Some of the worst injuries that victims suffer in automobile accidents are not always the most obvious ones. Internal injuries from a car accident pose a very real threat to the health of victims and can, in some cases, even prove fatal.
If you’ve been in any kind of accident, it’s critical that you seek medical attention. Once you’ve done so, it’s time to speak with an experienced Greenville, SC, car accident attorney. Our team at David R. Price, Jr., P.A., is ready to help.
Common Types of Internal Injuries
There are countless ways that the inside of the body can be damaged in a car accident. They are all less apparent than the wounds and bruised skin that drivers and passengers experience in moderate to severe collisions.
Below are some common internal injuries victims sustain in car crashes:
- Internal bleeding: When blood vessels inside the body are damaged, they can rupture. Internal bleeding after a car accident can be dangerous either because the bleeding cannot be stopped or because it forms a clot, which can block blood flow.
- Broken ribs: These can be painful injuries that take a great deal of time to heal. A broken rib can even puncture a lung, which puts the victim in dire need of medical attention.
- Collapsed lung: Puncturing of the lung can occur and cause a collapse. Air may then enter the chest cavity and cause a condition known as pneumothorax, which requires emergency attention.
- Brain bleeding: Head wounds, whether open or closed, can cause bleeding in the brain. This deprives other parts of the brain of the oxygen they need and can cause permanent damage.
- Spleen damage: If the spleen is injured, rupturing may occur and fill the abdominal cavity with blood. Although this is dangerous enough, it can also deprive this organ of its disease-fighting ability.
- Liver damage: The liver can be torn open in particularly bad crashes. Because the liver performs such vital functions for the body, it must be treated immediately to avoid potentially fatal complications.
- Kidney damage: An accident victim who suffers back injury may also have sustained damage to one or both kidneys. Besides the risk of internal bleeding, the victim may also require dialysis or a transplant.
The Risk of Complications From Delaying Treatment of Internal Injuries
It can take some time before internal injuries manifest themselves. By the time they do, your health could be in serious jeopardy. Internal injuries from car accidents should never be taken lightly. Even if you believe you’ve only experienced minor bumps and bruises from your wreck, let a doctor make the final call.
It’s also important that you don’t delay seeking medical attention. Waiting too long after the accident to see a doctor invites such complications as:
- Shock
- Organ failure
- Aneurysm
- Difficulty breathing
- Brain damage
- Coma
- Death
Delayed treatment can complicate your legal case as well. The longer an individual waits to see a doctor, the easier it is for the party that caused the accident to claim that your delay aggravated the injuries. Waiting too long can even allow the at-fault party to argue that some other intervening cause was responsible.
For your own health and your legal rights, see a doctor immediately after an accident. Follow all recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments as well.
Signs of Internal Bleeding After an Accident
Internal bleeding after a car accident is arguably one of the most dangerous consequences. It can result even from seemingly minor wrecks. You should be aware of these symptoms:
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Lightheadedness
- Chills
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Unusual thirst
- Abnormal skin tone
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Bruising
- Bloody vomit or urine
Potential Treatments for Car Accident Internal Injuries
Your doctor should perform a thorough examination that includes asking questions about what happened, your pain, and your symptoms. Testing will likely be necessary to determine how serious those symptoms are and whether you have other signs of internal injuries. X-rays may need to be conducted, along with CT scans or MRIs.
These steps are necessary to establish a treatment regimen that is tailored to your exact health needs. Your doctor may prescribe medication, order additional tests, refer you to a specialist, or take other actions to ensure your condition not only doesn’t worsen but is treated properly. Seeking prompt medical attention can uncover problems early enough to avoid or lessen the severity of the complications mentioned above. It might even save your life.
Available Compensation for Car Accident Victims
Some car accident victims are hesitant to see a doctor after being in a car accident. They worry about the costs of treatment for internal injuries or having to miss work due to being hospitalized. They sometimes miss subsequent medical appointments for the same reasons.
However, a dedicated car crash attorney can help you demand compensation from the at-fault party to cover the following:
- Medical bills for hospitalization, ongoing care, adaptive medical devices, prescription medication, and more
- Lost wages due to missing work for medical treatments
- Lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working your previous job
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
If the victim dies from his or her internal injuries, certain family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation can pay for medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of the companionship of the deceased victim, and more.
Our Attorneys Stand Up for Internal Injury Victims in Greenville, SC
Internal injuries are serious, and they demand serious representation. Let our car accident attorneys fight for you while you focus on recovering. To learn more about your legal options after being in a car wreck, connect with us at David R. Price, Jr., P.A. today.
