Internal Injuries That Can Occur in Accidents

Thousands of people are injured in accidents every day. Some injuries are apparent right after the crash, but in many cases, the symptoms of an injury do not show up until later on. This is frequently the case with internal injuries.

Internal injuries are often not able to be detected by an external medical exam, but this does not mean they are not dangerous. In fact, some internal injuries can be severe and even life-threatening. This is why it is very important for individuals who are involved in accidents to get medical attention right away, even if they seem to be feeling okay.

Types of Internal Injuries that are Caused by Crashes

Crash injury victims typically suffer internal injuries because of the sudden and traumatic jolt to the body that happens after a crash. These injuries are more common in high-impact collisions, but they can definitely happen in low impact crashes as well. There are a number of different types of internal injuries that someone can suffer after an accident:

• Broken Ribs: A vehicle collision can result in fractures to the ribs. A broken rib that goes untreated for a while can be especially dangerous, because it can lead to other problems inside the body, such as ruptured blood vessels or a pierced or collapsed lung.
• Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax): As we mentioned in the previous point, a frequent complication from broken ribs is a collapsed lung/ This occurs when the lung is pierced and deflated by the fractured rib, causing air to escape and fill the chest cavity. This condition is especially difficult to detect because it often does not cause any pain or difficulty breathing.
• Organ Damage: The impact of a crash can cause damage to various internal organs, such as the kidneys and liver. This can result in internal bleeding that may cause the organ to shut down completely.
• Internal Bleeding: Accidents can cause ruptured blood vessels within the body, which prevents the blood from clotting and being able to repair itself. This results in internal bleeding. Some signs and symptoms of internal bleeding include lightheadedness, fatigue, thirst, pale complexion, feeling cold, and abdominal pain.
• Ruptured Spleen: A ruptured spleen is commonly associated with severe internal bleeding. In most cases, this condition will require surgery to remove the damaged spleen.
• Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm: This is a severe and typically fatal internal injury that is commonly seen in accidents and is caused by a compressed stomach.

Symptoms of Internal Injuries after an Accident

Diagnosing an internal injury will usually require an x-ray, MRI, CT scan, or angiography in order to examine the patient’s tissues, bones, and blood vessels. There are also some symptoms to be on the lookout for after being involved in an accident that may indicate that someone has this type of injury:

• Pain: Pay attention to signs of internal pain, particularly in the chest or abdomen. Tenderness in the chest could be a sign of fractured ribs, and as we talked about earlier, abdominal pain could be a sign of internal bleeding. Even if this pain is minor at first, it can still be a sign of a serious injury, in which case the pain will likely worsen as time goes on.
• Bruising: Bruises of course can happen because of external injuries, but they can also be an indication of internal bleeding. In particular, watch for dark purple bruises as these may be signs of bleeding into your soft tissues and skin.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea, dizziness, and vomiting after an injury are possible signs of blood loss due to internal bleeding. If there is blood in the vomit, that is a sign that something is seriously wrong.
• Signs of Shock: Injury victims that lose a lot of blood in a short period of time often go into a state of shock. Some signs and symptoms of shock include accelerated heart rate, lightheadedness, weakness, and fatigue.

Injured in an Accident in Alabama? Contact M. Adam Jones and Associates Today

If you have been injured because of someone else’s fault, get medical attention right away, then get in touch with an experienced vehicle accident lawyer. Contact M. Adam Jones & Associates for a free consultation and case assessment. We will meet with you to review your case and inform you of your legal rights and options. Call us or message us online today.

Adam Jones,

Managing Partner

Adam Jones & Associates, LLC

206 N. Lena St.

Dothan, AL 36303

Tel: 334-699-5599

Fax: 334-699-5588