Internal Organ Damage from Car Accident

Car accidents can result in a variety of injuries. Internal organ damage is one of the most serious and dangerous injuries that can result from a car accident. Unlike cuts or broken bones, internal injuries are not always immediately visible, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. Even crashes that appear minor can generate enough force to injure vital organs.

When it comes to internal organ injuries, immediate medical attention is necessary. Internal organ damage can be fatal if left untreated. If you’ve been in a car accident, especially a high-impact crash, getting prompt medical evaluation can save your life.

How Internal Organ Injuries Occur

During a collision, the body can be violently thrown forward, sideways, or against hard surfaces such as the steering wheel, dashboard, seat belt, or door. Sudden deceleration can cause organs to shift inside the body, tear, or collide with the rib cage or spine. Airbag deployment and seat belts save lives, but the force involved can still contribute to internal trauma, especially in high-speed or side-impact crashes.

Common Types of Internal Organ Damage

Car accidents can injure several vital organs, including:

• Abdominal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines, which are vulnerable to blunt force trauma.
• Chest organs, including the lungs and heart, which may suffer bruising, punctures, or internal bleeding.
• Brain injuries, such as internal bleeding or swelling, even without a direct head impact.
• Internal blood vessels, which can rupture and cause life-threatening hemorrhaging.

A ruptured spleen or liver is especially dangerous because it can lead to rapid internal bleeding that requires emergency surgery.

Symptoms to Watch For

Internal organ damage may not cause immediate pain. Warning signs can develop over hours or even days and may include:

• Abdominal pain or swelling.
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing.
• Dizziness, weakness, or fainting.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Pale or clammy skin.
• Unexplained bruising.
• Confusion or loss of consciousness.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors often use imaging tests such as CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs to identify internal injuries. Treatment depends on the severity of the damage and may include blood transfusions, surgery, or hospitalization. Some internal injuries require ongoing care and can lead to permanent complications.

Legal and Financial Considerations

Internal organ injuries often result in significant medical expenses, lost income, and long recovery periods. Because symptoms may be delayed, it is critical to seek medical care immediately after a crash and document all treatment. In injury claims, medical records linking the accident to the internal damage are key to pursuing compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

A car accident can cause a host of injuries, and internal injuries are no exception. Damage to the liver, spleen, and kidneys can occur, as well as internal bleeding and other serious issues.

These injuries can lead to medical bills, time off work, and other damages. Get the compensation you need from a Houston auto accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (281) 347-3247.

Source:

gaspineortho.com/internal-injuries-from-a-car-accident-signs/