. But it can also lead to serious internal damage as well. A rib can puncture a lung, making it incredibly hard – or even impossible – to breathe.
- Organ damage – Car wrecks often damage organs such as the liver and kidneys. However, all internal organs will be at risk.
Internal Injuries May Not Manifest Right Away, Leading Victims to Believe They’re Uninjured
One of the reasons internal injuries caused by car accidents are so dangerous is that they sometimes don’t make themselves known immediately. When someone is in a car wreck, they will typically experience an incredible surge of adrenaline. This surge can be so powerful it can mask internal damage.
A victim might emerge from the accident thinking they’re just fine when in reality, they’re anything but. It’s not until a few hours later that they realize something is terribly wrong. That’s why it’s so important you get medical attention immediately, even if you think you’re okay.
When Left Untreated, Internal Injuries Get Worse
Internal injuries will oftentimes not lead to the immediate pain and swelling associated with other injuries, such as a broken arm. They also don’t immediately result in issues such as a sudden change in urine color. But they can still be deadly – and they won’t heal on their own. You’ll simply have to get medical help so that you can be thoroughly checked out and so treatment can be administered if you do have this kind of injury.
But seeking medical attention won’t just be important from a health perspective. It will also be important for your case. The insurance company of the at-fault driver could point to your delay in getting medical help as an indication you really weren’t that badly hurt. This could negatively affect your chances of getting the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Internal Bleeding or Organ Damage Can Lead to Death
The dangers of internal bleeding and organ damage can’t be overstated. If not treated promptly, these problems could be fatal. These are just some of the ways that a car accident can lead to these incredibly dangerous issues.
- Blunt trauma – When a car wreck happens, the people inside the vehicle often hit objects at a very high rate of speed. As mentioned earlier, you might have hit the steering wheel or dash, or some other internal component of your car. This can result in an injury known as blunt force trauma. It happens when the body is moving very quickly and hits a solid object. This can result in torn or crushed blood vessels and a very high risk of significant – and possibly deadly – internal hemorrhaging.
- Decelerating trauma – Some accidents result in a vehicle suddenly coming to a complete stop. But everything inside the vehicle keeps moving – including the driver and any passengers who may be present. Even the organs inside the body keep moving and can be severely damaged as a result.
- Penetrating trauma – A deep puncture wound or laceration can occur because of flying glass or the victim running into a jagged piece of metal or plastic. This type of wound can result in not only severe internal bleeding but also perforated organs.
Internal Injuries are Severe and Can Cause Life-Changing Problems
As you can see, internal injuries caused by car accidents are nothing to trifle with. If you notice any of the following, get to a doctor as soon as possible.
- Tenderness when the affected area is touched
- A rigid abdomen or severe abdominal pain
- The belly turns a bluish color or noticeable bruising around the belly button
- Low blood pressure or a loss of consciousness
- Vomiting and/or nausea
Fast action will be critically important if you have any reason to suspect you have an internal injury after a car accident. It could literally make the difference between life and death.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately After a Car Accident, and Call Sand Law ASAP
If you’ve been hurt in a car wreck, please, please, please see a doctor just as soon as you possibly can. You might have suffered an internal injury that could cost you your life if you don’t seek immediate treatment.
Once that happens, get in touch with a Sand Law car accident lawyer. You shouldn’t have to pay a dime getting treatment for an accident that wasn’t your fault. You definitely don’t deserve to lose wages from work or have to deal with emotional or mental trauma. One of our skilled attorneys will do everything we can to make sure those responsible for your injury are held accountable for your negligence.
Please contact us online or call 701-609-1510 for a free consultation.