If you were recently involved in a car accident, you probably did a quick evaluation to check yourself for injuries. You may have patted yourself a couple of times, given your limbs a couple of shakes, or checked for bruising and pain. You were probably relieved if everything felt normal, but did you consider that your injuries could be internal? Internal injuries are common after car accidents but often go undiagnosed and untreated. To learn more about these ailments and how you can identify them, continue reading and consult with a skilled San Mateo County, California car accident lawyer today.
What is an Internal Injury?
An internal injury is damage to the body’s internal organs, blood vessels, or tissue. These types of injuries are generally caused by trauma like a car accident. Unlike external injuries that are visible and typically result in cuts, bruises, and noticeable fractures, internal injuries are often concealed and do not have immediate symptoms. This makes them more difficult to identify and diagnose.
Internal injuries are generally caused by one of three main types of physical trauma.
- Blunt trauma: This type of trauma is caused by blunt force to the body. In a car accident, parts of the body often collide with or hit other objects at high speeds and with significant force. This can occur when any part of the body slams into the dashboard, steering wheel, door, etc.
- Penetrating trauma: Penetrating trauma occurs when a part of the body is punctured by another object. When an object pierces the skin and enters the body it can cause deep cuts and significant damage internally.
- Decelerating trauma: Car accidents, especially ones that occur at high speeds, often result in this type of trauma. Decelerating trauma is caused when the body is in motion and comes to an abrupt stop, but some internal organs continue their trajectory forward.
Are Internal Injuries Common After Car Accidents?
Yes, internal injuries are fairly common in car accidents, especially if the collision is severe. However, even seemingly minor crashes can result in internal damage.
Some of the most common internal injuries that are often sustained in car accidents include:
- Broken or fractured ribs
- Punctured or collapsed lungs
- Abdominal aorta aneurysm
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Ruptured spleen
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Intestinal damage
- Heart damage
Ruptures, bruising, tearing, puncture wounds, and more commonly occur in the internal organs after a car accident and physical trauma. The above injuries can be severe and cause long-lasting damage or even death.
Getting medically examined after a car accident is crucial even if you are confident that you feel fine and did not sustain any injuries. Internal injuries are often hidden and may present symptoms days or even weeks later when significant damage has already been done.
After being involved in a car accident it is crucial that you are thoroughly examined by a medical professional and consult with an attorney to learn about your legal options for compensation. Reach out to a skilled lawyer at the Law Office of Allister R. Liao, P.C. today.
